Case Study: Industrial silencers on plant noise abatement

Problem:

A wire manufacturer had to take action to reduce its noise levels at residences near the plant because of complaints made to the regulatory agency responsible regarding night-time plant noise.

As a result, the company had to carry out a noise assessment study to identify the problem noise sources and to determine the noise reductions needed to comply with environmental regulations.

The acoustical consulting company identified ten fans (mostly roof exhausters) that were responsible for the problem and the noise reductions required for each of them to satisfy the environmental regulations.

Solution:

dB Noise Reduction worked with the acoustical consultant to select the appropriate noise control retrofit solutions for each fan. Each of the design solutions included the consideration of structural constraints, wind loads and pressure drop limitations, as well as the primary noise reduction requirements.

The selected equipment included: three industrial grade rectangular fan silencers, three acoustical barrier systems, and five circular roof exhauster silencers with special load spreading structural stands. The noise reductions ranged from 12 dBA to 25 dBA, depending on the equipment.

Once these were approved by the company and the regulatory agency, dB Noise Reduction completed the designs, fabricated the equipment and installed it at the plant. The acoustical consultant then verified that the noise targets had been met and issued a report to the company and regulatory agency.

The dB Noise Reduction difference:

We understand the need for focussed, cost efficient retrofits on noise abatement projects. Projects must be carried out quickly, with an eye to economy and a minimum amount of paperwork. The dB Noise Reduction team was able to carry out this particular project over a twelve week period within very tight budgetary constraints.