/ By admin / Detailed study/ • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

New emerging technologies designed to mitigate noise pollution within industrial facilities

Introduction

As largely stressed in many of our past publications, noise can constitute a problematic issue in industrial facilities, regardless of the scope and the type of the plant. Generally technical risk evaluations disregard noise pollution – which is connected to certain negative consequences such as hearing damages and other incidents that lead to severe workplace injuries and illnesses – as a critical hazard, and so noise control as a clear concern and necessary measure. 

Innovative trends based on emerging technologies (and methodologies) cancompensate for the misevaluation of soundproofing in industrial safety. The present article seeks to illustrate four solutions that are bound to revolutionize the industrial control market in the upcoming years.

 

1. Noise-cancelling windows

The noise pollution originating outside the facilities is probably the trickiest one to be removed. Often it is not possible to identify the source as it occurs for indoor machinery, for instance. A research conducted by a cluster of scholars from Nanyang Technological University of Singapore has found its own way to solve this problem.

The concept revolves around applying a special device – which has been developed by the team taking inspiration from new Apple’s headphones models – to windows and entrances. Such a system will be based on a technology that exploits sensors to detect external noises and counteract the incoming waves, thus obtaining a reduction up to 50%.

 

2. IoT-based noise attenuation

Traditional soundproofing solutions faced several limitations for mere structural reasons. One of the most common inadequacies related to noise-canceling systems is the lack of time between sensing and emitting. Which benefit could IoT technology bring in this sense? According to many academic studies, an IoT-based system can easily identify the harmful waves spreading by using sound sensors that will block incoming noise producing a counteracting noise itself.

 

3. Nano-structured foams

Soundproofing experts commonly regard foam materials as a proven solution that pays back in most of the cases. Yet, research has advanced lately to such an extent that using nanomaterials and nano-structured additions will become in the future a regular proposition. All the solutions of this kind dissipate the sounds by converting the vibrations into heat.

Unlike the standard soundproofing foams, these revolutionized foams will be obtained by injection of nanopowder to create from scratch microscopic pores and channels. This solution allows it to absorb noise from 60% to 100% more effectively than traditional foams.

 

4. 3D-printed Acoustic Rings

Most soundproofing methods work according to some principles of actions. There is generally less space for engineered solutions that deal with passive execution. The 3D-printed metamaterial rings revealed by a group of researchers from Boston University provides a method that redirects noise waves by counteracting vibrations, and they do it thanks to a peculiar design of spiral and circular shape.

 

Conclusion

The solutions presented above can potentially become game-changing assets in the future. Digitalization of assets can be a robust grip for a transitional trend within the sector. However, it is pretty evident that, so far, new developments have been confined into the realm of concepts and empirical findings. 

As long as they do impact the market, Stopson Italiana will continue to stress the importance of evaluating sources of noise and potential techniques using traditional approaches. Thanks to its extensive knowledge and experience, Stopson Italiana is keen to meet all customers’ requirements and supply comprehensive acoustical solutions in order to achieve their soundproofing goals.

 

/ By admin / Detailed study/ • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

How to implement a successful soundproofing strategy: Fundamental steps and techniques in line with the principles of action

Introduction

As a matter of fact, noise is regarded as a concrete issue in every industrial facility, and, as a crucial concern, it can easily become hazardous for people around the workspace. For instance, it has been observed that noise may lead the facility’s employees to encounter humming in their ears or have temporary hearing loss. Moreover, an excessively loud environment can easily expose qualified personnel to injury’s risk since noises usually cover alarms or shouted warnings from their co-workers that end-up to be ignored.  

The purpose of the present article is to show many of the options that are adaptable to the most common cases and explore the principles through which noise eradication is obtained when looking into acoustically treating a facility.

