Page 73 - Industrial Plants

suits the actual needs, even when external noise
control measures are applied. Vertical barriers or
enclosures, and other means aimed to limit noise
propagation can surely be helpful, but related
effectiveness should be evaluated case by case, by
considering any possible issues related to aesthetic
acceptability, as well.

While the industry is rising to the challenge, by
developing new products specifically designed for low
noise applications, the ability to optimise noise-
restricted projects by selecting the proper equipment
and applying for the most convenient control measures
is not widely employed in engineering field and practice.
The result is that the solutions applied to projects may
not always be the most cost effective solutions.

What is to be done when noise
becomes a challenge?

One of the dilemmas faced by Engineering and
Procurement Contractors (EPCs) while approaching
new projects is whether to select Intrinsically Silent
equipment or standard equipment compensated by
additional means of protection. In any case, a
comprehensive approach that takes into consideration
all the possible technical solutions and involves a joint
cooperation with the Equipment Manufacturer should
be preferred, especially when the requirements are
challenging. Only the synthesis of experience and
knowledge of both parties allow for the identification of
the most suitable and cost effective solution.

Air cooled heat exchangers as one

of the major contributor to noise
emission of industrial plants

Air cooled heat exchangers are a type of process
equipment used to cool down vapour or liquid flows by
transferring the associated heat to the ambient air. They
oise Control Requirements are are composed of heat exchange sections where the
becoming increasingly stringent to process fluid passes through finned tubes, and fan
preserve human wellness and health. units used to push the ambient air for cooling.
This is particularly true in Europe
where the lack of space in crowded Due to the intrinsic characteristics of this equipment,
Nareas, and the resulting proximity of they are often one of the major contributors to noise
industrial plants to sensitive receptors (e.g. residential emission of industrial plants. Unlike other plant’s
areas, hospitals, etc.) has pushed governments and equipment like pumps or machineries, air coolers are
municipalities to take action. Hence, limitations have installed outdoor in the open field, as they need to
been enforced by Law for both the exposure of workers operate with large masses of ambient air. This makes it General view of air
to noise and to the emission at the surrounding areas, almost impossible to completely shield and contain coolers installation –
with the effect that not all standard-noise equipment related noise emitting parts like fans or transmissions. Denmark
(i.e., equipment whose noise level is 85 dBA @ 1 m) In addition to this, air coolers are usually large pieces of (Renco s.p.a.)

IndustrIal Plants - May 2022
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