CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a compressor, and more particularly to
a silencer for reducing the noise emitted from certain compressors, especially reciprocating
compressors or piston compressors.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Compressors typically include a motor that drives a compressor element to pressurize
air. The compressor element can be a reciprocating compressor or piston compressor,
a centrifugal compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor having male and
female compressor elements, or the like. All such compressor elements have a suction
side for receiving inlet air, e.g., through an inlet air filter, and an outlet side
for discharging the compressed air to a tank and/or distribution header for distributing
the compressed air to a network of users. During the compression process, due to the
large volume of air provided through the air inlet of the compressor, noise is generated
at the air inlet or suction side.
[0004] For example, in a reciprocating compressor, which is widely used in various industrial
and domestic applications, the motor is used to drive a crankshaft that moves pistons
in a reciprocating manner, where gas enters the suction side, typically through an
inlet manifold, is compressed via the pistons being driven in a reciprocating manner,
and then discharged at high pressure into a tank.
[0005] However, during operation of the reciprocating compressor, noise is emitted from
the air inlet or suction side of the reciprocating compressor when the air is drawn
through the inlet manifold, e.g., due to the turbulence of the air moved through the
inlet. Typically, the prior art reciprocating compressor has little to no provisions
to reduce the noise it generates or employs conventional structures to reduce this
noise. For example, one conventional structure draws the inlet air through a large,
bulky, and remotely mounted baffling box, where such structure is costly and restricts
the inlet air flow by employing a long tube that connects the suction side or air
inlet of the compressor to the large baffling box, which reduces the efficiency of
the compressor.
[0006] In view of such drawbacks, there is a need to provide a simpler, smaller, and more
cost-effective structure for reducing the noise generated at the air inlet of compressors
that does not reduce the efficiency of the compressor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is provided to solve the deficiencies of the prior art by providing
improvements over the prior art in several ways. For example, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a silencer that costs less, is much smaller, and can
be attached directly to the compressor air inlet to reduce or eliminate restriction
to the inlet air flow.
[0008] In order to achieve the objectives of the present invention, a noise reducing silencer
is provided that is attached directly to the compressor air inlet of a compressor.
The noise reducing silencer has a silencer core which reduces and/or eliminates the
noise at the air inlet to provide a quieter compressor without adding significant
extra costs and without significantly reducing efficiency. In one embodiment of the
invention, the silencer comprises a housing, a silencer core, where the silencer core
comprises two spiral chambers that are stacked on each other. In another embodiment,
the two spiral chambers comprise hollow walls forming the spiral chambers, where the
hollow walls comprise sound absorbing material. In order to reduce costs and size,
the noise reducing silencer can be incorporated into a conventional air filter for
a compressor and/or include filtering elements. The noise reducing silencer may be
attached directly to the compressor intake/air inlet. The noise reducing silencer
can also be attached to the air filter as a separate element.
[0009] The spiral chambers can be made of metal, plastic, a composite material, or a combination
thereof or include material to dampen the noise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The features and objects of the present invention are more clearly understood from
the detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a compressor installation with a noise reducing
silencer;
Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a noise reducing silencer according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 illustrates the construction of the spiral chambers according to a first embodiment
of the invention.
Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a noise reducing silencer according
to a second embodiment of the present invention
Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B illustrate the construction of the spiral chambers according to
a second embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate an exploded perspective view of a noise reducing silencer
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B, and Fig. 7C illustrate the construction of the spiral chambers according
to a third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B, and Fig. 8C illustrate the construction of the spiral chambers according
to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 9A illustrates a perspective cross-section view of a noise reducing silencer
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 9B illustrates a cross-section view of a noise reducing silencer according to
a fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0011] In the various figures, similar elements are provided with similar reference numbers.
It should be noted that the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, or
proportion, but instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of the components
thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but rather provide exemplary
illustrations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and
with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto and can
be combined interchangeably with certain features in the different embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a compressor installation, which can be a single or two stage
reciprocating compressor or piston compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a scroll
compressor, a screw compressor having male and female compressor elements, or the
like, that includes a noise reducing silencer 200 according to the present invention.
