JM Huber Cuts 30 dBA of Blower Noise and Improves Operator Safety

JM Huber needed to reduce industrial blower noise in high‑volume pneumatic conveying areas where levels often exceed 120 dBA. The Quincy facility ran more than 90 straight lobe positive displacement blowers to move 650,000 tons of calcium carbonate each year. Sound exposure slowed maintenance work and carried long‑term safety risks. Many plants face similar noise and reliability problems in bulk material handling, wastewater, food, and power generation.

Huber required a quieter, more durable blower that could support continuous duty without compounding maintenance load. 

 

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The case study details why Huber selected Gardner Denver HeliFlow and how the Twisted Tri Lobe blower design improved system performance.

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Why Noise Became a Barrier in High‑Volume Conveying

Straight lobe blowers created high pulsation and airborne noise that often reached 120 dBA. This forced operators to use double hearing protection and limited the time they could spend near the equipment. These conditions reflect common challenges in blower room noise management, especially when systems run without interruption.

Huber needed lower noise, dependable performance, and stronger long‑term reliability.

These conditions mirror what many facilities experience: rising noise exposure, short blower life, and difficulties sustaining performance in demanding environments. Huber needed lower noise, steady reliability, and stronger long‑term output from its equipment.

The HeliFlow Approach: Low Noise Rotor Geometry and High Load Capacity

Huber worked with Power Supply Industries to transition to Gardner Denver HeliFlow Twisted Tri Lobe blowers. The rotor geometry reduces pulsation and lowers industrial blower noise while smoothing airflow. The design carries higher shaft loads and supports steady performance in continuous duty. 

This aligns with Gardner Denver’s focus on dependable equipment for pneumatic conveying systems supported by regional service expertise. 

Engineering advantages include: 

  • Low noise rotor geometry
  • Higher shaft load capacity than straight lobe units
  • Reduced pulsation for smoother airflow
  • Consistent operation during long run cycles

Results: Safer Working Conditions and Longer Blower Life

  • Noise reduced by 30 dBA
    Sound dropped from more than 120 dBA to below 90 dBA. The improvement helped maintenance teams work more efficiently in high‑noise areas. 
  • 100–150 percent increase in blower lifespan
    The upgraded positive displacement blower design delivered longer service life and less wear in continuous operation. 
  • Stable, efficient operation
    Reduced pulsation created smoother airflow and supported stronger day‑to‑day output for bulk material conveying. 
  • Better operator experience
    The quieter environment lowered strain on staff and made regular inspections more manageable. 
Pneumatic Conveying Industrial image

Why Noise Reduction Matters for Industrial Operators

Industrial noise exposure is a persistent challenge, especially in blower rooms and bulk processing areas. Lower pulsation and reduced sound levels introduce practical advantages: improved comfort, fewer interruptions, and a lower total cost of ownership. 

Huber’s results demonstrate measurable gains in: 

  • Worker safety
  • Daily operator comfort
  • Energy use
  • Total cost of ownership
  • Performance in continuous duty environments

Key Performance Highlights

  • Straight lobe blowers exceeded 120 dBA in high‑volume conveying areas
  • HeliFlow Twisted Tri Lobe design lowered pulsation and noise
  • Sound dropped by more than 30 dBA, falling below 90 dBA
  • Blower life increased by 100–150 percent
  • Huber continues standardizing on Gardner Denver industrial blowers

Frequently Asked Questions

High pulsation from straight lobe positive displacement blowers drove noise levels above 120 dBA.

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