 

Evaluating sources of noise inside our industrial facility

Before ordering an installation, it is advisable to acquire a full understanding of our case. While considering which strategy is the more suitable in order to attenuate harmful sounds, we should first evaluate (1) the source of noise, i.e., the specific piece of equipment that originates the loudest sounds inside the facility, (2) the position and the size of such equipment inside the facility, (3) the operational function of the equipment, as well as its state of preservation. 

 

Tackling the noise through sound isolation and absorption

Mainly, the noise can be eradicated by isolation or inclusion, or by creating a barrier around the source. Or noise deadening can be obtained by absorption; absorption implies reducing or eliminating echo, reverberation, and amplification within a room, so improving the quality in a limited space, rather than preventing the transfer by separating the source of noise from the rest.

 

The following solutions are based on the abovementioned principles of action:

  • Acoustic Enclosures are highly effective custom-made solutions that both absorb and block the noise from entering or leaving. Acoustic enclosures are designed to literally enclose any kind of machinery yet are applicable only whether the source of noise can be easily isolated from the rest of the facility. This solution is thus particularly recommended for turbines, auxiliary engines, internal combustion engines and generators sets, mobile generator sets (trailer-mounted) for electric energy production, cogeneration plants, natural gas compression groups, start up and vacuum pumps, blowers, fans, mills, presses, vibrating devices, power transformers and boilers.
  • Comparable to Acoustic Enclosures are Screens and Barriers. While Acoustic Enclosures simply provide protection by isolating the source, screen and barriers are an ideal solution when there is a need to create space between the noise generator and the employees, as they delineate special acoustic shadow-zones. Also, they are composed of sound-absorbing surfaces designed to prevent the increase in noise level towards the source of noise. 
  • Anechoic chambers (AECs) are increasingly used for aircraft engine tests besides being a traditional solution for accurate sound measurement. AECs are indeed perfect when there is a need to completely reduce sound pressure level – to such an extent that reflected signals will be inexistent – in order to acquire the right parameters of precision for measurement.

The importance of receiving a high-quality maintenance process

A further crucial aspect that many tend to underestimate is the state of preservation of equipment that generates noise. Needless to remind that the oldest equipment in the facility needs to be replaced, when necessary, we should take into consideration certain measures, such as oiling and adjusting some critical component on a regular basis. This operation must be carried out by qualified personnel. However, apart from this, it is largely important to rely on professionals in the sector that provide consultancy services and routine checks of the soundproofing applications and make a constantly updated evaluation of their conditions. 

Stopson italiana is the provider you should consider if you are looking for one of the aforementioned solutions. It consolidated itself in the market as one of the main manufacturers of enclosures and control cabins. Moreover, Stopson italiana offers a set of prefabricated anechoic or semi-anechoic chambers, internally treated with standard wedges sized according to the lowest operating frequency, and equipped with a control room.

/ By admin / Detailed study/ • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Potential Solutions for Sound Attenuation in Gas Pipeline Transmission and Compression Stations

Introduction

Gas pipelines and pipeline transmission have been consolidated throughout the last decades as the most conventional modality to transfer large quantities of natural gas over long distances. Still, as well as acquiring more centrality in geostrategic terms, pipeline networks have become even more complicated in technical ones, so needing the inclusion of additional distribution hubs and compression stations. Compressor stations constitute indeed a key component with a view to concentrate and move pressurized gas along the pipelines.

Moreover, gas compressor stations and pipeline networks occupy a vast area in national territories due to their supplying role. This combination of territorial presence and technical sophistication has led this infrastructure to prevail as one of the most harmful creators of chronic noise pollution.

 

Sources of noise and noise levels

Technically speaking, the longer the pipeline is, the bigger is the necessity of to increase the pressure used and to encompass additional compression stations. Due to such a variety of equipment placed on this infrastructure, gas pipeline complexes can easily become catalysts of excessive noise generation.

According to several international regulations, as we face a noise level between 79dB(A) and 85dB(A), the source is already violating health and safety standards. Exceeding such standard values, as compressor stations usually do with a noise level up to 100 dB(A), means making a pretty large number of people the subject of noise exposure. As a matter of fact, not only does this put at risk the safety of nearby neighbors – as well as the environment – but also the adjacent infrastructure hosting workers and specialized personnel.