In this embodiment, the compressor element 10 is illustrated as a reciprocating compressor
having a piston cylinder. Other embodiments may comprise multiple piston cylinders,
for compressing air received from an air inlet 12 of the compressor element 10. The
noise reducing silencer 200 is provided at the air inlet 12 for filtering the inlet
air. The compressor element 10 is driven by a motor 20, e.g., a gas driven or electrically
driven motor, that rotates the crankshaft to reciprocally rotate piston(s) to compress
the air in the piston cylinder(s) of the compressor element 10. The compressed air
is then discharged from the compressor element 10 to be stored in a tank or distributed
to users.
[0014] The noise reducing silencer 200 is provided at the air inlet 12 to reduce and/or
eliminate the noise generated when the air is suctioned or drawn into the air inlet
12 of the compressor element 10. The noise reducing silencer 200 can be used to replace
the standard air filters used for reciprocating air compressors by including air filter
media in the noise reducing silencer, or be attached to the standard air filters,
e.g., series connection.
[0015] As seen in Fig. 2, in one embodiment of the invention, the noise reducing silencer
200 includes a housing 210 that includes a base 212 and cover 214, where the cover
214 includes at least one opening 216 to allow air to be drawn into the noise reducing
silencer 200. A silencer core 220 is provided within the housing 210 for guiding the
air from an inlet of the housing (through opening 216) to an exit of the housing through
outlet 2121 of the base 212. The outlet 2121 of the base 212 is then configured to
be connected to the air inlet of a compressor, e.g., screw fittings, welding, pinned
connection, cam fittings, compression fitting, etc.
[0016] In this embodiment of the invention, the noise reducing silencer 200 includes a silencer
core 220 that comprises first spiral chamber 222, and second spiral chamber 224, which
are rigidly connected to and separated by support 226. Thus, spiral chambers 222 and
224 are stacked on each other to reduce noise. First end seal 249 abuts first spiral
chamber 222, and guides air flow from opening 216 through the aperture in the center
of first end seal 249 and into the center of first spiral chamber 222. Second end
seal 250 abuts second spiral chamber 224, and guides airflow from the center of second
spiral chamber 224 through the aperture in the center of second end seal 250 and into
outlet 2121 in base 212. Base 212 and cover 214 may be provided with indentations
to hold silencer core 220 and filtering element 240 in fixed positions. Each of the
spiral chambers 222, 224 is provided with an inlet and an outlet, where the outlet
of the second spiral chamber 224 can be connected to a connecting element or channel
provided along an inner side of the windings of the second spiral chamber 224 for
connecting to the outlet 2121 of the base 212. While two spiral chambers 222, 224
are illustrated in this embodiment, a single spiral chamber or more than two spiral
chambers can be used, where the number of spiral chambers are determined based on
a number of factors, including the size of the noise reducing silencer. In some embodiments,
one to six spiral chambers can be used.
[0017] The end seals 249, 250 are constructed of a composite material or rubber to seal
the spiral chambers and direct the air flow through the silencer core 220. Additionally,
a filtering element 240 can be placed around the silencer core 220. Filtering element
240 includes a filter screen 244 to provide a supporting surface for the filter 242.
The filter 242 can include a variety of filtering media for example, coalescing filters,
particulate filters, and carbon filters, to remove at least solid particles, liquids,
aerosols, hydrocarbon vapours, etc. The filtering element can be further configured
to reduce high frequency noise, e.g., based on the material and construction of the
filtering element, e.g., using noise reducing material such as composite material
and firmly mounting the filter screen. The base 212 of the noise reducing silencer
200 is also configured so that it can be coupled to the air intake port, e.g., air
inlet, of the compressor, for example, by being fit into the air intake port of the
compressor. The size of the assembled noise reducing silencer may be closely matched
to the size of the standard air filters that are typically used for reciprocating
air compressors.
