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What products does GLAUNACH GMBH offer?GLAUNACH manufactures customized vent silencers (blow-off silencers), dump tubes, and micro diffusers for highly compressed process gases and steam. All products are engineered to meet specific customer requirements and comply with international pressure equipment standards. Please note that Glaunach does not produce mufflers for combustion gases.
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What experience does Glaunach have in the field of industrial noise reduction?With over 75 years of experience and 10,000 successfully completed projects worldwide, Glaunach has established itself as a global market leader in the field of high-performance blow-off silencers. We proudly deliver our products to customers across Europe, North America (USA & Canada), Australia & New Zealand, Latin America, Africa, and many parts of Asia. Glaunach products meet all major international codes and certifications for pressure equipment, including: PED (European Pressure Equipment Directive) ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, USA) CRN (Canadian Registration Number) JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) AS/NZS 1200 (Australia & New Zealand) and more. Vent silencers, also referred to as industrial gas diffusers, noise suppressors, or blow-off silencers, are crucial for controlling high-pressure gas noise during discharge events. They use a combination of flow control and sound absorption to reduce harmful noise levels, protecting both personnel and the environment. Vent silencers are used in many industrial settings involving pressurized gas discharge. Typical applications include: Steam Systems (power plants, boilers) Compressed Air (pneumatics, compressors, relief valves) Natural Gas / Methane (pipelines, refineries) Oxygen (gas production, medical systems) Nitrogen (chemical processes, inerting) Hydrogen (fuel cells, energy storage) Other Inert Gases (Argon, Helium, CO₂ — for labs, food processing) Glaunach also specializes in custom-engineered Dump Tubes for ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) systems used in waste heat recovery, renewable power generation, and industrial energy optimization. These discharge pipes — also called blow-off tubes or pressure relief exhaust tubes — are critical for safely releasing high-pressure working fluids (such as R245fa or other organic fluids) in the event of system overpressure or emergency shutdown. We provide high-quality Dump Tubes to ORC installations worldwide, delivering: Precise engineering for each system’s specifications High-pressure capability and corrosion resistance Compliance with global standards (PED, ASME, etc.) Whether your ORC system is in Europe, North or South America, Asia, or Australia, Glaunach ensures safe and reliable dump tube solutions. Glaunach delivers reliable, certified, and noise-optimized solutions — from vent silencers for high-pressure gas to Dump Tubes for ORC systems and energy plants. Custom designs Global delivery Fast support and engineering expertise
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What information does Glaunach require to design and size a silencer?To properly design and calculate a silencer, we require the following information: Medium – e.g. steam, compressed air, natural gas, hydrogen, etc. Note: We do not supply silencers for combustion gases or liquids. Operating pressure at the silencer inlet – in barg or bara / psia or psig – optionally also minimum and maximum operating pressures Medium temperature – in °C / °F Mass flow or volume flow – including specification of physical conditions (standard or operating conditions) Outlet conditions – e.g. downstream pressure or ambient pressure Acoustic requirements – desired noise reduction in dB(A) or permissible residual sound level – for sound pressure level, please specify the distance – optionally, frequency range or key measurement points Installation and mounting conditions – vertical or horizontal – space limitations, flange sizes, installation position Material specifications and standards – e.g. stainless steel, Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), ATEX, customer standards The more complete your information, the more accurately and efficiently we can tailor the silencer to your specific application.
