How do silencers or acoustic sound traps work?

A silencer or acoustic sound trap works by absorbing, dissipating or reflecting sound waves inside a box. They are generally made of absorbent materials (high-density mineral wool, acoustic foam, air chambers, baffles) that convert sound energy into heat. The internal geometry enables different frequency bands to be handled, while limiting pressure loss in the network.

When should you use an acoustic sound trap?

Acoustic sound traps are used whenever the noise level generated by an airflow or piece of equipment becomes a nuisance to operators, neighbors or regulatory compliance. It is particularly recommended for ventilation networks, air handling units, HVAC systems, compressors, chillers, generators, blowers and industrial process machines.

How do I choose the right acoustic silencer for my system?

The choice of acoustic silencer depends on several criteria: sound level to be attenuated, dominant frequencies, type of network (rectangular or circular), air flow rate, permissible pressure drops, temperature, environment (dust, humidity, corrosion) and space constraints. An acoustic and aeraulic study defines the type of silencer, its dimensions and target performance.

Can acoustic silencers be custom-made?

Yes, acoustic silencers and sound traps can be made to measure. At Écib, dimensions, internal geometry, absorbent materials and connection methods are adapted to each project to achieve the best compromise between acoustic attenuation, pressure drop and integration into existing installations.

Are acoustic silencers effective at low frequencies?

The treatment of low frequencies is more complex, but certain types of silencer, such as reactive silencers or hybrid configurations, are specially designed to improve attenuation in these frequency bands. The internal design, silencer length and cross-sectional area are then sized according to the acoustic requirements and constraints of the installation.

Does an acoustic silencer require maintenance?

An acoustic silencer is a passive device with no moving parts. It therefore requires no heavy maintenance. However, periodic visual inspections are recommended to check the condition of walls, baffles and absorbing materials, particularly in dusty environments or those subject to severe conditions.

What standards apply to the performance of sound traps and acoustic silencers?

The performance of sound traps and acoustic silencers is generally measured in accordance with ISO 7235, which defines test methods for determining acoustic attenuation and pressure drop. Requirements in terms of final sound levels may also be linked to labor regulations, environmental prescriptions or the acoustic comfort charters of industrial sites.

Home > Acoustic silencers & sound traps for industry

Acoustic silencers & sound traps for industry: noise attenuation solutions

Q: What's the difference between an acoustic silencer and a sound trap?

A sound trap is a specific category of acoustic silencer designed to attenuate noise in aeraulic networks (ventilation ducts, air networks, etc.). The term "acoustic silencer" is broader and covers different types of device (rectangular with baffles, cylindrical, reactive, etc.) designed to reduce noise levels while allowing air or gases to circulate.

In industry, the noise levels generated by air flows, machines and processes can quickly become a major source of nuisance: hearing fatigue, discomfort, reduced productivity, regulatory risks...
At Ecib, we design acoustic silencers, also known as sound traps, capable of reducing these nuisances while guaranteeing optimal air or gas circulation in your installations.

Our acoustic solutions for industry are designed for ventilation networks, noisy industrial equipment, HVAC installations, generators, compressors and all applications requiring high-performance acoustic treatment.

ALTAÏR' stratis Baffle silencers

Composition

Galvanized steel

High-density mineral wool

Dimensions

H: 300 to 2000 mm
L: 300 to 2000 mm
Depth: 600 to 2000 mm

Made to measure

On-site installation

What is an acoustic silencer?

An acoustic silencer is a device designed to absorb and attenuate sound waves generated by airflow or industrial equipment. It effectively reduces the sound level transmitted in a duct, an aeraulic network or a process line, in order to guarantee acoustic comfort and regulatory compliance.

An acoustic silencer is often composed of :

high-density mineral wool sound-absorbing baffles
perforated inner walls for acoustic dissipation
reinforced casings to prevent vibration
internal chambers optimized to absorb different frequency bands

It attenuates low, medium and high frequencies, particularly those produced by fans, compressors or industrial machinery.

What is an acoustic sound trap?

A sound trap (or sound attenuator) is a specific type of silencer, designed to reduce airflow noise or limit sound propagation in an aeraulic network or around noisy equipment.

