Noise Reduction Features in Modern Custom Blasting Booths

When evaluating blast room performance, factors like abrasive recovery systems, dust collection efficiency, and throughput often take center stage. But equally important, yet sometimes overlooked, is noise control.

Noise is not only a workplace safety issue but also a factor that impacts productivity, facility layout, and compliance with occupational health regulations. That’s why modern blast rooms are now being designed with advanced noise reduction features as a core consideration rather than an afterthought.

At Airblast AFC, we specialize in the design, manufacture, and installation of custom engineered blast rooms that prioritize operator safety, environmental control, and performance. In this article, we’ll explore the key noise reduction strategies integrated into today’s blasting booths, and why they matter.

Why Noise Matters in Blast Rooms

Abrasive blasting is inherently noisy. Whether using steel grit, glass bead, or aluminum oxide as the media, the high-velocity impact on metal surfaces generates significant sound levels, often exceeding 100 decibels (dB). To put this in perspective, that’s louder than a chainsaw or a jet takeoff from 300 meters away.

Prolonged exposure to this level of noise can result in:

• Hearing loss

• Increased worker fatigue

• Reduced communication and situational awareness

• Non-compliance with OSHA and HSE noise regulations

• Increased liability and insurance costs

Modern blast rooms are engineered with integrated noise reduction systems to address these challenges and provide a safer, more comfortable environment for operators and support staff.

Let’s take a look at the top techniques used to control and reduce noise within a custom engineered blast room.

1. Acoustic Paneling and Sound Deadening Walls

One of the most effective ways to manage noise in blast rooms is through acoustic insulation. At Airblast AFC, our custom booths often feature sound deadening wall panels designed to absorb and dampen noise created during blasting operations.

These panels are typically made from multi layered composite materials, including:

• Mineral wool or fiberglass insulation for sound absorption.
• Perforated steel or aluminum sheets to contain insulation.
• Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) as a sound barrier layer.

The combination of these materials reduces noise reflection within the room and prevents sound from traveling to adjacent workspaces. In facilities where multiple booths are operating simultaneously, this is critical to maintaining overall safety and comfort.

2. Acoustically Treated Doors

Blast room doors are a common escape route for sound. Without proper treatment, they can serve as noise leaks, especially if operators are moving materials or equipment in and out frequently.

At Airblast AFC we recommend using acoustically insulated double skin doors that are gasket sealed and constructed with internal sound damping materials. These doors not only support the structural integrity of the booth but also maintain the continuity of noise control.

In facilities with tight noise control specifications, we also suggest using interlocking vestibule doors or airlock-style entrances to minimize sound escape during entry/exit transitions.

3. Remote Operator Control and Observation

Many custom blast rooms now integrate remote control systems for blast operations, which allow the operator to monitor and control the process from outside the enclosure. This significantly reduces the operator’s exposure to high decibel levels.

Airblast AFC designs blast room layouts to include:

• External operator control panels

• Sound insulated observation windows

• CCTV monitoring systems

By enabling the operator to remain outside the noise envelope, facilities can reduce personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and improve ergonomics without compromising process control.

4. Low Noise Dust Collection Systems

A critical part of any blast room is the dust extraction system, which keeps visibility clear and ensures safe working conditions by filtering out airborne particulates. However, these systems themselves can be a source of unwanted noise, particularly when undersized or poorly designed.

Instead, you can utilize low noise cartridge style dust collectors, often positioned away from the booth to reduce direct noise exposure. Key features include:

• Acoustic lagging on ductwork and housings.

• Vibration isolated motor mounts.

• Silenced air inlets and discharge points.

These design elements reduce sound emissions from the filtration process without compromising airflow or filtration efficiency.

5. Dust Collector Mufflers

While low noise dust collectors help manage overall sound levels, additional noise suppression can be achieved through the use of dust collector mufflers. These mufflers are typically installed on the exhaust of the dust collector fan housing to reduce the sound of high-velocity air discharge, which contributes significantly to ambient noise.

