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10 Steps to choose the right Soundproofing Materials

Soundproofing Materials: 10 Steps to choose the right one and how to test their effectiveness in the Industrial context.

 

Soundproofing refers to the processes involved in checking the sound from entering or leaving a specified area by absorbing and/ or mitigating the sound. Soundproofing mechanisms can be employed in a number of situations, some of which may include private homes, religious centers, offices, studios, and most especially industries notorious for sound pollution mostly attributed to the use of heavy-duty machinery.

Over the years, it has been discovered that noise pollution has the potential of causing damage to our health than we initially conceived. And as a result of these findings, employers of labor owe their employees good working conditions and a safe working environment, which typically involves a working area that dissipates noise levels below standardized noise thresholds. 

What’s more, it’s common knowledge that a noisy environment negatively affects concentration and attentiveness, and would drastically reduce productivity and the quality of service.

More negative effects

Noise pollution doesn’t stop there, it also targets the psychological health of its victims and can trigger health issues such as high blood pressure, hearing impairments, stress, and insomnia. In truth, the list is inexhaustible. 

Most industries the world over understand the importance of the health of employees, yet cannot afford to get rid of such heavy-duty machinery due to a lack of quieter alternatives. To solve this problem, it is best to lock in the noise that these machines produce by the installation of quality soundproofing materials.

 

Soundproofing Materials and How They Work

As was earlier stated, soundproofing simply refers to mitigating the noise within a certain area. This is achievable by installing certain materials (insulators) that trap sound and absorb them. 

There exist different types of soundproofing materials and you’d need to consider a lot of factors like the kind of building to be soundproofed and the intensity of noise to be absorbed among many other factors.

Here are a few soundproofing materials used in for industrial soundproofing applications:

 

  • Mineral Wool (Rockwool Rockboard)
  • Soundproof Fiberglass (Owens Corning 703)
  • Acoustic Fiberglass.
  • Acoustic Foam Panels.
  • Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Cotton.
  • Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels.
  • Fire Rated Foam. 

 

Ten Steps towards choosing the right soundproofing material

 

There are no wrong materials when it comes to soundproofing, it really just depends on what you aim to achieve. We have, however, come up with 10 guidelines to be followed when choosing soundproofing materials in order to get the best out of soundproofing.

 

 

 

  • The level/Source of Noise: The level of noise that is to be locked out or in, goes a long way in deciding the kind of materials to use. For minimal noise, soft, specially designed foams can help to absorb the noise, but for noise emanating from heavy-duty machinery, more advanced noise insulators may be adopted.

 

  • Propagation of Noise: Noise can either be airborne or structure-borne. To get the best materials for soundproofing, you would need to first determine how the noise travels from the original source to the receiver. This is because some insulators are suited for airborne noise transmission and may be quite ineffective for noise that is structured-based and vice versa.

 

  • What are these materials are made of: Some soundproofing materials are more eco-friendly than others, and should generally influence the choice of materials. Some others may include flammable agents which may not be suitable for certain applications.

 

  • Thermal Insulation: Some soundproofing materials carry with them some thermal insulation features, which helps to reduce heat also. It is advisable to get these types of soundproofing materials for cost-effectiveness and the added advantage, especially in an industrial setting.

 

  • Ease of Installation and Maintenance: When choosing soundproofing materials, it’s advisable that opt for the ones that are easier to install for time maximization. For example, when decoupling walls and ceilings to keep sound front traveling through them, it is best to make use of the resilient sound clips instead of resilient channels because they are easier to install.

 

  • Why are you soundproofing? In choosing the right materials, you must understand the purpose for which you are soundproofing in the first place. If the aim is to lock sound in, you should not consider soundproofing materials like the mass loaded vinyl which is specifically designed to keep sound out.

 

  • Additional soundproofing: If you are looking to cover the loopholes that may remain after general soundproofing, you should consider getting additional soundproofing such as the under door draft stopper as it seals the small gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, and ensures that there are no under-door spaces that could let noise penetrate or escape.

 

  • What parts of the area are most important? You should also determine what parts of the noise prone workspace you want to focus on when soundproofing, as this will help to decide the kind of materials to look out for. For example, the weather stripping can only be used to seal gaps around doors and windows, hence it should not be considered for soundproofing walls.

