United States

ROSS 55 Series Pneumatic Silencers Installation Instructions

Overview

The ROSS Controls 55 Series Silencers (mufflers) are precision-engineered pneumatic noise control solutions designed for use on valve exhausts, cylinders, and pneumatic tools. When installed on valve exhaust ports, 55 Series Silencers reduce impact exhaust noise by 20 to 25 dB, depending on valve size and load volume, while producing minimal back pressure to avoid affecting valve timing or performance.

Built with an aluminum body and brass mesh filter element, the 55 Series Silencer features a canister design that breaks up the direct exhaust blast and traps debris, protecting workers from injury from high-velocity exhaust streams while reducing hearing hazard noise levels. The unit is cleanable — no replacement filter elements are required — making it a low-cost, long-life maintenance solution.

ROSS 55 Series Silencers are designed with a solid integrated threaded inlet that fits directly into the standard exhaust port of ROSS and other pneumatic valves. They are compatible with all standard ROSS valve series including DM, M35, RSe, MDC, SERPAR®, CrossFlow®, and W Series valves. ROSS Controls has been manufacturing pneumatic accessories since 1921. Contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

20–25 dB Impact Noise Reduction

The 55 Series Silencer achieves 20 to 25 dB reduction in exhaust impact noise (re 0.0002 microbar attenuation) depending on valve size and load volume. This significant noise reduction helps meet workplace occupational noise exposure requirements and protects worker hearing in industrial environments where pneumatic valves operate continuously.

Brass Mesh Filter Element with Minimal Back Pressure

The 55 Series uses a brass mesh screen and canister design that simultaneously reduces noise and traps exhaust debris. The mesh size and layer count are engineered to maximize exhaust flow capacity with minimum back pressure build-up, ensuring that valve operation timing and performance are not adversely affected by the silencer installation.

Cleanable, Reusable Design — No Replacement Elements

Unlike disposable silencers, the ROSS 55 Series is fully cleanable. To service, simply disassemble the unit, soak it in a common cleaning solvent, then brush or wipe away residue. No replacement filter elements are required. This low-cost maintenance approach maximizes service life and minimizes downtime, making the 55 Series the most economical long-term exhaust noise solution.

Technical Specifications

  • Body Material: Aluminum with shell
  • Filter Element: Brass mesh
  • Ambient/Media Temperature: -40° to +176°F (-40° to +80°C)
  • Air Supply Note: Must be dry enough to avoid ice formation at temperatures below +35°F (+2°C)
  • Flow Media: Compressed filtered air (lubricated and non-lubricated), inert gases
  • Operating Pressure: 0 to 290 psig (0 to 20 bar) maximum
  • Noise Reduction: 20–25 dB impact noise reduction (valve-size and load-volume dependent)
  • Mounting: Directly in exhaust port (solid integrated threaded inlet)
  • Maintenance: Cleanable — no replacement elements required
  • Back Pressure: Minimal — designed for maximum exhaust capacity

Applications

Pneumatic Valve Exhaust Noise Control

The 55 Series Silencer is used on the exhaust ports of pneumatic valves, cylinders, and tools wherever exhaust noise creates occupational hazard or workplace nuisance. Applications include manufacturing automation cells, stamping and press operations, robotic cells, assembly lines, and any industrial pneumatic system where exhaust noise must be reduced to meet OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, or other regulatory noise exposure limits.

Worker Protection and Safety Compliance

By reducing exhaust blast noise and trapping expelled debris, the 55 Series Silencer protects workers from two exhaust-related hazards: noise-induced hearing loss and physical injury from high-velocity air streams or debris. The 20–25 dB noise reduction is particularly valuable in high-cycle applications where cumulative noise exposure is a concern.

Safety and Compliance Standards

  • OSHA 1910.147 and EN 1037 — Energy isolation requirements (referenced in installation precautions)
  • OSHA noise exposure standards — 20–25 dB reduction assists compliance with permissible noise levels
  • ROSS warranty: One year from date of purchase (FRLs are warranted for seven years)
  • Silencers must have flow capacities at least as great as valve exhaust capacities
  • Contaminated silencers must be replaced or cleaned to prevent reduced flow and increased back pressure
  • Do not use wrong type, wrong size, or inadequately maintained silencer with ROSS products

Installation and Setup Guide

Pre-Installation Safety Precautions

Before installing or servicing a valve silencer: (1) Turn off and lock out all energy sources per OSHA 1910.147 and EN 1037. (2) Exhaust all pneumatic pressure from the system. (3) Only qualified persons with pneumatic equipment experience should install pneumatic silencers.

