Buy Quiet specification not met
This pair of water pumps generated 95 – 99 dB(A) -which exceeded the noise level specified in the Buy Quiet procurement contract. The two contractors involved both blamed the other for the high level of noise, leading to a prolonged dispute over responsibilities and payment.
Conventional noise control measures
Various acoustic barriers and partial enclosures were being considered – at high cost and with considerable access and maintenance issues, not to mention the hassle involved.
Accurate noise source diagnosis
We requested a couple of smartphone video clips of the units. Our detailed analysis of the soundtracks revealed the dominant noise to be a 100Hz mains frequency toothcomb.
Consequently, we could determine that the problem was caused by electromagnetic vibration radiated as noise by the thin steel access panels.
Simple, low-cost engineering solution
We provided details of the high performance retrofit constrained layer damping that could be applied to achieve the required noise reduction plus laminated close shields. These provided a 12dB(A) noise reduction with no effect on access, operation or maintenance – and at a tiny fraction of the previously proposed costs.
This is an example of the efficacy of accurate diagnosis coupled with good engineering and knowledge of materials. More information is available on the Sound Damped Steel installer website here.