 

  • The best material wins: It is of paramount importance to purchase the best quality materials affordable. You can seek expert opinion in deciding what materials are of the best quality based on your proposed applications. Low-quality materials will only bring you discomfort in the long run and in some cases a potential industrial hazard.

 

  • Soundproofing windows: When soundproofing windows, the use of double-glazed windows may fail miserably to effectively mitigate noise pollution, hence, you may opt for thick glass as a more functional alternative. The thicker the glass, the better the results. 

 

How to Test the Effectiveness of Your Soundproofing Materials 

To ensure that you are purchasing the best and most effective soundproofing materials for your industry, it is best to run a series of tests. Here are some methods to employ in testing the effectiveness of soundproofing materials:

  • Making use of Impedance tools: The impedance tube is pretty much a tube with circular ends. There are different types based on size, shape, and material used in making it. This tube can be used in free field situations to test the transfer of sound in a bid to understand the specific soundproofing needs.

 

  • The impact insulation class: This is used to test sound-blocking floor soundproofing products. There are other products such as the impact insulation class that test other soundproofing efficiency of other parts of a workspace. 

 

  • If your industry related noise challenges require that you test how effective sound-blocking materials are for ceilings and walls, you may use the CAC and STC respectively.

 

  • For sound absorption material testing, the NRC is your best method. NRC is the comparing of different sound absorption levels through the use of speakers and microphones.

Stopson Italiana produces customized solutions according to the client’s needs. The main soundproofing solutions can be collected in 2 categories:

Silencers

Absorptive for cold and hot gases, reactive for engines or small boilers exhaust, combined absorptive and reactive for venting systems. Circular or rectangular shape, atmospheric or pressurized for any gas, temperature range 
, and applications providing sound attenuation up to 70 dB and reduce residual noise to a sustainable level.

→Read more

Enclosures and Barriers

Shaped around noisy equipment, indoor or outdoor, on-base or off-base, designed to provide optimum noise attenuation in any critical environment. Made of modular acoustic panels and linings for sound isolation while ensuring equipment maintenance, ventilation, weather protection, and fire safety.

→Read more

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Meet us in Paris at PowerGen Europe 2019

Stopson Italiana is ready to exhibit at one of the most renowned trade show in the energy sector, PowerGen Europe to be held in Paris, from 12 to 14 November.

 

With over 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing soundproofing solutions, Stopson Italiana has gained a worldwide reputation for innovation, efficiency, and long-lasting performance.

Our products are the barrier against noise for power plants all across the globe. This experience has given us an unparalleled knowledge of the needs within the power generation industry – from industrial and municipal plants to the largest utility installations.

Stopson Italiana can’t wait to cooperate with you in order to optimize the reduction of your noise level and create the ideal integrated solution for your needs.

We look forward to welcoming you to our booth at Power-Gen Europe 2019 in Paris.

 Visit us at PowerGen Europe, Paris – Booth M12E (Italian Pavilion)

➡ CLICK HERE
TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PASS!

 

European Utility Week and POWERGEN Europe combine to form THE end-to-end energy industry event, discussing the most actual and forward-looking industry challenges and opportunities around the transitioning generation mix, renewable integration, digitalization, energy markets, through to final consumption.

A fantastic business and networking opportunity, the event will showcase cutting-edge content in the form of a free Hub Session Programme and paid-for Summit Programme, and innovative technology solutions and services around storage, gas grid, power to X, lifecycle management, digitalization and more, that will help guide us as we pursue our industry goals of decarbonization targets set through to 2050

PowerGen Europe will take place in Paris (France), 12 – 14 November 2019, and Stopson Italiana will be exhibiting at Italian Pavilion – Booth M12e.

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Stopson Italiana exhibits at PowerGen Europe 2019 – Paris

With its know-how within the Power Generation sector and more than 50 years of activity in industrial soundproofing, Stopson Italiana will join PowerGen Europe 2019 in Paris.

 

Stopson Italiana will present the technological features of its soundproofing products, like Vent Silencers, Intake & Stack Silencers, Ventilation & Duct Silencers, Engine Exhaust Silencers, Acoustic Enclosures and many more, in Europe’s leading conference and exhibition for the European Power Generation industry.

For all those attending, Stopson Italiana will make available its know-how to support any necessity to develop new soundproofing and noise abatement solutions in the Power Generation Industry.

