How To Reduce Blower Noise In Waste & Recycling Plants [field-tested Solution]

How To Reduce Blower Noise In Waste & Recycling Plants [field-tested Solution]

Industrial blowers are essential for material conveying in waste transfer stations, recycling MRFs, and plastics reprocessing lines. But their noise output can create real problems: operator discomfort, communication difficulties, community complaints, and even compliance risks. 

At Telford Smith, we’ve developed a practical, field-tested solution: the Telford Smith Silencer - engineered specifically to reduce blower noise at the source without compromising performance. 

Unlike improvised lagging or after-market fixes, our silencer is purpose-built for industrial durability and real-world effectiveness. Field testing shows it reduces noise from 96 dB to 90 dB on a 7.5kW blower — a 75% reduction in acoustic energy. That’s not just a number — it means a noticeably quieter plant environment, improved safety, and fewer noise-related issues across your operation. 

Why Blower Noise Matters in Waste & Recycling 

Noise isn’t just an annoyance - it’s a measurable risk. 

In busy facilities like MRFs or waste transfer stations, high blower noise: 

• Makes verbal communication difficult near equipment 
• Increases fatigue and stress for operators 
• Can lead to neighbour complaints, especially in urban-adjacent sites 
• May push ambient noise levels above WorkSafe Australia guidelines (typically 85 dB(A) average over 8 hours) 

While personal protective equipment (PPE) helps, it doesn't solve the root cause. A better approach? Control noise at the source — starting with the inlet side of the blower, where most aerodynamic noise is generated. 

That’s exactly what the Telford Smith Silencer is designed for. 

How the Telford Smith Silencer Works 

The principle is simple but effective: sound energy dissipates as airflow passes through an extended, baffled chamber. Our silencer adds targeted length and internal geometry to absorb noise at its source — without creating significant back pressure or affecting blower efficiency. 

Key Design Features: 

• Galvanised mild steel construction — corrosion-resistant for wet, dusty environments typical of waste handling 
• Internal baffle system — dissipates sound energy through controlled airflow paths 
• Flanged inlet-side mounting — targets the primary noise source 
• Available with 90° bends — allows routing around tight spaces and elevates suction point off the ground to prevent debris ingestion 

It's not a prototype or test-bench concept — this is a production-ready component used across Australian recycling operations. 

Real-World Performance: 96 dB to 90 dB 

Our engineering team conducted field tests using a standard 7.5kW Telford Smith blower: 

A 6 dB(A) reduction might sound small — but decibels are logarithmic. Every 3 dB drop halves sound power. So a 6 dB reduction means: 

🔊 75% less acoustic energy — one-quarter of the original noise output 

To workers on-site, this feels like a clearly noticeable improvement — not just a marginal gain. It brings loud zones closer to safe exposure limits and makes daily operations more comfortable. 

Built for Australian Industrial Environments 

We design for real conditions — not just lab specs. 

The Telford Smith Silencer uses galvanised mild steel for long-term resistance to moisture, dust, and organic vapours found in: 

• Waste transfer stations 
• Plastics recycling plants 
• Materials recovery facilities (MRFs) 
• Bulk bag handling systems 

There’s no fragile lining or complex internals — just robust, passive acoustics that work continuously with minimal maintenance. 

Easy to Maintain: 

• Annual visual inspection for corrosion or blockage 
• Clean internal baffles if material carryover occurs 
• No moving parts — no scheduled servicing required 

This matches the low-maintenance philosophy seen across our range, from Debagging Stations to Pre-Cleaners. 

Flexible Installation for Existing & New Projects 

One of the biggest challenges with noise control is retrofitting into live plants. That’s why flexibility matters. 

The Telford Smith Silencer is designed for easy integration: 

• Adaptors available to suit most blower brands and pipe connections 
• 90° bends included where needed to route around obstacles 
• Can be installed on new builds or retrofitted to existing blowers 
• Two sizes available: 
• DS150A: Compact 500 mm length for smaller blowers 
• DSB205B: Extended 800 mm length for maximum attenuation 

And because it installs on the inlet side — where noise generation is highest — you get the best return on investment per unit of space used. 

Integration with Your Material Handling System 

Like all Telford Smith equipment, the silencer works as part of a complete system. 

Pair it with Telford Smith: 

• Blowers — direct flange match for quick fitment 
• Debagging Stations — reduce intake noise when feeding bulk bags 
• Pre-Cleaners — lower ambient noise in separation zones 
• Conveyors & Bagging Stations — create quieter downstream workflows 

Ask what else in your factory environment can be engineered for minimal noise and maximum throughput. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where should the silencer be installed — inlet or outlet? 

On the inlet side, where most noise is generated. While outlet installation can reduce noise in isolation, the inlet remains the dominant source in real applications. 

Will it affect my blower’s performance? 

No. The internal design minimises pressure drop while maximising sound absorption. For application-specific validation, contact our engineering team. 

What materials are used? 

All units are made from galvanised mild steel — proven for durability in harsh industrial environments. 

Can I use it with non-Telford Smith blowers? 

Yes. We stock a range of adaptors to suit most blower manufacturers’ connections. Just let us know your flange size. 

Is there a running cost? 

No. This is a one-off expense with zero ongoing costs — no power, no consumables, no scheduled servicing. 

Speak to Sales About Retrofitting or Adding to Your Project 

If you're dealing with blower noise in your facility, the Telford Smith Silencer offers a proven way to reduce acoustic output by up to 75% — improving operator comfort, reducing complaints, and helping maintain compliance. 

Whether you’re upgrading an existing line or designing a new plant, our team can help you select the right model (DS150A or DSB205B) and configure it for your layout. 

👉 Speak to our sales team today about retrofitting a silencer to your current blower or adding one to your next project.