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What is the difference between Sound Power Level and Sound Pressure Level?Acoustic energy is commonly characterised by two different, often confused terms: Sound Power Level and Sound Pressure Level. The two parameters share the dimension unit Decibel (dB) and the term Sound Level. To comprehend how to specify, measure and reduce sound, it is important to understand the difference between these properties, which must not be interchanged Sound Power Level (Lw, SWL) Unit: decibel (dB) Reference value: 10⁻¹² watts (W) The sound power level describes the total acoustic energy emitted by a sound source in all directions. It is an absolute value – it does not depend on distance or the environment. No distance is needed to define or measure sound power level. 💡 Analogy – A light bulb: Think of it like the wattage of a light bulb – it tells you how much light energy the bulb emits in total, regardless of where you are in the room. Sound Pressure Level (Lp, SPL) Unit: decibel (dB) Reference value: 20 micropascals (µPa) The sound pressure level indicates how loud it is at a specific location – this is what microphones and our ears detect. It is affected by: - the distance from the sound source - the environment (walls, reflections, open space, etc.) You always need a distance to define or compare sound pressure levels meaningfully. 💡 Analogy – A light bulb: This is like the brightness you see at your position. The further you are from the bulb, or if something blocks the light, the dimmer it appears – even though the bulb’s power hasn’t changed. For more information on this topic, you can also use our online acoustic calculation tools.
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What is the difference between dB, dB(A), dB(C), and dB(lin)?dB is a general unit of measurement for sound levels (decibels). It can be used with or without frequency weighting – for example, dB(A), dB(C), or simply dB without further specification. If only “dB” is written, it is not always clear whether it is meant as linear or weighted.. dB(A) is filtered according to how the human ear perceives sound at normal listening levels: → Low and very high frequencies are reduced, since we hear them less clearly. → This is the most commonly used weighting, especially for workplace, environmental, and residential noise measurements. dB(C) is also filtered, but designed for very loud sounds: → Low and high frequencies are less reduced than in dB(A). → More suitable for capturing the actual energy of loud or bass-heavy sounds such as explosions or industrial noise. dB(lin) (linear) means no frequency weighting at all – all frequencies are treated equally. → This provides a full-spectrum, technical measurement of sound pressure. Summary: In practice, we mostly use dB(A), as this weighting method realistically reflects perceived sound levels. Especially when assessing noise with regard to neighbors or employees, dB(A) is the most suitable and widely used unit.
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How is the undamped sound pressure level of a control or safety valve determined?The undamped sound pressure level of a control or safety valve is typically determined using standardized calculation methods or international guidelines such as IEC 60534-8-3 or API 521 . The calculation takes into account several key parameters, including: Valve type and size Upstream and downstream pressure Flow rate and process medium (gas, steam) Medium temperature Pressure ratio (inlet/outlet pressure) Flow velocity and possible critical (choked) flow The valve manufacturer is usually the first point of contact for accurate sound level calculations, as they have detailed internal data and software specific to their products. However, Glaunach can also perform sound level calculations as precisely as possible based on the technical data provided. For a very rough initial estimate, our online calculation tool can also be used as a convenient starting point.
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Can a Cv or Kv value be specified for a silencer?In principle, a Cv or Kv value can be specified for a Glaunach Silencer, but it serves only as a rough reference. Silencers are not designed for flow regulation; instead, they are selected according to the valve manufacturer’s specifications or the design value of an orifice plate. The silencer’s Cv/Kv must not restrict the required system flow and is therefore not an independent design parameter. For diffuser-silencers, the design is not comparable to that of valves or orifice plates. Since silencers are intended to pass a defined flow with minimal loss, specifying a Cv/Kv value is usually not meaningful in practical applications.
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What is the advantage of a higher inlet pressure in the silencer?A higher allowable inlet pressure offers several advantages: At a given mass flow rate, the volumetric flow rate of the medium decreases due to higher density, which in turn reduces flow velocity. This results in lower aerodynamic noise and may allow for smaller pipe diameters upstream of the silencer. Additionally, part of the overall pressure drop can be shifted from the control valve to the silencer, where it can be managed in a way that optimizes acoustic performance. Each Glaunach Diffuser is designed for a specified operating pressure during normal operation and a defined maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP or PS) for upset or fault conditions. This pressure is present directly at the silencer inlet and is referred to as inlet pressure or back pressure. ⚠️ Warning: An increase in operating pressure significantly affects both the flow characteristics and the acoustic performance of the silencer. The most notable effects include: Higher noise potential: Increased inlet pressure corresponds to higher energy content in the medium, which can lead to more intense discharge noise and greater sound emissions. Increased pressure drop: While higher pressure increases gas density and can reduce flow velocity, it may also allow for higher mass flow rates, potentially leading to increased pressure loss across the silencer if not properly designed. Greater mechanical stress: Higher pressure subjects the silencer housing and internal components to greater mechanical loads. It is therefore essential that the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP/PS) is never exceeded. For these reasons, the silencer must always be selected and designed based on the highest expected inlet pressure to ensure safe, reliable, and acoustically effective operation. We are happy to assist you in selecting the optimal operating pressure.