For 2019 edition at PowerGen Europe, renewable fuels, technologies, and integration together with Digitalization and Cybersecurity are recognized as the main topics. Summit and hub sessions will be available for progress and for a smarter energy future. The program forms the backbone of what has become the largest and most prestigious energy event in Europe.

  • Renewables is a lot more than wind and solar. We take a look at innovative biomass, biogas, waste to energy and anaerobic digestion projects and the future role of these energy sources. Under the microscope is the range of technologies that are facilitating the integration of conventional and renewable generation, including the various forms of energy storage, conversion to heat and cooling, demand-side response and incorporating plug-in electric vehicles operation into the grid.
  • Digitalization is affecting every aspect of the energy sector, however many of its most effective and measurable deployments are on conventional generation equipment. The program at POWERGEN Europe will highlight how to apply cutting-edge software to fine-tuned hardware, and also show how to make your business ready to adapt to the digital age, including the changes needed in an organization to make it cyber-secure.

POWERGEN Europe debuted in Paris in 1993 and over the next 25 years, established itself as the centrepoint for the power generation sector to present the latest solutions, meet, exchange ideas, share knowledge and address the key issues affecting the industry. The event has seen the launch of cutting edge technologies from the world’s leading power engineering innovators and has been the nexus for business deals and projects that have transformed the industry.

 Visit us at PowerGen Europe, Paris – Booth M12E (Italian Pavilion)

PowerGen Europe will welcome 18,000 industry experts, 800+ exhibitors, 500+ speakers, and 550+ utilities & grid operators in Paris. POWERGEN Europe and European Utility Week is the place where the entire community of smart utility professionals meets to seek out solutions, sign new partnerships and build on relationships that will affect business models for the better.

European Utility Week will co-locate with POWERGEN Europe in Paris, offering an end-to-end European energy experience for the whole energy supply chain, under one roof.

PowerGen Europe will take place in Paris (France), 12 – 14 November 2019, and Stopson Italiana will be exhibiting at Italian Pavilion – Booth M12e.

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Stopson Italiana supplied Pulse-Jet Filter houses and Soundproofing Equipment for Blower packages in Egypt

No. 2 Air Intake systems with self-cleaning filters, inlet silencers and ducts, acoustic enclosures, discharge silencers, including control system with related inlet silencers recently commissioned at the “Ain-Sokhna Phosphatic Fertilizer Complex” near the Red Sea.

 

The project – recently installed – entails the supply of several components joined together. The main item is represented by a system of n.2 auto-cleaning filters, designed taking into consideration the high presence of dust in the site. In addition to this, n.2 Duct silencers, n.2 Acoustic Enclosures, and n.4 Discharge Silencers complete the project.

These latter are the ideal solution for noise reduction caused by gas pulsation in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

The multidisciplinary nature of the project has been turned into a challenging research and design work, carried out successfully by the Stopson Italiana engineering team. Indeed each component has been customized in order to be assembled and working in non-ordinary climatic condition. It is also noteworthy that Stopson Italiana has been designed as responsible both for the release of the electro-instrumental parts and the control panels of the system.

The project – of which the installation is underway in these days – consists in the following units:

  • 2 Filter house pulse jet type for a flow of 172189 Nm3/h
  • 2 Inlet and Duct Silencer from filter house to blowers
  • 2 Acoustic Enclosure for blowers
  • 4 Exhaust Silencers on blowers discharge

The acoustic warranty covers 82 dbA SPL, at 1m from each unit supplied.

 

This Sulphuric Acid Plant is a part of a contract that represents half of the total Fertilizers Complex built at Ain Sokhna, which is the biggest complex ever built in the fertilizers sector in Egypt.

The project aims to cover the local market’s fertilizer needs and export surplus production. The cluster includes n.9 major factories with a production capacity of 1m tons/y of phosphate and compound fertilizers, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and pure and commercial phosphoric acid. The whole plant has been implemented by three companies specialized in building the largest phosphate fertilizer factories in the world using Italian, Spanish and Chinese technology.

With this recent achievement, Stopson Italiana re-confirm its capability to provide “one-stop-shop option” for complex equipment packages covering the entire range of product related to air inlet and filtration system, soundproofing solutions for either in duct and break-out noise and control system implementation.

