Noise Control Treatment Strategies Fundamentals Of Noise Control
Problem Solving
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.
Source/Path/Receiver Model
The sketches and descriptions below illustrate in more detail the most basic treatment
strategies using engineering controls. "Typical" noise reductions associated with each strategy
are listed below.
SOURCE
CONTROL | DIRECT PATH
CONTROL | INDIRECT PATH
CONTROL | RECEIVER
CONTROL |
6 to 8 dB |
10 to 25 dB & up |
4 to 6 dB |
10 to 25 dB & up |
|