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What is the maximum allowable liquid content in the gas or steam when using Glaunach silencers?A gas can become two-phase (liquid and vapor) due to pressure drops, temperature fluctuations, or insufficient upstream separation. As a general rule, we assume that the medium is free of liquid components. In practice, however, a liquid content of up to 10% by mass is typically tolerated without causing operational issues. Please note that we do not accept any liability for damage resulting from the presence of liquids. It is the responsibility of the system operator to ensure that the medium is free of liquid water—this can be achieved, for example, by installing suitable moisture separators.
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What influence does the mass flow have on the backpressure in the silencer inlet?Mass flow has a significant impact on the backpressure that develops within the silencer. As the mass flow increases, so do flow velocity and associated pressure losses due to friction, turbulence, and redirection within the silencer. Note: In subcritical flow (v ≪ Mach 1), the mass flow rate varies approximately linearly with back pressure, since the flow is not constrained by sonic conditions.
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What is the maximum allowable flow velocity at the silencer inlet?Flow velocity significantly affects both pressure losses and noise generation. It must therefore be calculated specifically for each medium. As a rule of thumb, the flow velocity at the silencer inlet should not exceed 0.2 Mach—that is, 20% of the speed of sound in the respective medium.
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What should be considered when using manifolds or silencers with multiple inlets, especially in applications involving control and safety valves?When using silencers with multiple inlets, it is important to ensure that unwanted backflow between connected lines is avoided. For example, if a control valve opens while a safety valve remains closed, steam or gas can flow backward through the common discharge system toward the safety valve. This may lead to issues such as apparent leakage or corrosion, even though the valve itself has not activated. Glaunach can implement specific design measures to significantly reduce the risk of backflow. However, with multi-inlet silencers, backflow cannot always be completely prevented due to the nature of the design. For critical applications where any backflow must be avoided, we recommend: using separate silencers for each source (e.g. one for the control valve and one for the safety valve), or installing check valves in the inlet lines to block reverse flow. We are happy to support you in selecting the most suitable solution for your system.
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What should be considered when draining rainwater and condensate from a silencer?Each Glaunach silencer is equipped with a drainage outlet at the bottom of the silencer shell. This allows for the controlled discharge of rainwater and condensate. The dewatering pipe can either remain open - allowing water to drain freely over the roof - or be connected to a suitable drainage system, such as a steam condensate line. ⚠️Caution: The discharged condensate may be hot. In such cases, it is recommended to either connect the outlet to a proper drainage system or place a drip plate or collection cup beneath the outlet to prevent long-term damage to the roof structure. Never route the drain line into the blow-off line. This significantly reduces noise attenuation and can cause severe damage to the silencer. In cold environments, special attention must be given to the risk of freezing. If the drainage pipe freezes, water buildup can occur inside the silencer, potentially leading to severe damage. Adequate insulation or heat tracing may be required to prevent this.
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What is the ideal location for installing silencers?When installing a vent silencer, the following basic guidelines should be followed: To achieve optimal noise reduction and ensure long-term operational safety, vent silencers should be installed at a high location, well away from regularly occupied work areas. Avoid placing the silencer close to façades to minimize sound reflections and prevent potential structural damage. Note: Vented hot steam in particular can cause serious damage to nearby structures. Reflected sound waves from walls can also increase sound pressure levels by up to 10 dB. If the specific installation conditions require placement near a wall, it is strongly recommended to use a properly aligned goose neck accessory to direct the exhaust flow away from nearby surfaces. A rooftop is typically an excellent location for installing vent silencers.
