Designing an effective acoustic enclosure for industrial noise control

Compliance, safety, and employee wellbeing in one customised package

Industrial plants and their equipment are notorious for generating substantial noise levels, posing significant challenges for noise control solutions. Addressing reflections, reverberations, and resonances becomes imperative in creating a conducive work environment, while adhering to statutory regulations and maintaining community relations.

In this article, the Flexshield team will explore the intricacies of designing an acoustic enclosure – a key component in mitigating industrial noise. We will also provide an overview of the comprehensive solutions offered by Flexshield. We have successfully designed and installed acoustic enclosures for many manufacturing plants in Australia, with excellent results.

Understanding the challenge of industrial noise control

Noise pollution in industrial settings can cause disruptions in operations and pose health risks to workers. Open-plan environments in these settings often lead to increased noise levels, which require custom noise control solutions.

To effectively reduce noise, it is important to address the source of the noise and its transmission pathways, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining operational efficiency.

Installing Flexshield’s acoustic enclosures can reduce noise levels and improve worker productivity by creating a quieter and more comfortable work environment. You can also reduce maintenance costs by protecting equipment from excessive noise.

Customised solutions with acoustic enclosures

Acoustic enclosures offer high flexibility, allowing for custom design and construction to fit your equipment and noise control requirements precisely. Whether built around the equipment or constructed off-site and delivered as a single unit, the modular construction of these enclosures ensures ease of installation and maintenance. This approach not only allows for faster installation and minimal disruption to your operations, but also provides the flexibility to modify or expand the enclosure in the future as your needs change. For larger installations, full steel structural builds with infill acoustic panels provide robust solutions while facilitating easy access for operation and maintenance.

Key components of an acoustic enclosure

To ensure optimal noise reduction and operational functionality, a well-designed acoustic enclosure comprises several essential components:

• Structural integrity: All structural steel analysis should adhere to Eurocode standards, guaranteeing structural integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ventilation system: Attenuated ventilation systems must be integrated to maintain specified temperatures and unhindered equipment performance, while mitigating noise transmission.
• Acoustic doors and windows: Doors, windows, louvres, and access panels should be meticulously designed and matched in acoustic performance to minimise noise leakage.
• Emergency lighting and fire suppression: Task emergency lighting and fire suppression systems must be incorporated to ensure the safety of personnel in case of emergencies.

How Flexshield acoustic enclosures meet industry standards

At Flexshield we place a high priority on complying with industry standards. We understand the importance of meeting them not just for the sake of compliance, but also for the safety and wellbeing of your personnel.

To ensure performance and safety standards of Flexshield acoustic enclosures, we undertake rigorous testing and certification from reputable authorities like the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Our unwavering commitment to compliance gives our clients peace-of-mind, ensuring noise control in their industrial facilities that meet the highest safety and quality standards.

Specifying a Flexshield acoustic enclosure

To specify a Flexshield acoustic enclosure, consider the following details:

• Enclosure type: Specify the desired type of enclosure based on the application and noise source.
• Acoustic rating (Rw): Define the required acoustic rating to achieve the desired noise reduction.
• Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): Specify if additional sound absorption is needed.
• Sound transmission loss coefficients: Provide details across frequency bands to ensure comprehensive noise control.

Experience the difference with Flexshield acoustic enclosures

Ready to transform your industrial environment with effective noise control solutions? Contact Flexshield today to schedule a comprehensive assessment and consultation. Our team of seasoned experts, with their in-depth knowledge and experience, will guide you through the process and create tailored acoustic enclosures that meet your specific requirements while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

For engineered solutions for industrial settings, contact Flexshield 1300 799 969