Noise Calculation of Air Flow in Duct

The airflow through ducts generates noise. The noise generated depends on
the air velocity and the duct size (cross sectional area).

Generated noise calculated with the following equation:-

LN = 10 + 50 log (v) + 10 log (A) (1)

Where

LN = sound power level (dB)

v = air velocity (m/s)

A = air duct cross sectional area (m2)

Example - Noise generated by Air Flow in Duct

The noise generated in a 200 mm circular duct with airflow velocity 10
m/s calculated as follows:-

LN = 10 + 50 log (10 m/s) + 10 log (π ((0.2 m) / 2)2)

= 45 db.

The noise generated in the same 200 mm circular duct as above with airflow
velocity 20 m/s calculated as follows:-

LN = 10 + 50 log (20 m/s) + 10 log (π ((0.2 m) / 2)2)

= 60 db.

 
Low and Medium Pressure Loss Ducts

 Maximum friction rate 0.1 - 0.2 inches W.G. /100 ft.

 Velocity 1500 - 2000 ft./min (8 - 10 m/s)

Air Flow Rate Maximum Velocity

(m3/h) (CFM) (m/s) (ft./min)

< 300 < 175 2.5 490

< 1000 < 590 3 590

< 2000 < 1200 4 785

< 4000 < 2350 5 980

< 10000 < 5900 6 1180

> 10000 > 5900 7 1380

High Pressure Loss Ducts

 Maximum friction rate less than 0.4 inches W.G./100 ft

 Velocity 2000 - 3500 ft./min (10 - 18 m/s)

Shafts

Air Flow Rate Maximum Velocity

(m3/h) (CFM) (m/s) (ft./min)

< 5000 < 2950 12 2350

< 10000 < 5900 15 2950

< 17000 < 10000 17 3350

< 25000 < 14700 20 3940

 Air Flow Rate Maximum Velocity

(m3/h) (CFM) (m/s) (ft./min)

< 40000 < 23500 22 4300

< 70000 < 41000 25 4900

< 100000 < 59000 30 5800

It is common to keep main duct velocity above 20 m/s (3940 ft. /min).

Corridors

Air Flow Rate Maximum Velocity

(m3/h) (CFM) (m/s) (ft./min)

< 5000 < 2950 10 2000

< 10000 < 5900 12 2350

< 17000 < 10000 15 2950

< 25000 < 14700 17 3350

< 40000 < 23500 20 3940

User Areas

 Offices, receptions, lounges and similar

Air Flow Rate Maximum Velocity

(m3/h) (CFM) (m/s) (ft./min)

< 5000 < 2950 10 2000

< 10000 < 5900 12 2350

 Air Flow Rate Maximum Velocity

(m3/h) (CFM) (m/s) (ft./min)

< 17000 < 10000 14 2750

< 25000 < 14700 16 3150

Typical Air Velocity Guidelines

Recommended
Maximum
Applications
Velocity
(ft./min)

Cafeterias 1800

Stores, restaurant, shops, banks 1500

Offices, libraries, class rooms 1200

Apartments, hotel rooms 1000

Auditoriums, churches, cinemas, theaters 800

Residences 600

Low Velocity Duct Systems

 Typical 400 - 2000 ft. /min (2 - 10 m/s)

Medium Velocity Duct Systems

 typical 2000 - 2500 ft./min (10 - 12.5 m/s)

High Velocity Duct Systems

 typical 2500 - 3000 ft./min (12.5 - 15 m/s)