The modeling and calculation of sound radiation from facilities with gas flowed pipes

Abstract

Computer modeling of industrial facilities like chemical plants, refineries, or other production areas is the first and most important step in the calculation of sound exposure in the environment. The pipework with gas flows is often contributing relevant to the sound radiation of the complete facility. This radiation can be determined applying the methods described in technical papers like VDI 3733 and ISO 15664. On the basis of these descriptions a software tool was developed that allows to create pipework in 3D models with line sources and to calculate the sound propagation with methods like ISO 9613-2. The line sources are linked with the technical parameters like pipe cross section, flow rate, pressure, density, and temperature of the gas and material parameters of the pipe wall. The sound power emission from the pipe to the environment and the internal flow of sound power—linked to the next section of piping—is calculated on the basis of these parameters. The same technique is used to calculate the sound emission of cooling towers, electric and fuel driven motors, gears pumps, and other devices. This powerful technique allows creating sustainable models that can be adapted to different operation conditions with minimum time and effort.