Building Services (HVAC) Vibration Isolation

Mason Ireland has extensive expertise in isolating building services (HVAC) and equipment to reduce vibration transmission. We can assist in the design of plant isolation systems, starting from the source of vibration and extending through associated services and structural connections. Often, various piping and ductwork services require the same level of isolation from the source, and the need may extend throughout the building.

Several factors need consideration:

• Project requirements: Is there a mechanical or acoustic specification?
• Is the source of vibration, such as a booster pump, on anti-vibration mounts? Flexible connectors should be considered to prevent pipe failure and allow movement.
• Temperature change: Are the pipes likely to expand and contract with varying temperatures? Expansion compensators and/or pipe guides may be required to allow for this movement.
• Is adjoining pipework fixed to the floor, walls, or ceiling? A combination of isolation hangers and floor-mounted isolators (spring and rubber) will uphold the vibration isolation at the source and allow a small amount of movement and expansion.

Mason Ireland can assist with the design, selection, and specification of isolators, taking the above points into account. We can also provide calculations, installation drawings, and site support. Please see the SKID image below of a complex pipe isolation system designed and produced in BIM format by our engineers for a prestigious project.

SKID of a complex pipe isolation system designed and produced by our engineers in BIM format.

We can supply the following:

• 3D drawings for BIM compliance.
• Flexible connectors for thermal expansion and movement allowances.
• An array of connectors to suit a wide range of chemical, temperature, and pressure requirements.
• Vee connectors for seismic and large deflection applications.
• Bespoke designs to meet specific requirements.
• Control rods and cables for tied requirements.
• Pipe isolation systems incorporating anti-vibration hangers, mounts, and more.
• Piping guides to allow movement for horizontal and riser systems.
• Expansion compensators to allow for temperature variation.

The above list outlines ways in which we can help with your project, but it is not exhaustive. If you have any building services (HVAC) vibration isolation requirements, please contact our experienced team of engineers.

If both the deflection of the structure and nature of the equipment is known, the following specification documents can help when generating a vibration isolation specification for HVAC applications. Our engineers are on hand to assist and give advice as necessary.