[0018] In the embodiment of the invention that includes the filtering element 240, the noise
reducing silencer 200 is constructed in a way so that the at least two spiral chambers
are provided centrally in the housing 210. The filter screen 244 is then provided
along an outer side and surrounding second spiral chamber 224 of the spirally shaped
silencer core 220, and the filter 242 is provided along an outer surface of the filter
screen 244. The housing 210, base 212, and cover 214 enclose the elements of the noise
reducing silencer 200.
[0019] The operation of the noise reducing silencer 200 is provided as follows: Air is drawn
through the opening 216 in the cover 214 into the noise reducing silencer 200 centrally
through the first end seal 249 and through the first spiral chamber inlet 227 (shown
in Fig. 3) of the first spiral chamber 222 provided along the center of the first
spiral chamber 222. After passing through the first spiral chamber 222, the air exits
the outer winding. A space may be provided between the exterior surface of filter
element 240 and the interior surface of housing 210, whereby air flows out of first
spiral chamber 222, through the space, through filter element 240, through second
spiral chamber inlet 228 (shown in Fig. 3), and into second spiral chamber 224. Filter
element 240 preferably abuts support plate 226. After the air enters into the second
spiral chamber 224 through second spiral chamber inlet 228, the air passes through
the second spiral chamber 224, and exits the spiral chamber 224 centrally, passes
through the aperture in the center of second end seal 250 and through the outlet 2121
of the base 212. That is, air is flowed in series through the first spiral chamber
222 and then through the second spiral chamber 224.
[0020] Typically, in such compressor elements, noise is generated at the air inlet due to
the suction of air, however, in the present invention, the noise from the suction
of air is reduced and/or eliminated by the noise reducing silencer 200. Without limiting
the invention by theory, it is understood that the spiral chambers 222, 224 create
an extended and indirect path for the sound to travel by forcing the air to travel
through. The windings of the spiral chambers preferably include two windings. However,
more or less windings are within the scope of the invention. That is, it is understood
that the spiral shape of the spiral chambers prevents a straight path for the sound
to travel and the sound is instead reflected from all surfaces causing noise cancelation
and attenuation. For example, the spiral windings provide a sealed surface for a broad
spectrum of sound frequencies that are diffused or absorbed by the spiral chambers
220. The number of windings that are appropriate depends on the application and volume
of air to be passed through the spirally shaped silencer core 220. In other words,
it is appreciated that this stacked dual chamber reduces air flow restriction to the
compressor by not only providing a wider inlet opening, but reduces the noise by creating
an extended and indirect path for the noise generated at the air inlet of the compressor
to travel.
[0021] Fig. 3 illustrates that first spiral chamber 222 is provided with first spiral inlet
227, and second spiral chamber 224 is provided with second spiral inlet 228. The dimensions
of the spiral chambers 222, 224 may be kept to a minimum and with the use of two spiral
chambers, the silencer core 220 may be configured to reduce noise and provide an increased
amount of air flow into the noise reducing silencer 200, e.g., reduce the air flow
restriction by having wider inlet openings.
[0022] Noise reduction can be further enhanced by coating the spiral chambers with a sound
absorbing material, such as sound proofing paint or gel, foam, fiberglass, ceramics
or the like. This concept can be stacked for increased noise reduction. The end seals
249, 250 can also be coated with the sound absorbing material for further noise reduction.
[0023] The spirally shaped silencer core 220 can be made of a composite material, such as
plastic, rubber, metal, carbon, natural fibers, fiberglass, or a combination thereof,
to absorb a broad spectrum of frequencies and can further include porous or corrugated
tubes or foams inside the spirally wound silencer core 220 to further absorb noise.
[0024] Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. Similar to the first embodiment,
this second embodiment includes a silencer core 420 that comprises spiral chambers
422, 424 that are stacked on top of each other. In this embodiment, however, the spiral
chambers comprise hollow walls so that the spiral chambers are constructed as double
walled spiral chambers where the opening created in the hollow wall, e.g., between
the double walls, is filled with a sound absorbing material to further reduce and/or
eliminate the generated noise. The dimensions of the spiral chambers are also preferably
kept to a minimum to aid in noise reduction and by using two chambers the restriction
to the air flow is reduced by providing a larger inlet opening into the silencer core.
