Saturday, December 14, 2013

Some Basics Related To Industrial Noise Control

By Eugenia Dickerson


Excessive noise in the work place is a common problem that is not just a bother but a health hazard as well. Noisy equipment in the workplace includes vacuum pumps, blowers, compressors, stamping presses and air handling equipment. There are a number of options of industrial noise control that are currently available for use. The choice of method is dependent on the amount of masking that is desired. It is common for two or three of these methods to be used in combination.

Sound blankets or sound curtains are some of the most popular choice of masking these environments. The blankets are fitted in the affected areas. They may be affixed onto the walls or the ceilings. They can alternatively be used to wrap equipment such as compressors, pumps and other heavy equipment. They have the main advantage of being effective and easy to use

Sound enclosure has been established to be one of the most effective methods of bringing unwanted noise under control. Enclosure is done using several steel panels. These panels are fitted in a manner that permits access to the environment by the worker possible. They also make it possible for fitting of ventilation. The floor is usually left free for other uses. It is possible to request for customised designs from most designers.

Sound barrier walls can be fitted both indoors and outdoors. They are recommended for structures in which using a roofed sound proof system would be impractical or impossible. Materials used are mainly made of steel and include both panels and sheets. Another option that is available is possible for structures that will not allow the use of enclosures is a baffle. Baffles are usually mounted to a ceiling of the affected room and greatly enhance absorption. They are typically used alongside other equipment.

Different designs of silencers are currently available. These are also termed attenuators or mufflers. They are used to control noisy environments related to airflow. Mufflers are mounted into the ductwork or onto the equipment. Composite foam is used in more or less the same way. The foam is fitted inside the cabinets of machines. Both silencers and mufflers are very easy to use.

There are many other solutions that are available. At times, one simply needs to do a bit of improvisation. A procedure known as duct lagging is a simple technique in which noisy pipes and ducts are wrapped in composite materials. The wrapping helps control sound transmission through the walls of the pipes.

The alternative to modification of equipment and structures is the creation of a quiet room. The quiet room or test enclosure is an important requirement of quality control departments. It helps keep the room free from noise pollution even when no other measures have been undertaken.

Noise pollution causes great discomfort in the work place. It also poses a huge health risk to the people who work in such environments. The affected persons need to have proper protective gear to minimize the risk of suffering from hearing impairment. At the same time, they need to undergo regular medical check-ups to ensure that they are not affected. Measures that have been put in place for industrial noise control should be checked regular to ensure that they are always in a good state.




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