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Stopson Italiana’s Enclosures soundproof the new Grastim trigeneration plant

4 Acoustic Enclosures installed to Ferentino energy plant (FR – Italy). A solution consisting of a 2.7 MW engine, a recovery boiler, and an absorption system.

Grastim chooses Stopson Italiana’s solutions for the soundproofing of the new Ferentino plant, owned by Froneri.
The joint venture between Nestlè and R&R has – in facts – allocated to the company specialized in efficiency for the industry, a considerable amount for the supply of the energy service within the European Gelato Motta pole.

The typology of the plant is “trigeneration”, a particular field of cogeneration systems. In addition to producing electricity, it allows the use of thermal energy recovered from the thermodynamic transformation, also to produce refrigerating energy, that is chilled water for air conditioning or for industrial processes, up to a temperature of -60 degrees.

The plant is equipped with a 2.7 MW motor, recovery boiler and an ammonia absorption plant. Thanks to it, Froneri will save significant annual energy cost, reducing CO2 emissions.

The installation – completed at the end of 2018 – concerns 4 enclosures with different applications:

  • N.1 Acoustic Enclosure for cogenerator
  • N.1 Acoustic Enclosure for air outlet and tank room
  • N.1 Acoustic Enclosure for air exhaust silencer
  • N.1 Insulated Enclosure for auxiliaries

 

With dimensions 13.3 x 3.1 x 3.5 m (Length x Width x Height), the main soundproof cabin is designed to be installed outside on a concrete floor. The structure is made of galvanized carbon steel sheet, containing a rock wool mat, and protected by an expanded galvanized carbon steel sheet.

The sound-absorbing material – in addition to having soundproofing characteristics – provides properties of rot-proofness, incombustibility and unalterability. The structure was designed by a team of structural engineers to withstand different weight levels and any seismic risks too.

The soundproof cabin guarantees a residual average sound pressure level in the free field of 65 dB(A), measured at 10 meters from the cabin and 1.5 meters from the floor.

 

Stopson Italiana has been present for decades in the world market of soundproofing as one of the leading producers of acoustic enclosure and control cabins.

The soundproofing solutions reduce noise pollution due to various sources, including the main turbines, auxiliary engines, internal combustion engines and generating sets, mobile power generators (mounted on trailers) for the production of electricity, cogeneration plants, natural gas compression units, starting and vacuum pumps, blowers, fans, mills, presses, vibrating devices, power transformers and boilers.

 

Stopson Italiana’s enclosures offer:

  • Noise reduction from 15dB (A) to 50dB (A) +
  • Vibration dampers, anti-shock systems with sound emission control settings
  • Combustion air intake unit with optional air filtration
  • Removal of exhaust gases from combustion engines
  • Internal / external applications
  • Natural, induced or forced ventilation system
  • Integrated lighting, fire protection systems, air conditioning
  • Modular solutions
  • Easy access for operation and maintenance with removable panels or sliding hoods
  • Installation service

 

⟶ For More Information about Enclosures and Barriers click  

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The Importance of Silencing Offshore Noise operations

How and why to consider Noise Reduction as essential on offshore platform operations. Risks, rules and due diligence for the welfare of Oil and Gas workers.

Health and safety are a crucial aspect of any offshore operation. Several companies across the Oil and Gas industries are highlighting the importance of preserving the better condition of their workers in the last decades.

One of the most challenging issues is – in facts – operating in such a hazardous environment within a noiseless condition.

As reported by Offshore Europe Journal “Offshore workers are daily exposed to helicopters, loud turbines, and several mechanical noises for an extended time. Despite strict rules imposing the use of hearing protection, noise is still inducing hearing loss. Only in the Norwegian Oil and Gas industry, 600 cases/year of hearing loss are reported.

Nevertheless, researchers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimate that over 30% of workers in the offshore sector are exposed to noise levels in excess of the action limit. This induces a forecast of 120 million people worldwide with disabling hearing difficulties. For example, new fields – often in deeper waters – are continually being discovered. These often require equipment operating at higher pressures and temperatures, creating even more difficult and noisy conditions in which to operate.

 

The Noise impact on Offshore workers

Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels has the potential to create a wide range of long term and often-irreversible health impacts. Beyond these: permanent hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbance, stress, brain impairment, and mental health issues.