Additionally, the divided chambers are better supported to withstand the forces of
the air flow being drawn into the compressor, e.g., using support 426.
[0025] Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the noise reducing silencer 400 includes
a housing 410 that includes a base 412 and cover 414, where the cover 414 includes
an opening 416. The silencer core 420 is made up of first spiral chamber 422 and second
spiral chamber 424 that are rigidly connected to and separated by support 426. Noise
reducing silencer 400 is provided within the housing 410 for guiding the air from
an inlet of the housing (through opening 416) to an exit of the housing through outlet
4121 of the base 412. First end seal 449 abuts first spiral chamber 422, and guides
air flow from opening 416 in cover 414 through the aperture in the center of first
end seal 449 and into the center of first spiral chamber 422. Second end seal 450
abuts second spiral chamber 424, and guides air flow from the center of second spiral
chamber 424 through the aperture in the center of second end seal 450 and into outlet
4121 in base 412. Additionally, a filtering element 440 is placed around second spiral
chamber 424 of the silencer core 420 and includes a filter screen 444 to provide a
supporting surface for the filter 442, where the filtering element can be further
configured to reduce high frequency noise, e.g., based on the material and construction
of the filtering element, e.g., using noise reducing material such as composite material
and firmly mounting the filter screen. A space may be provided between the exterior
surface of filter element 440 and the interior surface of housing 410, whereby air
flows out of first spiral chamber 422, through the space, through filter element 440,
through second spiral chamber inlet 428 (shown in Fig. 5A), and into second spiral
chamber 424. Filter element 440 preferably abuts support plate 426. Base 412 and cover
414 may be provided with indentations to hold silencer core 420 and filtering element
440 in fixed positions. The base 412 of the noise reducing silencer 400 is also configured
so that it can be coupled to the air inlet of the compressor, for example, by being
compression fit into the air inlet of the compressor. The housing 410, base 412, and
cover 414 form an enclosure for the noise reducing silencer. The size of the assembled
noise reducing silencer may be closely matched to the size of the standard air filters
that are typically used for reciprocating air compressors.
[0026] Fig. 5A illustrates that first spiral chamber 422 is provided with first spiral inlet
427, and second spiral chamber 424 is provided with second spiral inlet 428. The dimensions
of the spiral chambers 422, 424 may be kept to a minimum and with the use of at least
two spiral chambers, the silencer core 420 is configured to reduce noise and provide
an increased amount of air flow into the noise reducing silencer 400. Without limiting
the invention by theory, similar to the first embodiment, in this second embodiment,
the spiral chambers 422, 424 create an extended and indirect path for the sound to
travel by forcing the air to travel through the windings of the spiral chambers. The
windings preferably include two windings, and more preferably three windings as shown
in Fig. 5A. However, more or less windings are within the scope of the invention.
For example, as seen in Fig. 5B, the first spiral chamber 422 has a chamber inlet
opening 427 and the second spiral chamber 424 has a chamber inlet opening 428 for
receiving the air into the spiral chambers. The silencer core 420 has a central hollow
cylinder 429 for the air to exit centrally from the second spiral chamber. Noise reduction
in this embodiment is further enhanced since the spiral chambers comprise hollow walls
that are constructed as double walls which are filled with sound absorbing material.
Furthermore, noise reduction can be further reduced by coating the spiral chambers
with a sound absorbing material, such as sound proofing paint or gel, foam, fiberglass,
ceramics or the like. This concept can be stacked for increased noise reduction. The
end seals 449, 450 can also be coated with the sound absorbing material for further
noise reduction.
[0027] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, where similar to
the first embodiment, the third embodiment includes a silencer core 620 that comprises
spiral chambers 622, 624 that are stacked on top of each other. In this embodiment,
however, the spiral chambers are not separated by the support or flange, but have
the outlet of the first spiral chamber connected to the inlet of the second spiral
chamber.
