The urban recycling plants are the unsung heroes of today’s sustainability efforts. However, the operation of heavy machinery in a city creates an ongoing challenge, namely the industrial noise pollution that results. Centrifuges, needed to obtain the solid-liquid separation, can produce sound levels of 90-100 decibels (dB) which is equal to the sound of a truck engine.
As environmental concerns dictate stricter regulations and municipalities institute their own stringent sound limitations, recycling companies must seek out low noise decanter centrifuge equipment that will satisfy the performance requirements while not disturbing nearby communities.
Fortunately, modern noise control techniques have made this possible, making available the new generation of silent operation centrifuges which have been specifically designed for the sustainable urban operation.
In this article, we will examine the way noise reduction is achieved, the related cost effectiveness of that technology and the results which Shenzhou Machinery has thus far achieved in establishing this industrial change.

Noise pollution is not only a pest, it has serious detriments to human health and regulatory compliance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found noise which is present for long periods above 85 dB can cause damage to the hearing system, stress in individuals, disorganization of sleep, etc. Many countries have had to adopt stricter industrial noise regulations:
● European Union: Directive 2000/14/EC sets noise emission limits for outdoor equipment used by heavy machinery at 80-85 dB(A).
● China’s GB 12348-2008 standard limits industries in urban areas to 70 dB during the day and 55 dB at night time.
● In the US the OSHA standards require hearing protection for any workplace which exceeds 85 dB.
Recycling plants have usually been situated near residential or commercial zones and so are under considerable pressure to comply with the regulatory standards while maintaining production capacity. It is therefore no surprise that low noise decanter centrifuges have proved a good investment and a necessity rather than a luxury.
A decanter centrifuge separates solids from liquids using high rotational speed. In traditional systems, several factors contribute to excessive sound:
1. Rotational Imbalance – High G-force spinning (up to 3,000–5,000 rpm) creates vibration and mechanical resonance.
2. Motor and Gearbox Noise – Electric drives and transmission systems produce continuous hum and vibration.
3. Air Turbulence – Fast rotation within an unsealed casing generates air flow noise.
4. Structural Resonance – Poor mounting or lack of damping materials amplifies sound waves.
These combined effects often push older centrifuges to 90–100 dB, breaching industrial noise standards.
Leading manufacturers such as Shenzhou Machinery have included a variety of noise abatement technologies in their separator design to solve the individual noise problems. Among the significant advances are:
Modern separators now operate acoustically insulated covers of composite panel construction, providing noise reduction on sound emissions as much as 25 dB. These enclosures use vibration-absorbent materials such as polyurethane foams and multilayer steel sections for their design.
The rotating assembly is balanced by computer control, providing perfect balance of the rotor. Noise emitted in the form of vibration can be reduced by separation systems of Shenzhou Machinery to vibration amplitudes as low as 2.5 mm/s RMS. Shenzhou Systems are capable of operation in accordance with the requirements of ISO 10816 for low vibration emissions.
Mechanical noise due to increased levels of belt drive are being replaced by variable speed drives (VFD) and drive onto the motors used, providing a diminished noise level in the mechanical component of about 30%. Also there is an increased energy efficiency over the other systems used.
Novel arrangements of the design of rotors provide lower drag forces due to less air turbulence within the rotor housing, minimizing aerodynamic noise levels, this is of particular importance in continuously operating recycling lines.

Data from industrial case studies show clear economic and operational advantages from adopting silent centrifuge systems:
Parameter | Traditional Centrifuge | Low Noise Centrifuge (Shenzhou) | Improvement |
Average Noise Level | 95 dB | 70–75 dB | ↓ 20–25 dB |
Maintenance Frequency | Every 4–6 months | Every 8–10 months | ↓ 40% |
Energy Efficiency | Baseline | +15% (due to direct drive & VFD) | ↑ 15% |
Worker Productivity | Moderate | Moderate +12% (due to reduced fatigue)
| ↑ 12% |
Reducing noise by 20 dB not only ensures compliance but also translates into lower operational costs. According to an IEA industrial efficiency report (2023), facilities with noise-controlled equipment see 10–15% lower staff turnover and 20% fewer occupational health claims.

While low-noise centrifuges typically require 10–20% higher upfront investment, their payback period averages just 2–3 years due to energy savings, maintenance reduction, and regulatory compliance benefits.
Example ROI calculation for a mid-size recycling facility:
1. Equipment investment: £180,000
2. Energy savings: £9,000/year
3. Maintenance cost reduction: £5,000/year
4. Avoided noise control fines and enclosure retrofits: £6,000/year
5. Improved worker efficiency and retention: £4,000/year
6. → Estimated annual savings: £24,000
7. Payback period: 180,000 ÷ 24,000 ≈ 2.5 years
This analysis shows why silent centrifuge technology is both an environmental and financial investment.
In 2024, a municipal recycling plant in Suzhou, China, installed Shenzhou Machinery's low-noise decanter centrifuge line to replace outdated models producing 95–98 dB.
Results after six months:
1. Average sound level reduced to 72 dB (−25 dB).
2. Energy consumption dropped by 13% due to the VFD-controlled drive system.
3. Productivity increased by 10% thanks to stable, low-vibration operation.
4. The plant achieved full compliance with GB 12348-2008 Class II noise standards for urban zones.
Such implementations highlight how adopting the right centrifuge solution directly supports urban environmental goals.

Since 1980, Shenzhou Machinery has been at the forefront of industrial centrifuge innovation, with expertise spanning filtration, separation, and decanter design.
Their low noise decanter centrifuges combine decades of mechanical experience with digital control systems, ensuring both silent and efficient operation.
Key Advantages:
1. Noise Level: 70–75 dB certified under ISO 3744 acoustic testing.
2. Precision Balancing: Rotor imbalance below 0.8 g·mm/kg ensures stable rotation.
3. Durable Materials: Duplex stainless steel and wear-resistant coatings extend life span by 30%.
4. Smart Monitoring: PLC systems automatically adjust torque and speed to prevent vibration peaks.
5. Custom Design: Solutions tailored for recycling plants, food processing, wastewater treatment, and chemical industries.
By investing in Shenzhou's centrifuge systems, recycling facilities not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a long-term operational advantage.
The move toward quieter centrifuge operations aligns with the global trend toward smart, sustainable urban infrastructure.
By 2030, the industrial centrifuge market is projected to reach US$12.5 billion (MarketsandMarkets, 2025), with noise-reduction and automation being key differentiators in procurement decisions.
As recycling centres become more automated and integrated into city ecosystems, silent centrifuges will shift from being a "premium option" to an industry standard.
Facilities that adopt these technologies early, especially from experienced suppliers like Shenzhou Machinery, will gain both regulatory compliance and reputational advantage.
Silent operation centrifuges represent a major step forward in reconciling industrial efficiency with urban sustainability. Through acoustic insulation, vibration control, and energy-efficient design, modern low noise decanter centrifuges allow recycling plants to meet strict sound limits without compromising performance.
For facility managers and investors focused on long-term ROI, Shenzhou Machinery offers a proven, cost-effective pathway toward quiet, compliant, and efficient recycling operations.
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