FEATURE SPRINGS & SHOCK ABSORBERS VIBRATION ISOLATION
In high precision manufacturing, even a relatively small amount of vibration can disrupt the working of sensitive equipment. Adam Fox, director of
vibration isolation specialist Mason UK, explains the benefits of inertia bases
I
nertia bases are primarily used to support mechanical equipment. They are generally steel frames which are filled with concrete and
supported by spring mounts to provide a large stable mass on resilient elements with a low natural frequency for a high level of isolation. Depending on the application, different types of bases are used. For example, larger ones might be used for pumps, while smaller bespoke bases might be installed for sensitive scientific equipment. Surrey-based Mason UK provides specialist isolation products for a wide range of applications, including mechanical and electrical systems, and HVAC isolation.
DEVELOPING THE SOLUTION When it comes to vibration isolation, however, it’s not simply a case of picking a product off the shelf. In many instances, the product needs to be specifically designed for the unique demands of that project. Expert engineers may in fact be needed to assist with installation and onsite support. This is especially the case in precision
manufacturing, or in applications involving the use of sensitive equipment such as blue-chip production, scientific laboratories or medical facilities. In these situations, a good level of vibration isolation is not enough. You often need above 98% isolation efficiency from the disturbing to make sure sensitive equipment performs as it is designed to do.
Right: Generator on an inertia base with
restrained spring mounts
In another instance, we worked on a project
where we needed to isolate sensitive ultrasonic equipment being used in pioneering cancer research. This equipment operated at very high levels of precision, but vibration caused by nearby construction work was seriously impeding its use. For this application, we had to design and
install a steel base support by Mason MT Air Springs. Again, this was a bespoke design to fit the legs of the equipment precisely, as well as fitting within the existing raised access floor.
Two pumps situated on a concrete inertia base, plus SLFH spring mounts
In one application we worked on, for example,
we had to isolate a vertical boring machine to prevent its operation from interfering with precision manufacturing facilities that were located nearby. We designed the bases, which were supported by Mason SLF spring isolators, and handled the installation. On this occasion, we also provided rubber dampers under the slab as part of a bespoke solution.
BESPOKE BASES Inertia bases are especially effective at isolating disturbances caused by pumps and to isolate sensitive manufacturing equipment from external vibration sources. However, it is important that they are partnered with the right acoustic isolation products and, in many cases – as we have seen – you need a solution that is bespoke. A good acoustic consultant can advise you on this, so make sure you get them involved in your project at the earliest possible stage.
Mason UK
www.mason-uk.co.uk
ACOUSTIC PIPE SUPPORTS ISOLATE NOISE AND VIBRATIONS FROM DUCTS
InfiniSpring has designed acoustic pipe supports for isolating noise and vibrations from ducts to the surroundings. InfiniSpring-springs are a simple solution
for supporting pipes and ducts flexibly using highly standardised SFS5377 pipe support components. For example, diesel generators can be installed in locations where the exhaust pipes must be isolated to fulfil environmental noise regulations. InfiniSpring-springs are a simple solution to meeting these regulations. One typical pipe support product is the
SFS 5377 Pipe Slide, which can be installed as a fixed support or sliding support. However, as exhaust gases are hot, thermal expansion needs to be considered in the design. To avoid high structural
42 DESIGN SOLUTIONS APRIL 2025
stress in the piping, sliding supports are used. For the SFS 5377 Pipe Slide, the L-profiles (L100x50x8) on the bottom side allow the pipe support to slide inside grooves. If fixed support is needed, these supports can be welded and fixed from the L-profiles and they then function as fixed supports. The InfiniSpring Pipe Slide utilises
standardised parts from SFS 5377, except the vertical U-profiles (U50) have been replaced with weldable InfiniSpring-springs. With these, the pipe support allows resilient pipe installation and isolates structure borne noise passing from the pipes to the surroundings.
InfiniSpring
https://infinispring.com/
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