Noise control evaluation for control rooms and crew quarters on off-shore platforms

Abstract

Noise sources on off-shore drilling and production platforms are similar to those found on-shore; i.e., engines, turbines, generators, gear boxes, pumps, compressors, etc. The major difference is they are located on a steel structure that transmits noise and vibration energy very efficiently. For those that live aboard, for a crew shift of as much as 3 weeks, their exposure time may not be limited to the 12-h daily work shift. Thus areas like control rooms, laboratories, bunk houses, dining, and recreation rooms should have lower noise levels, be located away from noise sources, and/or isolated from structureborne and airborne noise. This requires a different criteria and design approach. The criteria for this type of noise control problem is related to the speech interference and sleep interruption. Two case histories will be discussed that illustrate the scope of the problem, practical noise control solutions, and results. These include: (1) a semisubmersible combination drilling and production platform located in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) smaller fixed leg flow station platforms off Indonesia.