Effective acoustical
design in the Industrial, OEM, HVAC, Architectural and Environmental
markets relates to the simple Source/Path/Receiver model. In most
cases the simple model is more complex as there are multiple sources
generating the noise, multiple transmission paths and multiple receivers
or receiver areas that are targeted for noise control. Furthermore,
the source can be airborne and/or structure-borne and the transmission
path can be direct and/or indirect (reflected). Each of these areas
in the noise control model need to be evaluated to determine where
the simplest most cost-effective treatment can be applied while meeting
all of the project requirements. Important factors in addition to
the overall acoustic performance include cost, safety, accessibility,
visual access, ease of installation, useful life, aesthetics and minimizing
the disruption of daily operation of the process, system or equipment.
The sketches
and descriptions on the next page will illustrate in more detail
the most basic treatment strategies using engineering controls. |
|
Please note that
prior to implementing noise control treatments, mechanical equipment
should be checked for proper installation, balancing and routine maintenance.
Poorly maintained equipment will generate higher noise levels.
Proper selection
and sizing of equipment or modifications to the operating speeds
should also be reviewed prior to instituting engineering controls.
Slower operating speeds will generally result in lower noise levels.
In end user
applications, administrative controls can reduce employee/receiver
noise dose/exposure. This is done by limiting the daily duration
of operation for noisy equipment or time shifting employees to bring
down the overall time weighted average.
|