 

Available solutions and methods of attenuation

The most fruitful strategy when it comes to gas transmission infrastructure is to address noise generation directly at its source. There are several solutions that can be employed to achieve attenuation and stay within safe noise parameters. Among them, multistage control valves can be applied to reduce trim discharge velocity and, consequently, reduce the scale of the noise generated.

However, In-Line Silencers represent the best solution proposed by Stopson Italiana to tackle the issue, which has already been chosen for the installation within the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). These peculiar pieces are designed specifically to reduce the noise generated by valves and compressors in piping systems. This typology of Silencers allows to achieve noise attenuation only through reactive components, while do not include any section that would produce an absorbing action. Each Silencer provides an acoustic guarantee approximately equal to 30 dB(A).

The noise level from gas pipelines can be brought back to the increasingly stringent standards also by combining different soundproofing techniques, such as acoustic screens and acoustic insulation components.

 

Our Service

Any company or institution in charge of manufacturing a gas pipeline complex can rely on Stopson Italiana to provide the system with an efficient soundproofing solution, so avoiding detrimental consequences for surrounding individuals and adjacent infrastructure.

Through our customer management, we can assure a screening consultation to evaluate the scope of your project: how many Silencers your complex needs and at which specific points along the pipeline should be installed to achieve the objectives set previously.

/ By admin / Detailed study/ • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Stopson Italiana managed the delivery of 4 off-base Acoustic Enclosures for a CCPP located in Turbigo, Northern Italy

Major project based on the supply of  Stopson Italiana’s noise control solution to meet the acoustical needs of Turbigo’s CCPP, which has been recently modernized with new key components.

 

The supply

Since August 2021, Stopson Italiana has been in charge of the supply of 4 Acoustic Enclosures. The 800 MW gas-fired power plant is located in the municipality of Turbigo, in the Milan province, and comprises an 855 MV operating combined cycle unit, composed of two gas turbines and one steam turbine. Stopson Italiana’s soundproofing implantation will be specifically allocated to the gas turbines, generators, and auxiliaries.

Over the last year, the plant has been undergoing general revamping of its main infrastructure. Among the operations that have been carried out, it should be mentioned the positioning of the last component of the boiler chimney, the integration of a new generator, and the installation of an 94.3A gas turbine.

 

Technical Specifications

The 4 Acoustic Enclosures are engineered according to the components’ technical specifications and processed in Italy with special materials. They present the following configuration in terms of dimensions, manufacture, and noise target:

  • L6,7 m W8,3 m H9,2 m – intumescent coating – 80 db(A) @, 1,5 m from the ground.
  • L5,6 m W2,9 m H3,6 m – intumescent coating – 80 db(A) @,1,5 m from the ground.
  • L16,2 m W5,8 m H6,8 m – intumescent coating – 80 db(A) @,1,5 m from the ground.
  • L10,7 m W9,2 H9,4 – intumescent coating – 65 db(A) @ ,1,5 m from the ground.

 

Acoustic Enclosures by Stopson Italiana

Stopson Italiana’s acoustic enclosures are designed to satisfy all high-level technical specifications and custom-made requirements to acoustically isolate noisy machinery or create efficient quiet rooms.

Stopson Italiana offers two different products:

  • Acoustic Enclosures for machinery soundproofing, providing total protection against noise by isolating the source.
  • Soundproofed control cabins targeted to safeguard operators from external noise, especially in cases such as in-plant offices, control booths, test cabins, control rooms, and electro-acoustic laboratories.

Acoustic Enclosures stand out as one of the most appropriate solutions with a view to reducing noise pollution for a multitude of sources, including main turbines, auxiliary engines, internal combustion engines and generators sets, mobile generator sets (trailer-mounted) for electric energy production, cogeneration plants, natural gas compression groups, start-up and vacuum pumps, blowers, fans, mills, presses, vibrating devices, power transformers, and boilers.