This is an absorbent system:

rectangular with baffles
cylindrical (often used for ventilation)
reactive (for combustion machines or engines)

Its role is to trap sound waves in an absorbent volume, while allowing air to pass through with minimal pressure loss.

Sound traps are particularly useful in :

ventilation and smoke extraction systems
industrial HVAC systems
compressors and chillers
hoods, air handling units (AHUs), VRVs, heat pumps
process machines
industrial cabins

How does an acoustic silencer work?

Operation is based on two complementary principles:

1️⃣ Sound absorption

Baffles made of mineral wool or absorbent materials capture sound energy and transform it into heat.
This mechanism is extremely effective on mid and high frequencies.

2️⃣ Resonance / reflection

In some models (reactive, cylindrical, internal chambers), the geometry is optimized for :

slow down the sound wave
cause desynchronization phenomena
reduce low frequencies, which are often the most difficult to process

Reference standard

The performance of a sound trap is measured according to the ISO 7235 standard, used by premium manufacturers on the market.

Types of mufflers & sound traps available

To cover all needs, Écib designs several families of acoustic silencers, inspired by the best practices of the industrial sector.

Rectangular baffle silencers

Ideal for :

building & industrial ventilation systems
CTA
installations requiring significant attenuation

Features :

high-density sound-absorbing baffles
galvanized steel frame
customized dimensions
low pressure drop
optimum efficiency on medium & high frequencies

Cylindrical silencers (or circular traps)

Recommended for :

circular networks
round sheaths
industrial fans and motors

Advantages :

simple assembly
wide range of diameters
excellent integration into existing networks
reinforced high-temperature options

Reactive mufflers

Particularly suitable for :

combustion engines
generating sets
high-pressure compressors
vacuum pumps

Highlights :

excellent low-frequency results
reinforced construction
designed for high temperatures
versions with internal acoustic lining

Sound traps for suction and discharge

To reduce noise generated by :

fans
compressors
dust extraction units
extraction systems

Acoustic louvers & grilles

For :

industrial facades
external air inlets
silent air renewal

ECIB acoustic silencer applications

Our solutions are designed to fit into any industrial environment:

Ventilation and air conditioning

CTA / VMC / VRV
air handling units
high-pressure ventilation ducts

Industrial and process equipment

air compressors
blowers
pumps and motors
turbines
chillers & cooling towers

Energy equipment

generating sets
industrial boilers
exchangers

Cabins and equipment rooms

machining cabins
loudspeakers
machine rooms

How to choose the right acoustic silencer?

1️⃣ Determining the sound level to be attenuated

dB(A) level, dominant frequency, proximity to sensitive areas.

2️⃣ Identify the type of installation

Rectangular / circular / reactive / low temperature / high pressure.

3️⃣ Measuring airflow constraints

air flow
flow velocity
acceptable pressure losses

4️⃣ Assessing the environment

temperature
humidity
dust
corrosion

5️⃣ Check standards & performance

ISO 7235 compliance, attenuation efficiency by frequency band.

FAQ : Acoustic silencers & sound traps

What's the difference between an acoustic silencer and a sound trap?

A sound trap is a specific category of silencer, optimized to absorb sound waves in air networks. The term "acoustic silencer" is broader and includes other technologies (reactive, cylindrical, etc.).

How do you know which model to choose?

The study depends on the initial sound level, air flow rate, dominant frequency and type of installation. A preliminary acoustic analysis is recommended.

Can silencers be custom-made?

Yes, as with Ecib, most of our models are custom-built to perfectly match the aeraulic and acoustic constraints.

Do mufflers reduce pressure drop?

Modern models are designed to offer low pressure drop while guaranteeing a high level of absorption.

In which environments should a sound trap be installed?

Ventilation, industry, generators, compressors, dust collection, production machines, acoustic cabins...

Are mufflers effective at low frequencies?

Yes, provided you use reactive or hybrid models.

Do silencers require maintenance?

No, these are passive devices. Regular visual checks are all that's needed.

What standards apply?

Acoustic performance is regulated by ISO 7235, which is widely used in industry.

Glossary of terms related to silencers and sound traps

Sound trap

Noise-absorbing device integrated into a conduit.