SMC silencers & exhaust cleaners for high-performance pneumatic systems
SMC silencers and exhaust cleaners are engineered to optimise pneumatic installations by reducing noise, improving air quality and ensuring safe, efficient system performance. Designed for demanding industrial environments, each pneumatic silencer and exhaust cleaner delivers reliable operation with minimal maintenance.
Whether you need simple noise reduction on a valve exhaust port or clean, oil-mist-free air in a sensitive production area, SMC offers a solution for your pneumatic systems.
How do pneumatic silencers work?
When compressed air is released from a valve or actuator it exits at high velocity and creates sudden turbulence — the main source of exhaust noise. A pneumatic silencer — or compressed air silencer — directs this airflow through a porous material or engineered internal structure, slowing the air down and dispersing it evenly. This reduces the noise level significantly while maintaining stable system performance. In exhaust cleaners, this same airflow passes through filtration elements designed to capture oil mist and fine particles before the air is discharged.
Key features of SMC’s pneumatic silencers and air exhaust cleaners
- Effective noise reduction: Advanced porous materials and optimised internal geometry allow each silencer to significantly reduce exhaust noise from valves, cylinders and other pneumatic equipment. Across the range, SMC silencers typically achieve a noise reduction of 30-35 dB(A) (AN series), while exhaust cleaners such as the AMP series provide even higher attenuation, reaching 40 dB(A) or more thanks to their compact two-stage design
- Low back pressure for stable performance: Engineered for high flow with minimal restriction, each silencer maintains low back pressure, supporting stable pneumatic performance across a variety of applications
- Durable construction: Available options include flame-resistant resin bodies, sintered metal elements and impact-resistant housings for long service life even in demanding industrial environments
- High-efficiency filtration: Exhaust cleaners provide efficient removal of oil mist and contaminants, improving workplace cleanliness and environmental safety. The AMC series offers up to 99.9 % oil mist removal, while the AMP series delivers exhaust air cleanliness equivalent to Class 100 clean-room conditions
- Compact and easy to mount: A broad selection of sizes, thread types and one-touch options allows fast, flexible installation in both new and existing pneumatic systems.
Benefits of pneumatic silencers & exhaust cleaners for your plant and operators
- Quieter and safer work environments: A silencer reduces sound levels at the exhaust port, helping maintain compliance with workplace noise limits and improve operator comfort
- Cleaner exhaust air and reduced oil mist: Exhaust cleaners significantly reduce airborne oil particles and contaminants, ideal for sensitive manufacturing areas or operations requiring strict cleanliness
- Improved equipment reliability: Cleaner exhaust and stable airflow help protect downstream components from wear, extend service life and reduce unplanned downtime
- Reduced maintenance: Long-lasting elements and robust construction lower the need for frequent replacement or servicing
- Flexible installation: Compact footprints and a broad selection of models allow easy adaptation across many pneumatic applications.
Typical applications for compressed air silencers & exhaust air cleaners
- Industrial automation and machinery using pneumatic valves and actuators
- Production lines requiring noise reduction for safety and compliance
- Clean environments such as food, pharmaceutical and electronics manufacturing
- Systems where oil mist control is essential to maintain product quality
- General pneumatic exhaust management in factories, workshops and OEM equipment.
Need help choosing the right silencer or exhaust cleaner?
The best option will depend on your required noise level reduction, airflow, available space and environmental demands. SMC’s technical specialists can guide you in selecting the most suitable silencer or exhaust cleaner for your pneumatic system.
FAQs about pneumatic silencers & exhaust cleaners
What is a pneumatic silencer?
A pneumatic silencer is a small device fitted to a valve or cylinder exhaust port to reduce the noise created when compressed air is released. By slowing and diffusing the exhaust airflow, it helps lower sound levels without affecting the performance of the pneumatic system.
Why are silencers used in pneumatic systems?
Whenever compressed air escapes at high speed, it generates loud turbulence. Silencers reduce this noise to safer, more comfortable levels while allowing the system to maintain a normal operating speed. They help prevent unnecessary wear on components and support uninterrupted machine operation.
What is the difference between a silencer and an exhaust cleaner?
A silencer focuses mainly on noise reduction. An exhaust cleaner also removes oil mist and airborne particles from the exhaust air before release — ideal for clean areas, production quality control or compliance with environmental requirements.
Where are pneumatic silencers typically installed?
Silencers and exhaust cleaners are used on pneumatic valves, cylinders, manifolds, air motors and other components that release compressed air. They can be installed in individual devices or integrated into centralised exhaust systems.
Do silencers affect system performance or speed?
Modern pneumatic silencers are designed to minimise back pressure. When correctly selected, they reduce noise without negatively affecting actuator speed or response time.