Stopson Italiana’s acoustic enclosures and cabins can perform noise abatement by 15dB(A) to 50dB(A)+. Typical applications for our Acoustic Enclosures are:

  • Energy production, including gas turbines, steam turbines, traditional industrial and recovery boilers, diesel generators, cogeneration plants (CHP);
  • Chemical and petrochemical plants, including refineries, ethylene production, gasification, etc;
  • Pipelines and natural gas compressor stations;
  • Manufacturing and process industry, for instance, automotive industry, paper factories, printing houses, etc.

⟶ For More Information about Stopson Italiana’s soundproofing enclosures and cabins click here.

 

/ By admin / Detailed study/ • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Stopson Italiana delivered 172 Vent Silencers for 4 different sections in a Bahrain based Refinery

A full-package solution aimed at obtaining total sound insulation towards different target parts in an Oil Refinery in Bahrain, which has recently undergone an ambitious modernization program.

 

The project

Stopson Italiana has successfully concluded the delivery of 172 Vent Silencers to be installed among 4 different structural parts of the Oil Refinery in question. The project assists the expansion program that has been taking place since 2018, and it is expected to reach completion prior to the end of 2022.

The Refinery is situated on the island of Sitra, southwest of the capital city Manaba, and produces about 260,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and 40,000 bpd of low sulfur diesel.

 

The Supply

The project has been carried out according to the following distribution:

  • n. 2 HP Export Steam Silencers;
  • n. 60 PSIG Steam Vent Silencers;
  • n. 110 PSIG Steam Vent Silencers via a second delivery.

And will cover the following areas: 

  • Safety Systems;
  • Boilers;
  • Blow Out and Clean up;
  • Ventilation Systems.

Most of the Silencers have been provided with a removable internal absorptive pack for easy maintenance and clean-up and a removable rain hood. They are all designed to reach a noise target of 82 dB(A) @ 1 m from the silencer.

 

What is a Vent Silencer

A Vent Silencer is a soundproofing device aimed at eradicating the adverse noises produced by gas or steam flow while piping into the atmosphere. The noise in question can be generated as a result of the high-velocity flow through the valve and/or a turbulence created around any impedance in the line that may cause restriction or simply change the flow’s direction.

Each Vent Silencer is able to provide an overall attenuation of the noise level to the required sound pressure level criteria at a certain distance from the silencer. 

At the same time, noise reduction can be attained both using a reactive section to attenuate the low frequencies and absorption mean of the high frequency, normally using a sound-absorbing material.

Stopson Italiana engineers its Vent Silencers in Italy, using special materials not only in accordance with all quality standards but also in line with the client’s specific needs thanks to a careful customer management process.

⟶ For More Information about Stopson’s Italiana Vent Silencers click here.

 

/ By admin / Detailed study/ • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Stopson Italiana supplied 21 vent silencers for PSV and start-up valves as well as for atmospheric blow-down tank to Agios Nikolaos power plant in Greece

A soundproofing comprehensive installation has been recently delivered to assist 826 MW Power Plant (CCGT) at Agios Nikolaos, Greece.

 

Introduction

With a 9HA.02 gas turbine, a steam turbine, and a 109FB turbo generator, the Agios Nikolaos power plant is one of the biggest and most efficient combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants in Europe. In these types of power stations, several technological methods are employed to control combustion processes. Among these, the traditional usage of boilers and HRSG, which are commonly likely to damage surrounding and inner environments via harmful noise exposition. In fact, safety valves, start-up valves, blow down and flash tank have the tendency to create a very high noise level while discharging into the atmosphere.

Stopson Italiana has designed a specified soundproofing technique in order to provide a high degree of noise abatement. The equipment is silenced through the implementation of separated and well sized silencers, which tackle the source of noise directly in three different operational parts: the pressure safety valve (PSV), the start-up valve, and the atmospheric blow-down tank.

