Mass Loaded Vinyl Sound Insulation: Benefits & Applications
At SUM Ltd, we evaluate each insulation project carefully before selecting materials to use in the fabrication of a custom-fitted insulation blanket. Mass loaded vinyl sound insulation proves to be a highly competitive material to attenuate unwanted sound from offending instruments or components and we are proud to offer it in our selection of uniquely positioned materials. Whether your industrial instrument must reside in a highly corrosive environment, require high moisture resistance for marine applications, be capable of withstanding fires during an emergency situation, or simply reduce sound transmission, our custom removable insulation blankets can be fabricated to meet your needs.
What is mass loaded vinyl sound insulation?
Also known as a “limp mass barrier”, mass loaded vinyl is a material designed to serve as a thin, flexible sound barrier. Mass loaded vinyl is a viscoelastic material because it exhibits both viscous and elastic material behaviours. Viscous materials like honey will flow and take on a new shape when force is applied to it. When the same force is applied to an elastic material, it reverts back to its original shape when the force is removed. These behaviours are important contributors to mass loaded vinyl’s ability to attenuate sound through a property known as hysteresis or damping.
Mass loaded vinyl requires two types of components: A flexible material to allow it to bend into different shapes, and a dense material to create the sound attenuating properties. Polyvinylchloride, or more commonly known as vinyl or PVC, is the material used to provide its flexibility whereas calcium carbonate or barium sulfate is used as a highly dense compound to provide sound dampening capabilities. It should also be noted that, while elemental barium is considered toxic at high levels of exposure, mass loaded vinyl sound insulation is made of chemically inert barium and does not pose a significant health hazard.
What are the benefits of using mass loaded vinyl sound insulation?
- Flexibility: Unlike other sound insulating material like concrete that is either too rigid or too thick to bend, mass loaded vinyl sound insulation can be wrapped and molded around instruments of varying shapes and sizes.
- Thin profile: Mass loaded vinyl has comparable performance to other sound insulating material at a fraction of their thickness. This is especially useful if space is at a premium.
- High STC: Sound Transmission Class, or STC, is a unit of measurement for noise reduction. Mass loaded vinyl has an STC score of 25 to 27 which, after considering the thinness of the material, is a high score.
- Temperature resistance: While not its primary use case, mass loaded vinyl sound insulation can handle some temperatures. Mass loaded vinyl has a melting point of 149°C or 300°F.
- Dual-purpose: Unlike other sound insulating materials such as mineral wool or fibreglass, mass loaded vinyl can be used both as a sound barrier and sound absorber, where the former offers one, but not the other.
What are the applications for mass loaded vinyl sound insulation?
- Pipe wrap: Thanks to its performance at a fraction of the thickness, mass loaded vinyl sound insulation can be wrapped around pipes to reduce vibration.
- Compressor wrap: One of the main culprits of noise in a commercial air conditioning system is a chiller compressor. Wrapping the compressor with a custom removable insulation blanket with mass loaded vinyl sound insulation inside as a sound attenuating material can significantly reduce unwanted noise generated by these components.
- Mixed-use development buildings: Commercial instruments installed in mixed-used development buildings are typically found near residential sleeping areas. Insulation blankets lined with mass loaded vinyl can assist in reducing noise in these instruments and ensuring noise compliance and especially during night-time hours.
- Sound Insulation: Beyond the specific applications mentioned above, mass loaded vinyl can also be used for sound attenuation in residential applications such as personal recording studios and theatre rooms.
Conclusion
As outlined in our blog, with its thin and flexible profile and high STC rating, it is made clear that mass loaded vinyl sound insulation has distinct characteristics that may prove beneficial to you. If these are the properties you require in your next custom removable insulation blanket, SUM Ltd can help. Our company aims to build custom, long-lasting and efficient insulation blankets specifically tailored to your instrument’s environment and needs. To us, perfection is the only standard, and a job well done is a blanket that precisely matches every bend, curve, or loop of your instrument. To achieve this, our dedicated staff members always measure and remeasure your equipment. After all, we are firm believers of measuring twice and cutting once.
Our attention to build quality has earned us the trust of companies around the world. You can find our insulation on North Sea drilling platforms, Argentinian instruments, or right at home in BC ships and mines. Whether you decide to use stainless steel mesh as part of your custom removable insulation blanket’s casing or another material, book a consultation with SUM Ltd today and find what works best for your instruments.