Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Best Drilling Noise Control Techniques

By Nelda Powers


Drilling noise control is an important process especially in those industries that major in building and construction projects. Other sectors where you will likely encounter the use of these controls include the mineral exploration industries specifically gas and oil exploration. Any ethical company strives to shield the workforce and community from excessive sound energy that can damage the ear drums hence making one deaf. Techniques employed include use of sound abatement, noise absorbing wall panels and air silencers.

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.

Controls are mostly on areas of administration, engineering and hearing protection. Before deciding on the best controls, a consultant needs to gain an understanding of the basic principles of noise-control. Problem analysis should be broken down into components that include the source, transmission and reception. A single piece of machinery can combine various independent noises. Various pathways can be used to propagate the noises to the receivers.

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.

Administrative policies can also be used to mitigate sound levels. A firm can have a policy of only purchasing noise-free equipment. As more and more companies are going green, purchase of noise-free equipment has also become an emerging trend. Many manufacturers have embraced the change and are responding to market changes so as not to miss out on the lucrative trade this opportunity has presented. An individual employee exposure time can be reduced through job rotation. The plant operator should also ensure that all machines are well maintained.

There are instances where reducing the noises as the source is impossible. A sealed simple enclosure can come in handy in such a case. It reduces sound energy produced by 15 to 20 dB. Large and heavy equipment should not be mounted near a building. An elastic stable foundation such as that of rubber or springs can be used to mount the machines.

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.




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