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Every successful project starts with a framework. A vision statement. A blueprint. The staff of Engineered Systems is proud to present The Blueprint — a monthly Q&A interview with HVACR engineering’s leading voices. These one-on-one discussions examine the trade’s history, current industry trends, the factors shaping the sector’s future, and more.
In the most recent installment, Kevin Herreman, principal acoustic scientist at Owens Corning, discusses the problems posed by industrial noise, shares some research on models to more accurately predict insertion loss, and more.
Engineered Systems: Beyond hearing loss, what are some issues the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified relevant to noise?
Herreman: Beyond the potential for hearing loss and requirements for hearing protection in work areas, sustained exposure to high noise levels has been related to multiple health issues. According to the World Health Organization Guidelines for Community Noise, these health effects can lead to social handicap, reduced productivity, decreased performance in learning, absenteeism in the workplace and school, increased drug use, and accidents.
From a cognition perspective, mental activities involving working memory, such as sustained attention to multiple cues or complex analysis, are all directly sensitive to noise, and performance can suffer as a result. Noise also presents consistent after-effects on cognitive performance with tasks, such as proofreading or persistence in solving challenging puzzles. Epidemiological studies show that cardiovascular effects occur after long-term exposure to aircraft or road traffic noise with LAeq, 24h values of 65-70 dB. It’s interesting to consider that the risk for nose-induced hearing impairment increases when noise exposure is combined with certain factors common in industrial applications, including vibrations and chemicals. In these circumstances, long-term exposure to LAeq, 24h of 70 dB may induce hearing impairment.
Engineered Systems: How do businesses typically try to reduce noise levels in their plants?
Herreman: Absorptive approaches to reducing noise can include adding absorptive panels to ceilings or walls. Some more enlightened approaches include purchasing low-noise equipment. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the NASA Buy Quiet website offer resources to support purchasing decisions. Many times, companies will build an enclosure around a noise-emitting area to trap the sound. If the enclosure does not prove effective, adsorption may be added around the equipment. However, this approach can potentially interfere with equipment cooling.
Read the entire interview on Engineered Systems’ website.
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Percussive Maintenance is defined as the use of physical concussion, such as a knock or a tap, in an attempt to make a malfunctioning device (or person) work. In Engineered Systems’ Percussive Maintenance podcast, we’re poised to do much more than rattle the engineering industry’s exterior; we’re digging deeper into the subjects and topics that matter most with some of the industry’s most important names.
In the latest episode, Hendrik Van Hemert, managing director of Edo, shares how the company was formed, its role in building-to-grid (B2G) integration, and more.
Click here to listen to the latest episode of the Percussive Maintenance podcast.
The Facility Files: CHI Health Center
The CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, called upon Lochinvar’s Copper-Fin 2 Pool Heaters to successfully prepare its facilities for the rigors of the 2021 USA Swimming trials.
See the video on Engineered Systems’ website.
Ambassadors of Efficiency
Do you work with an exemplary manufacturers' rep. who is dedicated to providing the best product possible for every project?
If so, then show off your partners by nominating them in Engineered Systems' inaugural Ambassadors of Efficiency Manufacturers’ Reps of the Year contest. Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 25. Enter your manufacturers' rep by clicking here.