Silencer Installation

Turn off the electrical supply to the valve. Shut off and exhaust the air supply. The 55 Series Silencer features a solid integrated threaded inlet that screws directly into the valve exhaust port. Thread the silencer into the exhaust port — ensure the silencer is not subjected to any mechanical tension during installation. Make sure the silencer does not restrict airflow.

Silencer Maintenance and Cleaning

To clean the 55 Series Silencer: disassemble the unit, soak in a common cleaning solvent, then brush or wipe away residue. Reassemble and reinstall. Inspect the silencer regularly for contamination — a clogged silencer increases back pressure, which can affect valve timing and performance. If contamination is severe, clean or replace the silencer immediately. ROSS expressly disclaims all warranties for unsatisfactory performance caused by wrong type, wrong size, or inadequately maintained silencers.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls has been manufacturing quality pneumatic accessories including silencers for over 100 years. The 55 Series Silencer is engineered to ROSS's exacting standards for flow capacity, noise reduction, and durability. Factory-installed on many ROSS double valves and available as a separate accessory, the 55 Series is the recommended choice for any ROSS pneumatic valve exhaust application. Contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com.

Download This Document

The official ROSS 55 Series Silencers Installation Instructions (document SS055) provides complete product information, installation guidance, maintenance procedures, and warranty information.

Download PDF: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/106/ROSS_55_Series_Silencers_Installation_Instruction.pdf

Related Products and Resources

  • DM2® Series C Double Valves — Factory-equipped with ROSS silencers (doc 73)
  • DM2® Series D Press Double Valves — Factory-equipped with ROSS silencers (doc 80)
  • SERPAR® 35 Series Double Valves — Compatible with ROSS silencers (doc 81)
  • M35 Series Safety Exhaust Valves — Compatible with ROSS silencers (doc 74)
  • ROSS FRL Products — Filters, Regulators, Lubricators for system air preparation
  • L-O-X® Lockout Valves — Pneumatic energy isolation for LOTO compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much noise reduction does the ROSS 55 Series Silencer provide?

A: The ROSS 55 Series Silencer reduces exhaust impact noise by 20 to 25 dB (re 0.0002 microbar), depending on valve size and load volume. This is a significant reduction that assists compliance with workplace noise exposure standards.

Q: What is the maximum operating pressure for the 55 Series Silencer?

A: The 55 Series Silencer is rated for 0 to 290 psig (0 to 20 bar) maximum operating pressure.

Q: What flow media can the 55 Series Silencer be used with?

A: The 55 Series is compatible with compressed filtered air (lubricated and non-lubricated) and inert gases.

Q: Does the 55 Series Silencer need filter element replacements?

A: No. The 55 Series Silencer is a cleanable unit — no replacement filter elements are required. Simply soak in cleaning solvent, brush away residue, and reassemble. This makes it a low-cost, long-service-life solution.

Q: At what temperature can the 55 Series Silencer be used?

A: The 55 Series operates at ambient/media temperatures from -40° to +176°F (-40° to +80°C). Air supply must be dry enough to prevent ice formation at temperatures below +35°F (+2°C).

Q: What materials are used in the 55 Series Silencer construction?

A: The 55 Series Silencer body is aluminum with a shell, and the filter element is brass mesh — materials selected for corrosion resistance, flow capacity, and durability in industrial pneumatic environments.

Q: Can a clogged silencer affect valve performance?

A: Yes. A clogged silencer increases back pressure in the exhaust port, which can adversely affect valve timing and cause erratic operation. Silencers must have flow capacities at least as great as the valve exhaust capacities. Regular inspection and cleaning are required.

Q: What is the ROSS warranty on the 55 Series Silencer?

A: ROSS products including silencers are warranted for one year from date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship. FRLs (Filters, Regulators, Lubricators) carry a seven-year warranty. Warranty is void if the product has been subject to misuse, modification, or tampering.