What are Isolation Pads?

Isolation pads are materials or devices used to dampen or isolate vibrations and shock from machinery, instrumentation, or sensitive equipment. Their primary purpose is to protect both the equipment and the surrounding structures from vibrations, noise, and mechanical shock that might impact performance, safety, or longevity. Most pads are used in HVAC or industrial settings to help extend instrumentation life.

What applications are they used in?

Common applications for isolation pads includes pump and motor bases, Measurment Intruments, and HVAC systems.

• Pump and Motors
  • Reducing vibration transmission from pumps and motors to sensitive instrumentation.
• Instruments
  • Isolating sensors, gauges, ad controls systems from mechanical disturbances.
• HVAC Systems
  • Reducing the transfer of vibrations from large HVAC machinery to sensitive equipment.

How Do Isolation Pads Help Instrumentation?

• Vibration Isolation
  • They are placed beneath pumps, compressors, and motors to prevent vibrations from being transferred to the floor, surrounding structures, or nearby sensitive instruments. As a result, it helps maintain stable operation and ensures the performance of precision instruments nearby without interruption.
• Preventing Instrumentation Damage
  • Sensitive instruments, such as pressure gauges, sensors, or control systems, may be vulnerable to the effects of excessive vibrations or shocks. They help protect these instruments by preventing damaging vibrations from reaching them.
• Noise Reduction
  • Many industrial machines produce noise due to mechanical vibrations. Thus, they can help reduce the noise by absorbing vibrations before they can be transmitted through structures or into the environment.
• Improving Accuracy
  • For instrumentation, vibration can interfere with measurements, leading to inaccurate readings. Therefore, the pads help to maintain the accuracy of instruments by minimizing the effects of external vibrations, ensuring reliable data.
• Extending Equipment Lifespan
  • Vibration and shock over time can wear down both machinery and instrumentation. Thus, using isolation pads helps protect equipment form premature wear and tear, leading to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.