Reverberation and noise propagation measurements in a power plant

Abstract

The acoustical characteristics of empty spaces are relatively well known. An understanding of room acoustics is important both for designing spaces and for controlling noise from equipment in enclosed spaces. Power plants and similar industrial plants pose a challenge because their spaces are not only very large, but also “full” of equipment. These spaces contain a high concentration of rotating equipment, piping, structural steel, cable trays, gratings, and tanks. Measurements of reverberation time and noise propagation were made in a power plant. The equipment in these spaces changes the acoustical characteristics of the spaces. These measurements show that sound absorption properties of the spaces are greater than are expected from published sound absorption data and theories of room acoustics. Implications of the results for noise control of power and other industrial plants are discussed.