What are the types of mufflers for diesel generator sets?

In the field of generators, mufflers do the same thing for internal combustion engines as they do for engines in automotive and construction applications. Both reduce noise and exhaust emissions from the combustion process.

 

In generators, mufflers do the same thing for internal combustion engines as they do for engines in automotive and construction applications. Both reduce noise and exhaust emissions from the combustion process.

There are three basic designs of mufflers:

1. Reactive Muffler - The internal structure consists of three chambers connected by pipes. Exhaust noise bounces between chambers, reducing output noise for low-mid and low-frequency noise.

2. Absorption muffler - the internal structure is composed of glass fiber or insulating glass. When the exhaust gas flows through the insulation, its noise is reduced. This method is used to reduce high frequency sound waves.

3. Combination Muffler - Combining the structure of the reactive muffler and the absorbing muffler, the absorbing material is installed into the chamber design of the reactive muffler, which allows to reduce all frequency designs.

 

Cylindrical muffler

The cylindrical muffler was one of the first shapes developed. They can be built in all three basic designs and can be used for interior and exterior applications. Mufflers can be installed horizontally or vertically to meet any application requirement. It is considered one of the most economical mufflers.

 

Thin muffler

These mufflers can come in various shapes such as rectangles, ovals and circles. The selected shape is determined by the available space. They are often used in generators in sound attenuating enclosures. Mufflers must meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.

When the generator is operating in a flammable environment, the exhaust system must be changed to ensure that sparks from the combustion process are not emitted into the outside atmosphere. Spark brake mufflers are usually cylindrical and are a modified reactor design. This causes the carbon sparks to circulate through the muffler, falling into the collection box. As part of the maintenance procedure, the collection box must be cleaned.

The temperature of the exhaust gas can be as high as 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. These gases are often emitted into the atmosphere. Heat recovery mufflers are used to utilize the heat in the exhaust gas before it enters the atmosphere. This heat source can be used in any system that requires an external heat source (hot water).

 

Emission control muffler

Combustion gas consists of many gases. Some gases are extremely harmful and some are not so harmful. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces exhaust regulations to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

       The Environmental Protection Agency strictly controls emissions from generators that provide the facility's primary power. Current regulations require the use of catalytic converters. The basic converter consists of a honeycomb grille design placed directly in the exhaust system after the exhaust manifold. This position allows the exhaust gas to be at the maximum temperature required for normal operation. Many new mufflers combine a converter design with a muffler.

Relevant regulations also address particulate matter content in exhaust gas. Particulate filters can be used to reduce the soot content of exhaust gases. The inside of the filter is made of ceramic material. Exhaust gas passes through the material and soot is collected. Lean burn engines can also use additives to further reduce harmful emissions.