 

The Supply in details – technical specifications and characteristics

In details, the total supply has been designed in line with the following configuration:

  • 16 vent silencers were designed for PSV, with flow rates ranging from 30 t/h to 300 t/h, temperatures up to 584°C and noise target of 115 dB(A) @ 1 m.
  • 4 vent silencers designed for start-up valve with flow rates ranging from 6 to 260 t/h, temperatures up to 504°C and noise target of 100 dB(A) @ 1 m.
  • 1 vent silencer applied to the atmospheric blow-down tank, performing flow rate 39 t/h, temp. up to 105 °C, 80 dB(A) @ 1m.

 

Stopson Italiana Vent Silencers

  • Safety Valve (PSV)
  • Relief valve (PRV)
  • Control valve
  • Ejector
  • Startup valve
  • Snort-valve
  • Flash and Blowdown Tanks

⟶ For More Information about Stopson Italiana Vent Silencers click HERE.

/ By admin / Senza categoria/ • • • / 0 Comments

Stopson Italiana wishes you a Merry Christmas and an Happy and Safe New Year

Our 2021: new international projects, expansion of the product range within the marine sector, and a return to a face-to-face trade show.

Innovation and progress have been embedded in our DNA since 1965. In the last months, our departments are still growing in number.

Here below some highlights of our last year:

Back to Trade Shows

  • Enlit is the new unified brand for Clarion Energy’s Global Utility Week and POWERGEN series of events. This year the leading trade show in the POWERGEN sector was held in Milan, our city, and finally in attendance, in compliance with safety regulations. It was a pleasure to present the technological features of our soundproofing products, like Vent Silencers, Intake & Stack Silencers, and many more.

 

Expanding our offer for the marine industry

  • SilencERmarine is now part of Stopson Italiana’s assets.
    SilencERmarine is a recognized brand in the world of marine equipment and noise control, specializing in the manufacture of soundproofing systems for the luxury sector of the boating and yachting industry.

As 2021 draws to a close, we would like to wish our customers, communities, partners, and other stakeholders a Merry Christmas! We were proud to continue providing reliable, cutting-edge soundproofing solutions to our customers.

Keep following and supporting us, your trust is our strength.

/ By admin / Events/ • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Stopson Italiana exhibits at Enlit Europe 2021

With its know-how within the Power Generation sector and more than 50 years of activity in industrial soundproofing, Stopson Italiana will join Enlit Europe 2021 (Nov 30-Dec 2) in Milan.

 

What happened to PowerGen Europe?

POWERGEN Europe is now Enlit Europe.

After the first step of a successful co-location of European Utility Week and POWERGEN Europe, we are proud to announce the next step in our journey.
Enlit is the new unifying brand for Clarion Energy’s worldwide series of Utility Week and POWERGEN events. A guiding light for the sector that brings clarity to the global energy transformation and defines the roles of all of those involved.

Meet Stopson Italiana

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 trade show for the European Power Generation industry.

For all those attending, Stopson Italiana will make available its know-how to support any necessity of developing new soundproofing and noise abatement solutions in the Power Generation Industry following the latest trends guiding the market towards the well-known Energy Transition.

Enlit Europe aims to ignite the spark that will fuel the change we need to give our industry and our planet the brightest possible future.

The central topic of this year is: Accelerate the energy transition.

This year the event plans to offer:

  • An international fair to review the latest industry news;
  • A Summit dedicated to the most strategic issues in which approximately 2000 delegates from the highest corporate offices will take part;
  • Hub Sessions which will offer a more technical content program (accessible to all visitors for free);
  • Initiate! An area that hosts start-ups with their own Start-up program, to promote new and young talents as well as collaboration between universities and research institutes and professionals in the sector;
  • EU Project Zone – A pavilion dedicated to projects financed by the funds of the European Commission, in collaboration with the same.

 Visit us at Enlit Europe, Milan – Booth 16D20 (Italian Pavilion)

➡ CLICK HERE
TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PASS!

/ By admin / Events/ • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Meet us in Milan at Enlit Europe 2021

Stopson Italiana is ready to exhibit at Enlit Europe (f.k.a. Europe Utility Week / PowerGen Europe).

 

Enlit Europe 2021:

Enlit Europe, the unifying brand for European Utility Week and POWERGEN Europe, is part of the Enlit series of energy events and unlike any other – because they are more than just energy events. Enlit is a community that for 365-days a year will collaborate and innovate to solve the most pressing energy-related issues.
At the European edition, the Enlit community will come together for three days in Milan in October to meet and inspire each other and to develop their discussions and actions into a plan for the coming year. And so the Enlit circle begins: a constantly growing, inclusive, and end-to-end forum that addresses every aspect of Europe’s energy transition.

 Visit us at Enlit Europe, Milan – Booth 16D20 (Italian Pavilion)

➡ CLICK HERE
TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PASS!

Meet us at the event

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.

We look forward to meeting you at Enlit Europe 2021 in Milan.

Enlit Europe will take place in Milan (Italy), 30 November – 2 December 2021, and Stopson Italiana will be exhibiting at Italian Pavilion – Booth 16D20.

/ By admin / Projects/ • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Stopson Italiana Vent Silencers to soundproof OMSK Oil refinery plant in Russia

No. 3 Vent Silencers supplied to one of Russia’s most modern refineries.

OMSK Refinery – Russia: With an installed capacity of 22.23 million tonnes of oil per year, the Omsk Refinery processed 21 million tonnes in 2018, maintaining its leading position in Russia by refining volumes. The Omsk Refinery also leads the industry in terms of key performance indicators in production efficiency, with its light product yield reaching 71.04 percent in 2019, and refining depth 90.89 percent.

The Omsk refinery in Russia has been undergoing full-scale modernization since 2008 including an upgrade to producing fuels meeting Euro 5 standard in phase one of the modernization program that was completed in 2015. Scheduled for deployment within 2021, the phase two project is aimed at increasing the refining depth to 97% and boosting the light petroleum products yield to 80%.

The various technological processes used at the Omsk Refinery are among the most advanced available in refining today, and they needed to be paired with the best soundproofing products to keep performance and ensure noise reduction.

 

The project – which has been recently delivered – includes the supply of N°3 Vent Silencers featuring the following characteristics:

  • 1 V.S. – 750 kg, Flow rate 12 t/h, Temp. up to 538 °C
  • 2 V.S. – 2375 kg, Flow rates 30,9 t/h, Temp. up to 300 °C

Vent silencers are capable to achieve a global noise attenuation up to 70 dB, depending on the

cases, with a target result of 76 and 78 dB(A) @ 1 meter from the equipment.

Welding processes and qualifications as well as all materials involved are certified for low-temperature environmental conditions in order to withstand a minimum design temperature equal to -37°C for pressure parts and -42°C for atmospheric components.

Moreover, due to the rigid climate with a minimum ambient temperature of -49°C, all silencers are equipped with an Anti-freezing Steam System that increased the complexity of the design due to various flange connections to accommodate the coils system on a limited surface along with all required accessories for external insulation, lifting and supporting systems.

Stopson Italiana Vent Silencers

Stopson Italiana has a wide range of products for Refinery applications, including Air Filtration, Duct Silencers, Acoustic Enclosures and Barriers, In-Line Silencers, and Steam Vent Silencers.

Our Vent Silencers are designed to reduce the noise level of exhaust piping to the atmosphere for pressurized gaseous fluids, such as air, vapor, natural gas, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. They can be installed downstream of 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
  • Startup valve
  • Snort-valve
  • Flash and Blowdown Tanks
  • Blow-off

⟶ For More Information about Stopson Italiana Silencers click HERE