Industrial & Factory Noise Control

The factory and its immediate surroundings are other places where you find very high noise levels from all kinds of machinery. Sources of noise include high horsepower equipment such as hydraulic systems, impulsive sources such as forging machinery and large HVAC for cooling. Most of this equipment has some type of exhaust systems or openings to the exterior which affect the abutters to a factory. NCE provides various noise control services to industrial clients trying to minimize employees' exposure to hazardous noise levels from these types of equipment. We also offer our expertise for a variety of other applications such as noisy HVAC and mechanical systems in office, commercial or industrial facilities.

Services offered to operators, designers and architects of factories, process plants, defense plants, clean rooms, laboratories include:

PLANT NOISE SURVEYS
NCE conducts noise surveys tailored to each client's needs. This can range from specific machinery noise measurements, full plant surveys, personnel dosimetry, background and environmental (outdoors) monitoring. Surveys are conducted as required by the operator and routinely this is done during off-hours (late night or early morning) or during plant shut down periods when equipment can be operated for the sake of the noise survey. However, NCE is highly flexible when conducting noise surveys. We understand that typically your plant must continue to make your product as we investigate the noise problem.

NOISE CONTROL REMEDIATION
NCE's measurement and analysis capabilities provide an excellent foundation for the design of successful noise control treatments. Our experience allows NCE to engineer optimal and cost effective solutions to excessive noise and vibration problems. NCE recommends treatments only after on-site noise surveys. As such, treatments are highly suited to each application and have a low chance of failure. NCE recommends treatments parametrically, (generic name and required features) or by vendor, make and model. Treatment recommendations also include areas of coverage and important installation factors that affect acoustical performance. NCE does not sell or represent any noise treatment manufacturer. NCE can also inspect noise control treatments after they have been installed.

OSHA ASSESSMENTS
Similarly to the Plant Noise Surveys discussed above, NCE will conduct specific noise measurements and/or dosimetry to assess your facility to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.95, "Occupational Noise Exposure". This can be done in one of two methods. First, is to outfit employees with dosimeters (small noise measurement devices worn on the person). However, dosimetry does not allow further determination of what is causing excessive noise. NCE prefers to take noise measurements at specific work stations during various equipment operating conditions. Noise exposures are then calculated based on the durations employees are in any of the specific areas. Such methods allow for determination of areas, equipment or personnel locations which cause excessive noise exposure.

ROOM ACOUSTICS ASSESSMENT/TESTING
NCE can provide assessment of room acoustic problems, such as high reverberation (echo) in spaces such as churches, gymnasiums, classrooms, restaurants & dining rooms. NCE can also access noisy HVAC systems or other mechanical systems that interfere with executive offices, conference rooms, libraries, etc.