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What should be considered when designing the piping for a vent silencer?To ensure effective noise reduction and safe operation, the following aspects should be considered when designing the blow-off piping: The blow-off pipe leading to the silencer should be designed to keep the gas velocity below Mach 0.2 in order to minimize flow noise. The pipe should be as straight as possible and maintain a consistent diameter to avoid noise caused by turbulent flow conditions. If this ideal setup cannot be fully achieved, all exposed sections of the piping must be acoustically insulated. Otherwise, noise radiated from the piping or valves may exceed the residual noise from the silencer and significantly reduce its overall effectiveness. In general, higher pressures upstream of the silencer are advantageous, as they reduce the volumetric flow rate and allow for a more compact and cost-efficient silencer design. Rule of Thumb: Higher inlet pressure = smaller pipe diameter = smaller and more economical silencer
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What should be considered during the initial commissioning of a Glaunach silencer?Several preparatory steps are required before the initial commissioning of a silencer to ensure safe and trouble-free operation: 1. Preparation of the blow-off line Before installing the silencer, the blow-off line must be thoroughly cleaned and blown through for the first time without the silencer installed. Otherwise, contaminants (e.g. rust particles, installation debris, etc.) from the pressurized system could clog or damage the silencer. 2. Removal of transport safety devices Before the first blow-off operation, all protective covers and transport brackets on the silencer must be completely removed. 3. Commissioning of "Sliding Diffuser" silencers Sliding diffuser silencers are delivered with three bolts securing them in their transport position. These bolts must be removed after installation to enable the diffuser to operate correctly. After the first blow-off, the stuffing box should be checked and, if necessary, retightened to ensure long-term sealing. 4. Personnel training and qualification All personnel responsible for commissioning must have fully read and understood the corresponding operating manual and all relevant safety instructions. If these documents have not already been provided, they are available online. Additionally, it must be ensured that the personnel involved are appropriately trained and qualified to perform the installation, commissioning, and inspection of the silencer.
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How can GLAUNACH Vent Silencers be installed?Glaunach silencers are often designed to be so lightweight and compact that, in many cases, they can be supported directly by the blow-off pipe without the need for additional mounting structures. For other installation scenarios, Glaunach offers a wide range of mounting options to ensure flexible and secure installation. Depending on the structural and technical requirements, the following installation types are commonly used: 1. Roof-Independent Installation The silencer is mounted to the blow-off pipe, which is structurally supported independently of the roof. This setup places no load on the roof structure, and the only roof modification required is the installation of a suitable roof seal. Thermal expansion of the pipe is accommodated by allowing relative movement of the silencer to the roof—ideally with a sliding seal. 2. In-Roof Installation In this setup, the blow-off pipe is fixed to the underside of the roof structure (e.g., steel beams), with only the top section of the silencer extending above the roof. This design minimizes wind loads and reduces the impact of thermal expansion at the roof penetration point. 3. On-Roof Installation The silencer is mounted directly on the roof using support brackets. This method is especially suitable for larger silencers, particularly when installed on a construction scaffold or structural platform above the roof level. 4. Inline Installation In this configuration, the silencer is integrated directly into the piping system and becomes a part of the pipeline itself. This method is commonly used in closed-loop systems or in situations where there is no space available on the roof for an external silencer. Note: The optimal installation method depends on the specific operating conditions and site constraints. Glaunach is happy to provide tailored recommendations for your particular application.
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Is GLAUNACH ISO 9001 certified?Yes, Glaunach GmbH is ISO 9001 certified. The company has operated a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001 since 1993, when it was first certified by Lloyd’s Register. This system has been continuously monitored and re-certified annually ever since.
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Is a GLAUNACH Vent Silencer a pressure vessel?Yes and no. The silencer includes a pressure-bearing diffuser that can maintain a certain pressure at the inlet during operation. This pressure not only enables effective noise reduction through physical principles, but also helps minimize the diameter of the upstream piping and the silencer itself. However, the downstream silencer housing is typically not pressurized, as it is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, a vent silencer is partially considered a pressure vessel and is certified in accordance with applicable regulations.
