New HAPPICH Engine Cover Lighter and Quieter

WUPPERTAL, Germany, January 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Creating Silence

'Creating Silence' - Acoustics specialists at HAPPICH Division, Pelzer Acoustic Products, have again put their motto into practice, developing the new "double-sided sound-absorbing engine cover". They have thus cut noise emissions in the engine compartment by 4 decibels compared with standard engine covers, and simultaneously halved the weight. The prototype of this completely new method is already being used successfully by Volvo Penta Diesel for ships' engines.

Did you know that standard engine covers offer barely any noise reduction? Their main aim is to improve the appearance of the engine compartment. Look under the bonnet and the first thing you see is an immaculate plastic cover with an appealing manufacturer's logo. However, almost nobody knows that these attractive engine covers are made of a so-called "reverberant" material. Despite the insulation underneath, an annoying residual noise remains that is not absorbed.

Absorbent partial casing concept

However, instead of "locking in" the noise emissions in this kind of reverberant plastic cover and thus even increasing them, it is more effective to absorb the sound directly at and outside the engine, in the engine compartment. With this partial casing concept, it is not even necessary to fully cover the engine: Partial cladding is enough to reduce noise levels. And, because vibration isolators and rubber seals are redundant, the weight is also reduced by around 2 kilos.

The solution: Versapanel

This highly effective method of sound absorption is achieved with a special material, Versapanel, which is used as a flexible engine cover. Its surface is made of aluminium foil, microperforated on both sides, and it contains a highly absorbent filling. Lightweight and flexible, it can be easily adjusted for even complicated engine compartments. It also provides mechanical protection and is highly heat and liquid-resistant.

    
    Contact

    Alan Franks, IEng, MIIE, MIOA
    Managing Director
    Happich UK Ltd
    Tel: +44(0)7532-097007
    Email: alan.franks@happich-uk.co.uk
    http://www.happich-uk.co.uk

SOURCE HAPPICH GmbH