jeudi 30 janvier 2014

Alternative Drilling Noise Control Techniques

By Nelda Powers


Drilling noise control is important for all industries especially the in the building and construction, oil, gas and water exploration sectors. It is important to ensure that both employees and the community around are shielded from excessive noises emanating from the work equipment. There are various control techniques that can be employed such as vibration isolation, sound absorbing wall panels, sound abatement and air silencers among others.

Human hearing is known to be great such that noise-levels cannot be accurately represented on a scale that is linear. To counter this, a logarithmic unit is used commonly known as the decibel. Sound intensity and ones length of exposure determines the risk that a persons hearing may be damaged. Sound energy received is the core determinant of damage.

Surveys can be used to determine potential hazards at the work place. Most industries that are ISO certified have to comply with the standards set to act as benchmarks. As per matters relating to noise, there is an acceptable sound level. Preliminary surveys should single out work places that have exceeded the acceptable sound level. A detailed survey identifies the sources of excess sound energy, quantifies their level and comes up with pragmatic solutions on ways of reducing the noises.

Areas relating to administration, hearing protection and engineering are where most controls are pegged. Before embarking on any noise-control techniques, one needs to gain an understanding on the basic principles. These principles include the sources, transmissions and receptions. There can be various pathways as well as receptors.

Sound energy from two or more sources is usually higher by 3 dB. To cut down on the sound energy produced, it is advised that if possible, the sound sources should be separated. Sound energy that penetrates through a body or object can be reduced through sound insulation. Insulating is most effective if a wall or partition is used. Many music recording studios have adopted this technique which has adopted the reflection principle.

Policies set by the company administration should help reduce the sound-levels. Sound policies such as the purchase of quiet equipment can be very beneficial in solving this problem. This type of equipment is quickly gaining popularity around the world. Many manufacturers are now manufacturing and assembling such equipment as they are selling quickly and are more profitable. Routine maintenance of plant and job rotation can also help cut down on noise-levels.

Where it poses a challenge to reduce the noises from their source, one can use a simple enclosure which should be sealed. This can help reduce noises by 15 to 20 dB. Large and heavy machines should not be mounted near buildings. They should be mounted on foundations. Stable foundations are best and it is recommended that elastic separation such as rubber or springs made of steel be used.

There are various drilling noise control techniques related to drifters. If down the hole hammer machines are used, they should have hydraulic drive motors. Double glass insulation in rooms can also help reduce the sound energy levels.




About the Author: