As experts in industrial silencers, we can tell you with certainty that they are among the best noise control methods. But what about the worst methods? It’s important to know what these are too so you don’t use them by mistake. Noise reduction is regularly a requirement to comply with permits for projects. Therefore, misunderstanding the solutions available may derail them. You’ll waste money and time when implementing the wrong methods. We are going to discuss the myths people have about the worst methods.
Barriers
Firstly, people say that noise barriers can solve any issue. In reality, by themselves they only work to lower mid-frequency noise by 10-15 dBA within 100 ft of the barrier. Noise lowering potential goes down the further the source of the receptor is from the barrier. Numerous noise prediction models show sound reductions exceeding 20 dBA. This is for receptors hundreds of feet away from barriers.
The results you achieve from an acoustic model could satisfy the conditions to obtain project approval. However, it may become apparent that modelled noise levels don’t match project conditions. Crucially, the efficiency of external noise barriers is restricted by the fact sound waves diffract around and over them.
Planting trees
Another myth people state is that planting trees is an efficient noise control measure. Actually, one row of trees generally offers no noticeable noise reduction from a sound source. For noticeable reduction, you need a forest that’s at least 300 ft deep. Trees here must have sufficient density; anything less than a dense forest likely won’t help you at all.
If the objectionable sound source is made up of mainly low frequency energy, even a dense forest won’t do much good. Moreover, you have to be careful if you plant trees close to a solid barrier or on a berm. Here, any branches that go over the top can work to reflect sound waves. This actually improves sound travel. It effectively lowers the already low noise reduction effect of the barrier or berm.
Acoustic panels
The final myth is that acoustic panels can solve any noise issue. Their purpose is actually to lower undesired noise reflections. So, we often see them mounted on walls or ceilings. These are surfaces that produce echoes or reverberations. The panels will only solve problems relating to them.
When “acoustic” describes a physical object, the implication is that it has an absorptive attribute. It also implies it can absorb a lot of sound energy. Really, acoustically absorptive materials only manage sound reflected off exteriors at a distance. They do so from a sound listener or source. They don’t affect noise moving straight from the source to a listener. To block sound from travelling between locations, you need multi-layer, heavy materials. These are ones that fully enclose the listener.
Talk to us about effective noise control
At Ventx, we’ve served an impressive number of clients over the years. Some had existing sites while others came to us with buildings in the design stage. Whatever the circumstances, we use our expertise and acoustic modelling software to create the perfect solutions.
So, if you want top quality silencers for noise control, rely on us. Let us know if you need any support and we’ll see how we can help.
