How to Control the Industrial Noise Levels

Not sure what are the ways to soundproof industrial spaces? The experts at Noise Stop Systems are sharing with us some of their best advice on the subject.

1. Understand the Source

There are three sources of excessive noise in industrial settings:

- Reverberant noise (when it is reflected from surfaces like machinery, walls, ceiling, floor)

- Air-Borne noise (when propagation happens through air), and

- Structural-Borne noise (when propagation happens through the construction).

These are mediums that amplify the original noise created by pneumatictools, compressors, exhaust fans, generators and any other machine used in such settings. Understanding which is the medium that facilitates noise propagation can help you identify what type of soundproofing product you need.

For example, structural-borne noise can be reduced with sound absorption panels for walls and ceiling or a floating floor, depending on the way sound propagates through the building.

2. Enclose the Machines That Produce Most Noise

Isolating the primary source of noise is another way to increase theauditive comfort. Blankets like Barrier Shield soundproof the enclosure by reducing the vibration through the structure on which it's applied.

Enclosed areas are especially suited for large spaces, where the possibility for sound to be reflected or propagated through air is considerably higher. Not only the reverberant noise is decreased by splitting the total area into two spaces, but the original high-intensity noise gets isolated, as well.

3. Use Damping Pads or Sheets for Metallic Machines That Resonate

For some machines, it's not the actual noiselevel that's disturbing, but that they resonate and amplify the sound. To prevent that from happening, you can attach acoustic foam or insulation to the walls in the nearest vicinity, and install cup mounts on the legs. The sound damping foam will prevent the sound from reflecting, while the cup mounts absorb parts of the vibration, so the sound will be emitted on a lower intensity than it normally would.

Just How Important Is Soundproofing in Industrial Settings?

In U.K. only, there are over 17,000 people suffer from deafness and other hearing conditions due to prolonged exposure to excessive noise at work. Moreover, noise pollution also impacts the behaviour of those affected, leading to stress, hypertension and insomnia. If we were to consider the cases that were not reported, the number would be even higher.

Needless to say, the effects of these conditions that workers develop are reflected on the quality of their work, entertaining a never-ending loop of low efficiency.

Article kindly provided by noisestopsystems.co.uk