Mufflers are designed to absorb and dissipate acoustic energy without disrupting airflow or filtration performance. High quality mufflers use baffles, expansion chambers, or sound absorbing linings tailored to the frequencies generated by industrial fans. When paired with a low noise collector, this combination helps create a quieter working environment, which is especially important in facilities near office spaces or residential zones.

6. Pneumatic and Mechanical Noise Control

Blasting systems often rely on pneumatic or mechanical material recovery systems, such as screw conveyors, bucket elevators, or air-wash separators. These components can introduce additional noise if not designed with control in mind.

To effectively reduce mechanical noise, engineers often implement:

• Vibration isolated mounts for motors and gearboxes.
• Acoustic enclosures around abrasive recovery equipment.
• Soft start controls to minimize noise spikes during equipment startup.

Combined, these strategies create a smoother, quieter operation even when processing high volumes of media.

7. Floor and Ceiling Treatments

While walls and doors are common targets for acoustic treatment, floors and ceilings are just as important. Hard surfaces like concrete can amplify sound through reflection and vibration.

To combat this, Airblast AFC incorporates:

• Sound dampening floor mats or grated flooring with media recovery underneath.
• Suspended acoustic baffles or ceiling mounted absorbers.
• Isolated structural framing to prevent vibration transfer to adjacent spaces.

These measures further reduce reverberation and echo within the booth, helping maintain a more controlled acoustic environment.

8. Blasting Guns, Nozzles, and Abrasive Selection

Often overlooked in noise reduction strategies is the sound generated directly by the blasting process itself, especially the air and abrasive discharge from the blast nozzle. The noise produced here depends heavily on several interrelated factors:

• Blasting Pressure: Higher air pressures deliver more aggressive cleaning power but generate more noise. Even small increases in PSI can lead to significant spikes in decibel levels. Finding the right balance between pressure and performance is key to minimizing unnecessary noise while maintaining productivity.
• Abrasive Type and Size: Heavier or coarser abrasives, such as steel grit, can be noisier upon impact than finer or softer media like glass beads or aluminum oxide. The abrasive’s density and velocity play a role in how much impact noise is created during surface preparation.
• Nozzle Design and Wear: Worn nozzles can increase turbulence and raise noise levels. Modern nozzles with noise reducing designs, such as venturi-style or silenced nozzles, help direct air more efficiently and reduce harsh frequencies.

Choosing the right blasting parameters and maintaining nozzle condition are critical for keeping noise in check. At Airblast AFC, our team helps customers configure their blast rooms with optimal nozzle and media setups to not only improve surface prep quality but also reduce the acoustic output of daily operations.

9. Operator PPE and Hearing Conservation Programs

Even with the best acoustic engineering, abrasive blasting will always produce some degree of noise. That’s why every noise reduction plan should be complemented by appropriate PPE and a workplace hearing conservation program.

We recommend that our clients:

• Conduct regular noise assessments.
• Provide fit-tested hearing protection such as earmuffs or plugs.
• Educate employees on noise hazards and safe work practices.
• Implement administrative controls like scheduled breaks and task rotation.

Airblast AFC supports clients with documentation and guidance to help meet OSHA, HSE, and other regional compliance requirements.

Why Choose Airblast AFC for Your Noise Controlled Blast Room?

With over 40 years of experience in designing advanced surface preparation solutions, Airblast AFC delivers more than just equipment, we deliver environments optimized for performance, safety, and compliance.

When it comes to blast rooms, we know that noise isn’t just an annoyance, it’s a critical health and operational issue. That’s why our custom engineered booths are built with:

• Integrated acoustic solutions

• Remote operation options

• Low noise recovery and dust extraction systems

• Expert installation and after sales support

Whether you’re blasting large industrial components, aerospace parts, or preparing vehicles for coating, we can design a solution that minimizes noise without compromising on power or productivity.

Final Thoughts

Noise control in blast rooms is not optional, it’s essential. By integrating sound dampening features into your booths design from the start, you can:

• Improve operator comfort and safety

• Extend equipment life

• Maintain regulatory compliance

• Enhance process efficiency

At Airblast AFC, we combine deep technical expertise with real world experience to deliver blasting solutions that perform on all fronts, including sound performance.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a quieter, safer, and more productive blasting environment tailored to your business needs.