Overview
ISO 20145:2026 - Pneumatic fluid power - Test methods for measuring acoustic emission pressure levels of exhaust silencers is an international standard developed by ISO. It specifies two distinct and reliable methods for measuring the acoustic emission pressure levels produced at the outlet of pneumatic exhaust silencers. These methods provide the framework for assessing the effectiveness of silencers in reducing noise generated by the discharge of compressed air in industrial and commercial settings. The standard aligns with the requirements outlined in ISO 6358-1 for steady-state testing and ISO 6358-2 for discharge mode testing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to noise measurement in fluid power systems.
Key Topics
- Test Methods:
- Steady-State Mode: Evaluates noise emission when compressed air flows at a constant upstream pressure, simulating typical operating conditions (as per ISO 6358-1).
- Discharge Mode: Measures noise levels during pressure release, capturing transient sound emissions (as per ISO 6358-2).
- Sound Pressure Measurement:
- Measurement can be conducted at one or at three positions around the silencer outlet for increased precision.
- Measurement instruments, such as microphones and integrating sound meters, must comply with IEC Class 1 requirements to ensure high accuracy.
- Acoustic Corrections:
- Procedures for correcting measurements for environmental factors and background noise are included to enhance reliability and comparability of results.
- Test Facility Requirements:
- Guidance on the layout and acoustic treatment of test environments to minimize measurement uncertainty.
- Recommendations for appropriate environmental conditions, including ambient temperature and minimal background noise.
- Reporting and Documentation:
- Detailed requirements for recording all test parameters, environmental conditions, and instrumentation in the test report.
- Format for presenting and declaring measurement results in compliance with relevant ISO referencing standards.
Applications
ISO 20145:2026 is directly applicable to manufacturers, testing laboratories, and industrial users of pneumatic equipment. Its key practical benefits and applications include:
- Product Development:
- Supports manufacturers in designing quieter pneumatic exhaust silencers and optimizing products’ acoustic performance for regulatory compliance and workplace safety.
- Comparative Testing:
- Enables consistent comparison of silencer performance using standardized methodologies, fostering fair competition and helping designers select suitable noise attenuation devices for specific applications.
- Quality Assurance:
- Assures end-users and buyers through test reports that silencers have been evaluated following internationally accepted procedures.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Assists organizations in meeting occupational health and environmental noise regulations by providing defensible, repeatable measurements of silencer acoustic emissions.
- Facility Noise Assessment:
- Facilitates facility managers in assessing and controlling the overall noise levels from pneumatic systems, contributing to better workplace conditions.
Related Standards
ISO 20145:2026 references and complements several related international standards, including:
- ISO 6358-1 & ISO 6358-2: Determination of flow-rate characteristics for pneumatic components (steady-state and alternative methods).
- ISO 11202: Measurement of noise emission values in machinery and equipment at workstations.
- ISO 4871: Declaration and verification of noise emission values.
- ISO 11654: Rating of sound absorption performance of building materials.
- IEC 61672-1, IEC 61260, IEC 60942: Specifications for sound level meters, band filters, and sound calibrators essential for accurate acoustic measurements.
Conclusion
Implementing ISO 20145:2026 ensures standardized, accurate measurement of acoustic emissions from pneumatic exhaust silencers. By following this standard, organizations can reduce operational noise, enhance workplace safety, and demonstrate regulatory compliance through verifiable, repeatable test results.
Open preview (PDF)Pneumatic fluid power — Test methods for measuring acoustic emission pressure levels of exhaust silencers
