Anti-Vibration Mounts for Pumps: The Secret to Quieter, Longer-Lasting Operations

Pumps are mechanical devices that are used to move fluids and are often utilized in different industries such as building, agriculture and manufacturing.

Vibration is everywhere in the world of machinery but excessive vibration does not just create noise; it accelerates wear, damages surrounding equipment, and shortens system lifespan. Considering this, vibration mounts are installed to absorb and isolate the vibration energy generated by the equipment.

Anti-Vibration Mounts

Anti-vibration mounts are engineered elastomers, which are mostly rubber-based and can be bonded into metal plates or studs, designed to be placed between a machine and its support surface. This serves as a cushion that absorbs the vibration energy before it travels into the surrounding structures. This isolation reduces the transmitted vibration, lowers noise, reduces structural stress and provides smoother operations.

Controlling Vibration in Pumps

All pumps tend to vibrate at some extent however, if vibration is too high or uncontrolled, it may impact a pump’s performance and lifespan causing mechanical damage, reduced efficiency and reliability and may compromise structural systems.

A good way to visualize an anti-vibration mount is like a mechanical “filter” for vibration. Instead of a rigid attachment that passes every bump straight through, the mount compresses and flexes. That flexibility allows it to:

• Absorb shock and vibration energy, converting it into heat within the rubber.
• Interrupt transmission paths, so less vibration reaches the floor or supporting structure.
• Reduce noise, not just vibration - a side benefit that makes workplaces more comfortable.

Just like car suspension reduces jolts from a bumpy road, anti-vibration mounts cushion machinery movement at the source.

Types of Rubber Anti-Vibration Mounts

Choosing the right mount depends on load, application, and operating conditions. Here are the most common types used for pumps:

Rubber Vibration Mounts

These are also known as Bobbin Mounts and are widely used for light to medium duty pumps. They provide good isolation vibration while maintaining stability and are easy to install in compact spaces.

Vibration Isolators

There are two types of isolators - the active, which reduces noise transmitted outwards from the machine and the passive, which reduce the vibration travelling to the machine from an external source.

Conical Mounts

These are also called rubber cone mounts and are suited for compression and shear loading. Designed for mobile applications for automotive, commercial vehicle and marine industries.

Machine Feet

Machine feet reduce vibration and absorb shock loads, with rebound control and multiple rubber hardness options to suit different applications. They’re widely used in renewable energy, power generation, and marine, engine, and generator mountings.

Choosing the Right Anti-vibration Mounts for Pumps

Not all anti-vibration mounts are created equally. Selecting the wrong type can actually increase vibration or lead to premature wear. Choosing the right anti-vibration mount depends on matching the load and static deflection to ensure proper isolation, selecting mounts tuned to the machine’s operating frequency, and picking the right material for durability. The mount type and environmental conditions - such as heat, moisture, oil, and chemical exposure - also play a key role in long-term performance and reliability.

Why Vibration Isolation Should Be a Standard Practice

Vibration isolation is no longer a “nice-to-have” add-on - it’s a best practice for modern industrial and commercial systems. As facilities aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life, installing anti-vibration mounts for pumps and electric motors becomes a simple yet high-impact upgrade.

By addressing vibration at the source, organizations can protect their investments, improve workplace conditions, and maintain smoother, more reliable operations. Whether you’re installing new equipment or upgrading existing systems, vibration isolation should be part of your long-term maintenance and performance strategy.