HVAC Attenuators

IAC Acoustics rectangular and cylindrical duct attenuators provide effective, predictable noise reduction at substantial savings over other noise reduction methods because IAC products are laboratory-developed and tested under controlled conditions. Moreover, we manufacture duct silencers to specific metal tolerances and with controlled acoustic infill flow resistances to achieve consistent results.

Should none of our standard range of silencers meet your requirements we will develop one for you. If you have a special requirement, please contact us and our specialist team will be able to provide you with a bespoke solution.

IAC Acoustics Duct Attenuator Range of Products

We design and manufacture duct attenuators in response to specific requirements from acoustical consultants, consulting engineers, owners and contractors. Our duct silencers provide the most economical choice for solving the wide diversity of noise control problems encountered in HVAC engineering.

IAC standard rectangular duct attenuator cross sections range from 150 mm x 150 mm (6 in. x 6 in.) to 1200 mm x 1200 mm (48 in. x 48 in.). For small mains, branches and duct run outs there are module sizes to fit every need. When large silencer banks are required, multiple-module assemblies can be arranged to provide almost limitless dimensional flexibility.

  • Quiet-Vent® Silencers solve a common problem in air handling – the passage of noise from one space to another through vents provided for air passage. These modern low-cost units are easy to install, permit circulation of air in either direction, yet effectively stop noise in both directions. 
  • Quiet-Duct® Rectangular Silencers are suitable for conventional applications including low-frequency silencers having acoustic performance specifically engineered for the 63 Hz, 125 Hz and 250 Hz octave bands.
  • Clean-Flow™ Rectangular Silencers are ideal for systems requiring a higher degree of cleanliness and hygiene such as hospitals or clean room applications. Linings on the fill material guard against erosion of particulate matter into the airstream. Specific internal construction features protect the lining against chaffing or premature failure and are necessary to maintain the rated aero-acoustic performance.
  • Conic-Flow® Tubular Silencers are available for silencer applications including low-frequency silencers having acoustic performance specifically engineered for the 63 Hz, 125 Hz and 250 Hz octave bands.
  • D-Duct™ Acoustic Diffuser Silencers are appropriate for use on axial fan systems. The combined interior diffuser cone and exterior square jacket casing make these units aerodynamic regain devices as well as silencers.
  • Rectangular Packless Silencers are the ultimate solution for ultra-clean environments and corrosive / flammable environments. The complete absence of fill, combined with ease of cleaning and draining makes Packless silencers well suited for engine test cells, chemical plants, refineries and facilities that handle or process hazardous materials.
  • Tubular Packless Silencers are excellent for small diameter circular duct systems such as fume hoods. The Packless design of these units makes them equally suitable to the types of systems mentioned for the Rectangular Packless silencers.
  • IAC’s Green Duct Attenuator range is the first British made ‘green’ silencer range for air handling applications. With acoustic infill material made from specially developed post-industrial organic fibre, IAC's range of green Duct Attenuators offers a solution to the ever-increasing requirements for eco-friendly HVAC silencersystems.

Duct Attenuator Design

All of the duct attenuators manufactured by IAC Acoustics are of the passive design because they do not require mechanical or electrical means to function. They do their job very simply by providing a trouble free static means for the dissipation of sound energy by converting it into very minute quantities of heat. Many of the original air conditioning attenuators developed by IAC in 1950 are still in use today.

Active duct attenuators operate electronically by means of microprocessors, loudspeakers and microphones. They cancel sound by feeding back an additional noise source that is 180 degrees out of phase with the original noise. In theory, noise reduction is effective for low frequencies, usually below 300 Hz. Initial research to develop a commercial product was particularly strong in Great Britain but, today, research goes on throughout the world.

HVAC noise control requirements are rarely confined to a narrow low frequency range. The broad band low and high frequency attenuation capabilities of typical passive attenuators are practically always required.

Cross section through typical IAC Quiet-Duct Silencer

  • Die-formed single-piece splitter constructed throughout
  • Shell-noise radiation minimised by double-skin or splitter construction in most models
  • Acoustic splitters designed for maximum attenuation at low frequencies, the toughest job of all
  • Straight-through air passages designed for maximum pressure drop
  • Solid, rounded noses that increase noise reduction
  • Bell-mouth entrance and exit to minimise turbulence, pressure drop and Self-Noise
  • No protruding fastener heads to case turbulence or Self-Noise
  • Solid air-impingement surfaces and self-cleaning air passages to minimise dirt entrapment
  • Acoustic fill protected against erosion by perforated metal containments

Forward and Reverse Flow

In 1972, IAC developed silencer Dynamic Insertion Loss and Self-Noise ratings both under FORWARD FLOW (+) and REVERSE FLOW (-) conditions for Rectangular and Cylindrical Duct Attenuators.

Since attenuation values are generally higher in the first five octave bands in the Reverse Flow (-) mode compared to the Forward Flow (+) mode, more economical silencer selections can often be made on return air systems. These phenomena are illustrated below.

IAC duct silencers are rated under operating conditions in the most advanced aero-acoustic research and development laboratory available. Regardless of their size or configuration, they are developed, tested and rated in accordance with the most current industry standards. There is no guesswork with hit-or-miss empirically-developed calculations or otherwise inaccurately-rated silencers.

For many companies, noise control in conjunction with the discharge of gases into the atmosphere is a priority. It is essential that all installations have the necessary noise control systems, as this ensures that the factory meets the relevant noise criteria.

Ventilation and exhaust silencers reduce the noise caused by the release of pressurized gases, such as air, steam or other gases, such as nitrogen and oxygen, into the atmosphere.


IAC Acoustics is a manufacturer of ventilation and exhaust silencers. Ventilation / deflation silencers from IAC meet all conceivable market requirements, whether they are customized or meet more general customer needs. Our team of skilled engineers works with a modern selection of software to find the best solution for you, both in terms of acoustic performance and price.

Process applications and market areas include:

  • Manufacturing industry for gas, liquids, air and steam
  • Feuerkessel
  • Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG)
  • Pipelines and petrochemical plants
  • LPG, gasification plants
  • Thermal and Nuclear Facilities
  • Combined units (CCP)

Features ventilation / blow-off silencer
IAC has a wide range of standardized and tailor-made silencers designed to reduce the noise of exhaust air, steam or other gases into the atmosphere. All our mufflers are designed, manufactured and manufactured in accordance with standards and can guarantee a noise reduction of up to 75 dB (A).
Our ventilation and exhaust silencers are designed according to international standards and offer:

  • Drainage rates of up to 1,500 tonnes per hour
  • Fluid temperature from -200 ° C to + 550 ° C
  • inlet pressure> 400 bar

In addition, our ventilation / exhaust silencers have the following features:

  • They are designed to connect to any existing pipe, thickness and material.
  • Flanged or prepared for welded joints, depending on the requirements of your plant.
  • Fully welded construction to meet flow, pressure and temperature conditions.
  • Positioned horizontally or vertically
  • Supplied with supports, rain protection, protective grille.
  • Silencer performance for every conceivable application.