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What products does GLAUNACH GMBH offer?GLAUNACH manufactures customized vent silencers (blow-off silencers), dump tubes, and micro diffusers for highly compressed process gases and steam. All products are engineered to meet specific customer requirements and comply with international pressure equipment standards. Please note that Glaunach does not produce mufflers for combustion gases.
-
What experience does Glaunach have in the field of industrial noise reduction?With over 75 years of experience and 10,000 successfully completed projects worldwide, Glaunach has established itself as a global market leader in the field of high-performance blow-off silencers. We proudly deliver our products to customers across Europe, North America (USA & Canada), Australia & New Zealand, Latin America, Africa, and many parts of Asia. Glaunach products meet all major international codes and certifications for pressure equipment, including: PED (European Pressure Equipment Directive) ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, USA) CRN (Canadian Registration Number) JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) AS/NZS 1200 (Australia & New Zealand) and more. Vent silencers, also referred to as industrial gas diffusers, noise suppressors, or blow-off silencers, are crucial for controlling high-pressure gas noise during discharge events. They use a combination of flow control and sound absorption to reduce harmful noise levels, protecting both personnel and the environment. Vent silencers are used in many industrial settings involving pressurized gas discharge. Typical applications include: Steam Systems (power plants, boilers) Compressed Air (pneumatics, compressors, relief valves) Natural Gas / Methane (pipelines, refineries) Oxygen (gas production, medical systems) Nitrogen (chemical processes, inerting) Hydrogen (fuel cells, energy storage) Other Inert Gases (Argon, Helium, CO₂ — for labs, food processing) Glaunach also specializes in custom-engineered Dump Tubes for ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) systems used in waste heat recovery, renewable power generation, and industrial energy optimization. These discharge pipes — also called blow-off tubes or pressure relief exhaust tubes — are critical for safely releasing high-pressure working fluids (such as R245fa or other organic fluids) in the event of system overpressure or emergency shutdown. We provide high-quality Dump Tubes to ORC installations worldwide, delivering: Precise engineering for each system’s specifications High-pressure capability and corrosion resistance Compliance with global standards (PED, ASME, etc.) Whether your ORC system is in Europe, North or South America, Asia, or Australia, Glaunach ensures safe and reliable dump tube solutions. Glaunach delivers reliable, certified, and noise-optimized solutions — from vent silencers for high-pressure gas to Dump Tubes for ORC systems and energy plants. Custom designs Global delivery Fast support and engineering expertise
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What information does Glaunach require to design and size a silencer?To properly design and calculate a silencer, we require the following information: Medium – e.g. steam, compressed air, natural gas, hydrogen, etc. Note: We do not supply silencers for combustion gases or liquids. Operating pressure at the silencer inlet – in barg or bara / psia or psig – optionally also minimum and maximum operating pressures Medium temperature – in °C / °F Mass flow or volume flow – including specification of physical conditions (standard or operating conditions) Outlet conditions – e.g. downstream pressure or ambient pressure Acoustic requirements – desired noise reduction in dB(A) or permissible residual sound level – for sound pressure level, please specify the distance – optionally, frequency range or key measurement points Installation and mounting conditions – vertical or horizontal – space limitations, flange sizes, installation position Material specifications and standards – e.g. stainless steel, Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), ATEX, customer standards The more complete your information, the more accurately and efficiently we can tailor the silencer to your specific application.
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What is the difference between Sound Power Level and Sound Pressure Level?Acoustic energy is commonly characterised by two different, often confused terms: Sound Power Level and Sound Pressure Level. The two parameters share the dimension unit Decibel (dB) and the term Sound Level. To comprehend how to specify, measure and reduce sound, it is important to understand the difference between these properties, which must not be interchanged Sound Power Level (Lw, SWL) Unit: decibel (dB) Reference value: 10⁻¹² watts (W) The sound power level describes the total acoustic energy emitted by a sound source in all directions. It is an absolute value – it does not depend on distance or the environment. No distance is needed to define or measure sound power level. 💡 Analogy – A light bulb: Think of it like the wattage of a light bulb – it tells you how much light energy the bulb emits in total, regardless of where you are in the room. Sound Pressure Level (Lp, SPL) Unit: decibel (dB) Reference value: 20 micropascals (µPa) The sound pressure level indicates how loud it is at a specific location – this is what microphones and our ears detect. It is affected by: - the distance from the sound source - the environment (walls, reflections, open space, etc.) You always need a distance to define or compare sound pressure levels meaningfully. 💡 Analogy – A light bulb: This is like the brightness you see at your position. The further you are from the bulb, or if something blocks the light, the dimmer it appears – even though the bulb’s power hasn’t changed. For more information on this topic, you can also use our online acoustic calculation tools.
