Reactive Silencers

Additional Details

Reactive silencers are basically chamber and tube type units that may include some packing materials for middle and high frequency performance. These types of silencers are principally used on reciprocating engines (pistons) or other equipment having significant impulse type sound energy. The chamber and tubes are designed (tuned) to the principal impulsive frequencies that need to be attenuated. The attenuation is caused by the chambers and tubes creating an internal sound field that “blocks” the acoustic sound wave from continuing to propagate through the silencer and out the exhaust or inlet end. Because these units are tuned for each application, any change will affect performance. Figure 1 shows a combination reactive silencer having a small absorptive pack section. Note the internal pass tubes and chambers.