The effects for business should also not be underestimated where the requirement to limit noise levels often leads to lower productivity levels, with a need for increased staffing or shorter hours of operation. At a time when the offshore Oil and Gas industry is seeking to access deeper complex fields, the challenges remain significant and the opportunities for improved occupational health of staff and overall business productivity greater.

 

How the Noise Regulation has changed

Regulatory changes are also helping the industry to make significant steps towards safer practices. The key pieces of legislation applicable to noise within offshore installations within the UK are the Control of Noise At Work Regulations 2005 implemented under EU Directive 2003/10/EC) and HSE publication OTR2001/068 which outlines technical recommendations for the way in which noise and vibration should be taken into account in the design of offshore platforms. Exposure limits within the Norwegian sector are in line with EU legislation and NORSOK S002 sets similar standards to OTR 2001/068 for living and working areas.

The Control of Noise – as reported on Work Regulations 2005 – reduced the upper and lower action levels by 5 dB from 90 and 85 dB (A) in the previous directive to 85 and 80 dB (A) and introduced a new exposure limit of 87 dB (A).

Equally fundamental, the latest regulations move away from a focus of earlier legislation on assessment, quantification of exposure levels and consequent hearing protection, to a philosophy of controlling noise at source wherever possible.

Within the offshore industry, the move to access deeper fields, coupled with the close proximity pumps, compressors, valves and pipes, and noisy hand tools on a space-constrained single platform, means that specific expertise is required to accurately diagnose and treat platform noise control issues.

 

Acoustic Enclosures in offshore applications

Due to the increasing demand for higher performance of machinery, offshore manufacturers always seek for packaged acoustic enclosure options to mitigate the noise risk and save space.

Stopson Italiana can rely on more than 50 years of experience with a number of solutions ranging from on-skid mounted acoustic enclosures, on-skid acoustic screening, and both skids mounted and deck mounted fully encompassing acoustic enclosures, designed to be accessible by personnel for equipment maintenance purposes.

In line with the specification, packaged enclosure options include hazardous area compliant ventilation systems and filtration, hazardous area lighting and emergency back-up lighting. The can be equipped with full electrical fit out and terminated at internally or externally mounted junction boxes, as well as fire and gas detection and suppression systems.

In certain applications, it is necessary to consider accidental loads in conjunction with environmental loads. In relation to the design of acoustic enclosures, the most critical accidental loads to be considered in most offshore applications are blast loads. Stopson Italiana can engineer manufacturing enclosures that are designed to meet the specification requirements for the most onerous of blast load incidents.

Beyond the noise pressure levels, these designs need to take into account the spatial limitations in terms of access from/to/around the rig.

With raised health and safety standards within the offshore industry, the requirement for Oil and Gas companies to be compliant to noise control solutions has never been more central. Moreover, a recently changed law which places more crucial emphasis on ensuring employee welfare, noise treatment need to be prioritized through the design and development of offshore suppliers.

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Enel Green Power soundproofs the Generation Group No. 3 of hydroelectric power plant in Bordogna with Stopson Italiana’s Acoustic Enclosures

Included in the supply are the ante-operam surveys, the design, the construction, the installation and the phonometric measurements of an acoustic booth, for the historic plant in Moio de Calvi, val Brembana.

 

The soundproofing intervention consisting of an acoustic enclosure for the Enel Green Power plant in Bordogna has recently been completed.

The acoustic cabin was designed to be installed inside the beautiful power plant built in 1932 which, exploiting a useful jump of 546.55 meters and a maximum derivable flow of 12 square meters/sec through two forced pipes that feed 3 hydraulic turbines Pelton is in able to provide efficient power of around 47,000 KW.

Acoustic Enclosure, Bordogna Hydroelectric Plant (Italy)

With a size of 11.6 x 11.1 x 3.8 m, the structure has been made accessible and completely removable by means of a bridge crane in its upper part, in order to facilitate the management of the turbine components.

The air outlet from the system has been designed using an electric fan, which, when coupled to a silencer, expels air outside the plant through an opening located on the central window.

The soundproof cabin was designed to guarantee an average residual sound pressure level of 78 dB (A), measured at 1 m from the cabin and 1.7 m from the floor.