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What is the difference between dB, dB(A), dB(C), and dB(lin)?dB is a general unit of measurement for sound levels (decibels). It can be used with or without frequency weighting – for example, dB(A), dB(C), or simply dB without further specification. If only “dB” is written, it is not always clear whether it is meant as linear or weighted.. dB(A) is filtered according to how the human ear perceives sound at normal listening levels: → Low and very high frequencies are reduced, since we hear them less clearly. → This is the most commonly used weighting, especially for workplace, environmental, and residential noise measurements. dB(C) is also filtered, but designed for very loud sounds: → Low and high frequencies are less reduced than in dB(A). → More suitable for capturing the actual energy of loud or bass-heavy sounds such as explosions or industrial noise. dB(lin) (linear) means no frequency weighting at all – all frequencies are treated equally. → This provides a full-spectrum, technical measurement of sound pressure. Summary: In practice, we mostly use dB(A), as this weighting method realistically reflects perceived sound levels. Especially when assessing noise with regard to neighbors or employees, dB(A) is the most suitable and widely used unit.
-
How is the undamped sound pressure level of a control or safety valve determined?The undamped sound pressure level of a control or safety valve is typically determined using standardized calculation methods or international guidelines such as IEC 60534-8-3 or API 521 . The calculation takes into account several key parameters, including: Valve type and size Upstream and downstream pressure Flow rate and process medium (gas, steam) Medium temperature Pressure ratio (inlet/outlet pressure) Flow velocity and possible critical (choked) flow The valve manufacturer is usually the first point of contact for accurate sound level calculations, as they have detailed internal data and software specific to their products. However, Glaunach can also perform sound level calculations as precisely as possible based on the technical data provided. For a very rough initial estimate, our online calculation tool can also be used as a convenient starting point.
-
Can a Cv or Kv value be specified for a silencer?In principle, a Cv or Kv value can be specified for a Glaunach Silencer, but it serves only as a rough reference. Silencers are not designed for flow regulation; instead, they are selected according to the valve manufacturer’s specifications or the design value of an orifice plate. The silencer’s Cv/Kv must not restrict the required system flow and is therefore not an independent design parameter. For diffuser-silencers, the design is not comparable to that of valves or orifice plates. Since silencers are intended to pass a defined flow with minimal loss, specifying a Cv/Kv value is usually not meaningful in practical applications.
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What is the advantage of a higher inlet pressure in the silencer?A higher allowable inlet pressure offers several advantages: At a given mass flow rate, the volumetric flow rate of the medium decreases due to higher density, which in turn reduces flow velocity. This results in lower aerodynamic noise and may allow for smaller pipe diameters upstream of the silencer. Additionally, part of the overall pressure drop can be shifted from the control valve to the silencer, where it can be managed in a way that optimizes acoustic performance. Each Glaunach Diffuser is designed for a specified operating pressure during normal operation and a defined maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP or PS) for upset or fault conditions. This pressure is present directly at the silencer inlet and is referred to as inlet pressure or back pressure. ⚠️ Warning: An increase in operating pressure significantly affects both the flow characteristics and the acoustic performance of the silencer. The most notable effects include: Higher noise potential: Increased inlet pressure corresponds to higher energy content in the medium, which can lead to more intense discharge noise and greater sound emissions. Increased pressure drop: While higher pressure increases gas density and can reduce flow velocity, it may also allow for higher mass flow rates, potentially leading to increased pressure loss across the silencer if not properly designed. Greater mechanical stress: Higher pressure subjects the silencer housing and internal components to greater mechanical loads. It is therefore essential that the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP/PS) is never exceeded. For these reasons, the silencer must always be selected and designed based on the highest expected inlet pressure to ensure safe, reliable, and acoustically effective operation. We are happy to assist you in selecting the optimal operating pressure.