[0028] Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 6A, the noise reducing silencer 600 includes
a housing that includes a base 612 and cover 614, where the cover 614 includes an
opening 616. The silencer core 620 is made up of first spiral chamber 622 and second
spiral chamber 624 (shown in Fig. 6B) that are rigidly connected to one another. Noise
reducing silencer 600 is provided within the housing for guiding the air from an inlet
of the housing (through opening 616) to an exit of the housing through outlet 6121
of the base 612. First end seal 649 abuts first spiral chamber 622, and guides air
flow from opening 616 in cover 614 through the aperture in the center of first end
seal 649 and into the center of first spiral chamber 622. Second end seal 650 abuts
second spiral chamber 624, and guides airflow from the second spiral chamber 624 to
a filtering element 640 provided on an outflow or downstream side of the second spiral
chamber 624 of the silencer core 620. The filtering element 640 can include a filter
support or screen 644 to provide a supporting surface for the filter 642. A spacer
630 may be provided between the second end seal 650 and the filtering element 640.
In this embodiment, air flows out of first spiral chamber 622 from an air outlet of
the first spiral chamber 622 that is connected to a second spiral chamber inlet 628
(shown in Fig. 7B), and into the second spiral chamber 624. Filtering element 640
preferably guides the air flow from the center of second spiral chamber 624 through
the aperture in the center of second end seal 650 and into outlet 6121 in base 612
(and optionally through the spacer 630). As seen in Fig. 6B, the base 612 of the noise
reducing silencer 600 is also configured so that it can be coupled to the air inlet
of the compressor, for example, by being compression fit or threaded into the air
inlet of the compressor. The housing which includes base 612 and cover 614 forms an
enclosure for the noise reducing silencer, where the base 612 and cover 614 may be
are connected via tabs connections or tongue and groove or other means. The size of
the assembled noise reducing silencer may be closely matched to the size of the standard
air filters that are typically used for reciprocating air compressors.
[0029] Fig. 7A illustrates that first spiral chamber 622 is provided with first spiral inlet
627, and second spiral chamber 624 is provided with second spiral inlet 628, as seen
in Fig. 7B. As seen in Figs. 7B and 7C, the outlet of the first spiral chamber 622
is connected to the second spiral inlet 628. The dimensions of the spiral chambers
622, 624 may be kept to a minimum and with the use of at least two spiral chambers,
the silencer core 620 is configured to reduce noise and provide an increased amount
of air flow into the noise reducing silencer 600. Without limiting the invention by
theory, similar to the first embodiment, in this third embodiment, the spiral chambers
622, 624 create an extended and indirect path for the sound to travel by forcing the
air to travel through the windings of the spiral chambers. The windings preferably
include two windings, as shown in Fig. 7C. However, more or less windings are within
the scope of the invention.
[0030] Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C illustrate another embodiment of the invention, which is similar
to Figs. 7A-7C, but includes the spiral chambers constructed with double walls, where
the enclosure between the double walls can be filled with sound-absorbing material.
Specifically, the first spiral chamber 822 is provided with first spiral inlet 827,
and second spiral chamber 824 is provided with second spiral inlet 828, as seen in
Fig. 8A. As seen in Figs. 8A and 8C, the outlet of the first spiral chamber 822 is
connected to the second spiral inlet 828. The dimensions of the spiral chambers 822,
824 may be kept to a minimum and with the use of at least two spiral chambers, the
silencer core 820 is configured to reduce noise and provide an increased amount of
air flow into the noise reducing silencer, as in the other embodiments. Without limiting
the invention by theory, similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the
spiral chambers 822, 824 create an extended and indirect path for the sound to travel
by forcing the air to travel through the windings of the spiral chambers. The windings
preferably include two windings, as shown in Fig. 8C. However, more or less windings
are within the scope of the invention.
[0031] Fig. 9A illustrates a perspective cross-section view of a noise reducing silencer
900 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is provided with base
912 and cover 914. In this embodiment, air flows from opening 916 into first spiral
chamber 922, and from first spiral chamber air outlet 931 into the second spiral chamber
inlet 928, and from second spiral chamber 924, second end seal 950, and through filter
942, and then through outlet 9121 in base 912.
[0032] Fig. 9B illustrates a cross-section view of the noise reducing silencer according
to the fourth embodiment of the invention, which is provided with base 912 and cover
914. In this embodiment, air flows through first spiral chamber 922, and through second
spiral chamber 924, and through filter 942 and filter screen 944.
