Workshop on industrial noise

Abstract

Noise control in the design stage is more effective and less costly than retrofitting; but it is very important to know what to do. An understanding of noise generation is essential in order to control noise in the design state. There was much discussion regarding the general inadequacy of the performance specifications as a guaranteed route for obtaining quiet industrial facilities. Performance specifications lack a fundamental base of technology of noise control. To date, performance specifications simply do not work. Some very interesting case histories on noise reduction in industrial plants are described. Generally, the method consisted of enclosing either the noisy machine or the receiver. There are real problems in trying not to compromise either the operation or the safety of the operator when using enclosures. Although there are dangers from holes in enclosures, this is not necessarily a problem. The hole in the enclosure can be treated like a silencer in many clever ways - you can make penetrations in enclosures and still have the enclosures almost as effective as with no holes. You have to get things in and out of enclosures and holes are not necessarily a bugaboo. There is a great deal of technology available now. However, implementation of available technology is a problem, such as making the knowledge known. Until you can get available technology and techniques conveyed to people who are in the position to use it, there will be little progress. In other words, education is one of the first steps.