-
What is the maximum allowable liquid content in the gas or steam when using Glaunach silencers?A gas can become two-phase (liquid and vapor) due to pressure drops, temperature fluctuations, or insufficient upstream separation. As a general rule, we assume that the medium is free of liquid components. In practice, however, a liquid content of up to 10% by mass is typically tolerated without causing operational issues. Please note that we do not accept any liability for damage resulting from the presence of liquids. It is the responsibility of the system operator to ensure that the medium is free of liquid water—this can be achieved, for example, by installing suitable moisture separators.
-
What influence does the mass flow have on the backpressure in the silencer inlet?Mass flow has a significant impact on the backpressure that develops within the silencer. As the mass flow increases, so do flow velocity and associated pressure losses due to friction, turbulence, and redirection within the silencer. Note: In subcritical flow (v ≪ Mach 1), the mass flow rate varies approximately linearly with back pressure, since the flow is not constrained by sonic conditions.
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What is the maximum allowable flow velocity at the silencer inlet?Flow velocity significantly affects both pressure losses and noise generation. It must therefore be calculated specifically for each medium. As a rule of thumb, the flow velocity at the silencer inlet should not exceed 0.2 Mach—that is, 20% of the speed of sound in the respective medium.
-
What should be considered when using manifolds or silencers with multiple inlets, especially in applications involving control and safety valves?When using silencers with multiple inlets, it is important to ensure that unwanted backflow between connected lines is avoided. For example, if a control valve opens while a safety valve remains closed, steam or gas can flow backward through the common discharge system toward the safety valve. This may lead to issues such as apparent leakage or corrosion, even though the valve itself has not activated. Glaunach can implement specific design measures to significantly reduce the risk of backflow. However, with multi-inlet silencers, backflow cannot always be completely prevented due to the nature of the design. For critical applications where any backflow must be avoided, we recommend: using separate silencers for each source (e.g. one for the control valve and one for the safety valve), or installing check valves in the inlet lines to block reverse flow. We are happy to support you in selecting the most suitable solution for your system.
-
What should be considered when draining rainwater and condensate from a silencer?Each Glaunach silencer is equipped with a drainage outlet at the bottom of the silencer shell. This allows for the controlled discharge of rainwater and condensate. The dewatering pipe can either remain open - allowing water to drain freely over the roof - or be connected to a suitable drainage system, such as a steam condensate line. ⚠️Caution: The discharged condensate may be hot. In such cases, it is recommended to either connect the outlet to a proper drainage system or place a drip plate or collection cup beneath the outlet to prevent long-term damage to the roof structure. Never route the drain line into the blow-off line. This significantly reduces noise attenuation and can cause severe damage to the silencer. In cold environments, special attention must be given to the risk of freezing. If the drainage pipe freezes, water buildup can occur inside the silencer, potentially leading to severe damage. Adequate insulation or heat tracing may be required to prevent this.
-
What is the ideal location for installing silencers?When installing a vent silencer, the following basic guidelines should be followed: To achieve optimal noise reduction and ensure long-term operational safety, vent silencers should be installed at a high location, well away from regularly occupied work areas. Avoid placing the silencer close to façades to minimize sound reflections and prevent potential structural damage. Note: Vented hot steam in particular can cause serious damage to nearby structures. Reflected sound waves from walls can also increase sound pressure levels by up to 10 dB. If the specific installation conditions require placement near a wall, it is strongly recommended to use a properly aligned goose neck accessory to direct the exhaust flow away from nearby surfaces. A rooftop is typically an excellent location for installing vent silencers.