Stopson Italiana acoustic enclosures are modeled around every type of noisy equipment, internal or external, on skid and on the ground. They are designed to provide excellent attenuation of sound emissions in any critical environment. The realization takes place in modular acoustic panels and coatings for noise insulation, guaranteeing at the same time the maintenance of the equipment, ventilation, weather protection and fire safety.

 

The typical applications of acoustic enclosures are:

  • Energy production systems, including gas turbine steam turbines, traditional and industrial recovery boilers, diesel generators;
  • Cogeneration plants (CHP);
  • Natural gas compression networks and facilities;
  • Manufacturing and process industry: for example the automotive industry, paper industries, printing houses, etc.

 

⟶ More information about Stopson Italiana Acoustic Enclosures here.

 

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Noise Reduction in Power Generation Plants

Power Generation Plant and Soundproofing – a brief introduction

Over the years, there has been a general increase in the use of power plants, from smaller generating plants owned by individuals to large industrial power generation plants. This increase may be attributed to the trends of development which seems to be taking over the global front currently.

With these changes with regards the need for more power, there is the prevailing issue of noise pollution by power generation plants which has been ever-present but is gradually becoming a point of concern for communities and individuals who suffer the effects of noise pollution, especially those emanating from the power generation plants.

While innovations such as industrial soundproofing and industrial silencers have played a role in curbing some of the issues associated with noise pollution from power generation plants, many other factors continue to serve as bottlenecks towards an effective campaign against noise pollution. Some of these factors include:

  • Lack of scalability of power plants
  • Insufficiencies in the design of power plants
  • Challenges with heat management in power plants due to soundproofing materials

 

Why Noise Reduction is important

Noise reduction in power plants is of utmost importance owing largely to the issues associated with persistent noise pollution, especially with regards health. Common noise sources include:

  • Compressors
  • Turbine
  • Fan Intake & Exhaust (PA, ID, FD fans)
  • Generators
  • Piping and ducts
  • Steam Exhaust
  • Motors
  • Centrifugal Blowers

 

Noise reduction in power plants is of grave importance as the employees are exposed to health issues which may not manifest immediately. Some of these issues include:

  • neurobehavioral change
  • psychological stress
  • unhappiness
  • reduced speech intelligibility,
  • permanent hearing loss

These factors may also affect those who may be directly affected by the noise from power generation plants.

 

When Noise reduction in the industry is crucial (limits and tolerance)

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA, the permissible thresholds or permissible exposure limit for noise exposure is set at 90Dba over the course of 8 hours.

To grasp a full understanding of what 90 Dba is, a whisper perhaps between two friends is approximately 30dBA. A regular conversation between two parties is set at approximately 60dBA while a mower operates at 80dBA.

Based on OSHA standards, a noise level increase of 5 Dba translates to an exposure period of half the time. This implies that a worker who is exposed to 95dBA should work for only four hours under such conditions.

Below is a table to ensure better understanding:

Source: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tf4173

 

 

How is this covered by international standards

A number of health and safety organizations around the world have set certain thresholds, mostly within the aforementioned ranges. Some of these organizations include the ISO, ANSI ad WHO to mention but a few.

 

Which solutions are implementable

Thanks to technological advancements, there are solutions to the menace of noise generation in energy plants. The most common of these solutions, especially for individuals and small-scale business owners are industrial silencers and industrial soundproofing. Some other solutions include:

Duct Silencers – These components offer an incredibly high level of sound reduction in airflow applications. It is mainly applied in stacks, larger ID fans, building ventilation and so many other applications.

Mufflers –While these share a similar concept to the duct silencers above, its mode of operation differs in that it ensures noise reduction in energy plants in that the mufflers are applied to motors or compressed air pipings within the system in a bid to eliminate exhaust noise. Some of the more common applications of mufflers include blowers, compressors and generators.

Acoustical Louvers – Due to the challenges associated with poor designs of some power generation plants and a resulting inability to inculcate a sound proofing system without risking rising temperatures, acoustical louvers provide sound reduction with little to minimal restriction of airflow within the power plants. For the most part, acoustical louvers are used in place of standard louvers for a high level of noise reduction while retaining the effective ventilation of their system.

Duct and Pipe Lagging – While this sounds pretty hands on, it is quite the process to go through with. it simply refers to eliminating breakout noise which is being generated from pipe and ductwork. Hence, the piping or ductwork is neatly wrapped with a barrier absorber composite to keep noise within safe thresholds.