[0033] In view of such structure and features, the present invention solves the deficiencies
of the prior art by providing a noise reducing silencer for a compressor installation
which includes a silencer core that is configured to reduce and/or eliminate noise
generated at an air inlet of a compressor. This is an improvement over the prior art
in several ways. These features cost less than a baffle box provided at an air inlet
of a compressor. The present invention allows a smaller size silencer due to the compact
arrangement of the silencer core, and may be attached directly to the compressor inlet
with the air filter to reduce or eliminate restriction to the inlet air flow.
[0034] The invention discussed herein is directed to specific embodiments, but the design
is not limited to the description of the exemplary invention but only by the scope
of the appended claims. As a result, there are multiple embodiments that employ the
beneficial characterises of the invention, each providing a different advantage and
which are combinable and/or interchangeable with various aspects of the different
embodiments of the invention that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1. A noise reducing silencer for a compressor, said silencer comprising:
a housing; and
a spirally shaped silencer core provided in the housing and having a core inlet and
a core outlet, wherein the silencer core comprises two spiral chambers that are stacked
on each other.
2. The silencer according to claim 1, further comprising end seals, wherein the housing
comprises a base and a cover enclosing the housing and the end seals are provided
to seal the spiral chambers from the base and the cover, respectively; and said silencer
further comprising a connecting element configured to connect the outlet of the silencer
core to an air inlet of the compressor.
3. The silencer according to claim 2, further comprising a filter element and a filter
screen configured in a way to support the filter element, wherein said filter element
and filter screen are provided circumferentially around an outer side of at least
one of the spiral chambers within the housing.
4. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the spiral chambers are coated with a sound
absorbing material.
5. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the spiral chambers comprise at least two
windings.
6. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the spiral chambers comprise hollow walls
forming the spiral chambers which are filled with sound absorbing material.
7. The silencer according to claim 1, further comprising a filter element and a filter
support configured in a way to support the filter element, wherein said filter element
and filter support are provided at an out flow side of the core outlet.
8. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the spirally shaped silencer core comprises
composite material.
9. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover
for enclosing the housing, and wherein said housing comprises at least one opening
for an inlet airflow.
10. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the silencer core is provided
centrally in a first spiral chamber of the spiral chambers and wherein the outlet
of the silencer core is provided centrally in a second spiral chamber of the spiral
chambers.
11. The silencer according to claim 10, wherein an outlet of the first spiral chamber
is provided as a lateral outlet along an outer surface of the first spiral chamber
and an inlet of the second spiral chamber is provided as a lateral inlet along an
outer surface of the second spiral chamber.
12. A compressor installation comprising:
a motor;
a compressor element;
and a noise reducing silencer connected to an air inlet of the compressor element,
said silencer comprising a housing, a spirally shaped silencer core provided in the
housing, and a connecting element that connects the outlet of the silencer core to
the air inlet of the compressor element, said silencer core comprising spiral chambers
that are stacked on each other, each having an inlet and an outlet,
wherein the silencer core is configured in a way to reduce noise generated from a
gas entering into the compressor during operation.
13. The compressor installation according to claim 12, wherein the compressor is a reciprocating
compressor, and the gas is air.
14. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the spiral chambers comprise hollow
walls filled with sound absorbing material.
15. A noise reducer for a compressor, said noise reducer comprising:
a housing;
a noise reducer core provided in the housing, said reducer core comprising a first
spiral chamber configured to guide an air flow from the interior of the first spiral
chamber to the exterior of the first spiral chamber.
16. The noise reducer according to claim 15, wherein said reducer core further comprises
a second spiral chamber configured to guide an air flow from the exterior of the second
spiral chamber to the interior of the second spiral chamber.
17. The noise reducer according to claim 16, further comprising a filtering element and
said reducer configured to guide an air flow through said filtering element.
18. The noise reducer according to claim 17, further comprising a support that abuts said
first spiral chamber, said second spiral chamber, and said filtering element within
said housing.