-
What should be considered when designing the piping for a vent silencer?To ensure effective noise reduction and safe operation, the following aspects should be considered when designing the blow-off piping: The blow-off pipe leading to the silencer should be designed to keep the gas velocity below Mach 0.2 in order to minimize flow noise. The pipe should be as straight as possible and maintain a consistent diameter to avoid noise caused by turbulent flow conditions. If this ideal setup cannot be fully achieved, all exposed sections of the piping must be acoustically insulated. Otherwise, noise radiated from the piping or valves may exceed the residual noise from the silencer and significantly reduce its overall effectiveness. In general, higher pressures upstream of the silencer are advantageous, as they reduce the volumetric flow rate and allow for a more compact and cost-efficient silencer design. Rule of Thumb: Higher inlet pressure = smaller pipe diameter = smaller and more economical silencer
-
What should be considered during the initial commissioning of a Glaunach silencer?Several preparatory steps are required before the initial commissioning of a silencer to ensure safe and trouble-free operation: 1. Preparation of the blow-off line Before installing the silencer, the blow-off line must be thoroughly cleaned and blown through for the first time without the silencer installed. Otherwise, contaminants (e.g. rust particles, installation debris, etc.) from the pressurized system could clog or damage the silencer. 2. Removal of transport safety devices Before the first blow-off operation, all protective covers and transport brackets on the silencer must be completely removed. 3. Commissioning of "Sliding Diffuser" silencers Sliding diffuser silencers are delivered with three bolts securing them in their transport position. These bolts must be removed after installation to enable the diffuser to operate correctly. After the first blow-off, the stuffing box should be checked and, if necessary, retightened to ensure long-term sealing. 4. Personnel training and qualification All personnel responsible for commissioning must have fully read and understood the corresponding operating manual and all relevant safety instructions. If these documents have not already been provided, they are available online. Additionally, it must be ensured that the personnel involved are appropriately trained and qualified to perform the installation, commissioning, and inspection of the silencer.
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How can GLAUNACH Vent Silencers be installed?Glaunach silencers are often designed to be so lightweight and compact that, in many cases, they can be supported directly by the blow-off pipe without the need for additional mounting structures. For other installation scenarios, Glaunach offers a wide range of mounting options to ensure flexible and secure installation. Depending on the structural and technical requirements, the following installation types are commonly used: 1. Roof-Independent Installation The silencer is mounted to the blow-off pipe, which is structurally supported independently of the roof. This setup places no load on the roof structure, and the only roof modification required is the installation of a suitable roof seal. Thermal expansion of the pipe is accommodated by allowing relative movement of the silencer to the roof—ideally with a sliding seal. 2. In-Roof Installation In this setup, the blow-off pipe is fixed to the underside of the roof structure (e.g., steel beams), with only the top section of the silencer extending above the roof. This design minimizes wind loads and reduces the impact of thermal expansion at the roof penetration point. 3. On-Roof Installation The silencer is mounted directly on the roof using support brackets. This method is especially suitable for larger silencers, particularly when installed on a construction scaffold or structural platform above the roof level. 4. Inline Installation In this configuration, the silencer is integrated directly into the piping system and becomes a part of the pipeline itself. This method is commonly used in closed-loop systems or in situations where there is no space available on the roof for an external silencer. Note: The optimal installation method depends on the specific operating conditions and site constraints. Glaunach is happy to provide tailored recommendations for your particular application.
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Is GLAUNACH ISO 9001 certified?Yes, Glaunach GmbH is ISO 9001 certified. The company has operated a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001 since 1993, when it was first certified by Lloyd’s Register. This system has been continuously monitored and re-certified annually ever since.
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Is a GLAUNACH Vent Silencer a pressure vessel?Yes and no. The silencer includes a pressure-bearing diffuser that can maintain a certain pressure at the inlet during operation. This pressure not only enables effective noise reduction through physical principles, but also helps minimize the diameter of the upstream piping and the silencer itself. However, the downstream silencer housing is typically not pressurized, as it is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, a vent silencer is partially considered a pressure vessel and is certified in accordance with applicable regulations.
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