Sound Enclosures – Sound enclosures are arguably the most effective solutions noise control in power generating plants, especially amongst newer designs. With sound enclosures, the power generating plant is simply enclosed, while access for heat dissipation as well as maintenance are made readily available. Sound enclosures are particularly effective in Enclose blowers, pumps, fans or other equipment generating high noise levels.,

Absorptive Panels – Absorption panels serve as an active form of noise reduction in Energy plants. In most cases, these panels are available as an additional feature to generating sets, especially industrial based sets. To large extents, it significantly reduces noise levels in areas of application. It is normally installed to either side of the wall of the generating power plant in a bid to mitigate the noise effects from the power plant.

All in all, the need to match up with the world’s seemingly unchecked noise generation levels in light of increasing power generation cannot be understated. Hence the need for all hands to be on deck in an effort to ensure that noise reduction, particularly in energy plants becomes a reality that everyone embraces.

 

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Blow-Off and Steam Vent Silencers successfully installed in re-converted Paper Mill in Northern Italy

Stopson Italiana’s solutions soundproof the restored historical newsprint mill in Mantua.

Beyond Power Generation and Oil and Gas, Stopson Italiana’s soundproofing solutions embrace the manufacturing sector as a whole.
One of the last relevant projects concerns the soundproofing of the recently converted paper mill in Mantua, Lombardy, performed with two types of silencers for different services: Blow-Off and Steam Vent.

The Blow-Off type is a typical expansion and absorption silencer, which is used before the system’s enactment.
The principal use is to clean the pipes, removing any solid bodies and residual debris after erection and installation. The expander has an horizontal configuration, located laterally to the body of the silencer, is built with higher thicknesses and usually three metal layers. It consists of a pipe with a closed end with a certain number of large holes to allow proper expansion of the fluid and any debris passing through the holes with no damages at the same time.

The silencer – which has a size of Ø 2500 mm x H 7000 mm – has been conceived to achieve a sound pressure level of 100 dB (A) at 20m, which is more challenging than the ordinary soundproofing capacity for this type of silencers.
Discharge conditions: maximum flow rate 135 T / h at 330° C

Due to its capabilities, the typical applications regard the pipes blowing and cleaning processes, as well as the resistance to huge water flows.

The second silencer – that was supporting a larger supply delivered by our partner Tecnoterm Energy S.r.l. – comprised the design, production and installation of a Steam Vent Silencer (SPM model).
The model chosen was specific to reduce the sound emissions generated by the medium and low pressure valve groups.
Produced with a dimension of Ø 2200 mm x H 2900 mm, the silencer provides a residual noise level of 85 dB (A) at 1 m, with a sound attenuation of 50 dB(A) (delivery scheduled for the end of January).

  • Discharge conditions: Maximum flow rate 135 T / h at 160 ° C for the low pressure; 430° C for medium pressure.

The typical applications of this type of silencer are the Revamping Mill Plants and Cogeneration Plants.

 

Our offering for Paper Mill application

Stopson Italiana has a wide range of product for Paper Mill applications, including Air Filtration, Duct Silencer, Acoustic Enclosures and Barriers, Steam Vent Silencers.
Our Vent Silencers are designed to reduce noise level of exhaust piping to the atmosphere for pressurized gaseous fluids, such as air, vapour, natural gas, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. They can be installed downstream any device acting as a link between a container of pressurized gaseous fluid and the atmosphere. The vent silencer can also provide high or low back pressure relief for the system ensuring proper operation.
Vent silencers can be reactive, absorptive or combined type depending on applications and required attenuation, which can reach as much as 75 dB(A).

Typical Applications for vent silencers are:

  • Safety Valve (PSV)
  • Relief valve (PRV)
  • Control valve
  • Ejector
  • Start up valve
  • Snort-valve
  • Flash and Blow Down Tanks
  • Blow-off

Stopson Italiana’s offering for plant Blow-off cleaning does also include additional services and materials as described below:

  • Engineering
  • Steam blow flange
  • Spectacle flanges with gaskets
  • Demi water pumps
  • Gate and globe valves
  • Thermocouples
  • Temperature and Pressure transmitters
  • Pneumatic target plates inserters
  • Installation
  • Blow-off Supervision