The science behind industrial soundproofing: main principles

Soundproofing approaches are critical measures to prevent harmful sound waves from permeating within industrial setting. However, choosing the appropriate strategies depends on different types of noise, essential factors to be considered while designing a safe and efficient industrial workspace.

In this regard, diving into the physics of sound and the relative methods to abate noise levels in industrial settings can be beneficial while selecting the most suitable solution for specific noise-related exigencies.

 

Types of noise and relative approaches

The noise industrial facility managers and industrial engineers should be concerned about can be divided into three main categories, depending on the means of transmittance: airborne noise, solid-born noise, and impact noise. Each of them requires a tailored approach to mitigation.

Airborne noise is primarily caused to the vibration of the air. More specifically, it refers to sound waves travelling through the air. In this case, the reduction strategy should be drawn on the application of materials that absorb the aforesaid sound waves, such as acoustic panels and soundproofing curtains. These are commonly known as “heat-insulating materials”, since they minimize the noise that is transmitted through the air by literally converting the sound energy into heat energy.

Solid-borne noise, on the other hand, is primarily due to the impact of solids or solid vibrations. The reduction strategy here must take into account the fact that the sound permeates walls, floors, and ceilings with ease. Accordingly, the application of specific vibration isolations materials, such as rubber mats or spring, will be required to absorb or isolate the vibration prior to being transmitted through the structure.

Impact noise, lastly, is produced by physical impacts, including footsteps and machinery vibrations. Similarly to what occurs in solid-borne noise circumstances, the best noise eradication execution can be achieved here by applying materials that absorb impact, such as thick carpets or rubber mats.

It should be also noted that sound permeation is strictly tied tomass law”: the effectiveness of a wall or plate’s soundproofing performance largely depends on how much mass it has in relation to its area. When it comes to selecting sound insulation materials, the higher the mass, the more difficult it is to make it vibrate. Opting for a dense and heavy material is hence, in most of the cases, the best option.

The effectiveness of soundproofing approaches can still vary depending on the frequency and intensity of the noise. Ultimately, a combination of soundproofing materials and techniques may be recommended to effectively reduce noise level and attain sound transmission loss.

 

The importance of partnering with a specialized soundproofing company

Relying on industrial noise control manufacturer may be game-changing to identify the best materials and techniques to soundproof your industrial setting and fulfill noise mitigation challenges.

Stopson Italiana, which counts on a proven reference list of partners from a variety of industries, certifies an extensive knowledge in providing industrial noise control solution on a global level.

Following an initial consultation path, a team of experts will provide support to identify the source of noise and its type, select the most appropriate soundproofing materials according to its properties, and eventually deliver the solutions that best fit your case. Stopson Italiana offers acoustic panels, sound barriers and vibration isolation materials among them.