Vacuum Pump Vibration Issue

[awexah]

Hello!

Our contractor fixed a vacuum pump on top of a cleanroom with self tapping screws, and it's shaking the ceiling so much our HEPA filter covers are unscrewing by themselves.

Was wondering how to reduce the vibrations... I was told vibration dampeners wouldn't fix it since it's on a thin metal ceiling, and was told to put it on a steel frame then screw that in.

Any thoughts?

 

[LittleInch]

SO what is the pump mounted on exactly?

If just placed on a thin metal ceiling then it needs more support as indicated.

Drawing, photo etc would help, but it sounds a bit of a strange thing to do (mount it on a ceiling with no additional support).

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[goutam_freelance]

You should consider vibration isolation in addition to additional structure. The additional structure should be connected to the roof support structure, instead of thin metal ceiling.

Now! Or it may be too late.

 

[MintJulep]

You should call or write to the contractor and tell them that the vacuum pump installation is no good, and that they should come and fix it.

If you haven't made the final payment they might even come and fix it.

In general, vacuum pumps need frequent maintenance to change oil and filters. On top of a clean room seems like a bad location for maintenance, so move it to the floor next to the clean room and solve the vibration and maintainability problems at the same time.

 

[TugboatEng]

More than support, it needs mass. Using beams between roof supports includes some of the mass of the building to help reduce the magnitude of vibration. Look for regional code with regards to mounting air conditioning units to roofs for ideas.

 

[rc0213]

Can you upload a picture? If not, a simplified sketch of the system.

Without seeing it, a vibration dampener could possibly be installed by making the mounting area more robust.

But, I'd have to see the whole picture before possible solution.