Noise makes the work environment stressful and harmful to health
Noise is a common problem in industrial sites. It is often impossible to avoid, for example, in manufacturing and transportation.
Today, however, the harmful effects of noise on health are well known. It is the most common cause of occupational diseases and can cause hearing loss. Impulse noise with sudden loud noises, which is typically generated when using large amounts of energy, is particularly harmful.
Noise also affects people in many other ways. It can add e.g. heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. The effects can also be seen in the ability to concentrate, sleep and recover from work.
Even daily exposure to noise above 80 decibels can be detrimental to hearing. If the exposure to noise in working conditions exceeds 85 decibels, a noise abatement program must be established at the workplace to reduce and eliminate unnecessary noise nuisance.
(Source: www.teollisuusliitto.fi)
Soundproofing helps with the noise problem
When noise cannot be prevented, the next best option is to prevent it from propagating as efficiently as possible. Soundproofing solutions bring ways to this.
Kespet’s own production sound insulation elements are specially designed for industrial sound insulation, but the elements can also be used for building technology sound insulation. They can reduce the overall noise of factories and halls by soundproofing the noise-producing department, engine room or a single larger device.
As ready-made elements Kespet’s sound insulation elements are easy to install in the desired location. They can be made according to the dimensions of the soundproof object.
The Kespet sound insulation element is similar in structure to our insulation element.
Its structure is as follows:
- The base is a c-cassette body made of perforated sheet metal
- In between, there is a sound insulation selected according to the requirements of the object
- At the top is a profile damper.
The frame of the sound insulation element is stiffened with aluminum Z-strips inside and U-strips at the ends.
Sound insulation element in test
In February 2022, we performed tests on the Kespet sound insulation element under standardized conditions. Turku University of Applied Sciences performed testing in the acoustics laboratory.
Three different versions of the sound insulation element were included in the test. The sheet metal parts of each element examined were of the same material, but the differences arose from the intermediate insulation.
Element 1:
Aluminum profile sheet metal 0.7 mm
Traditional wool insulation, 50 mm
KS perforated sheet metal 0.7 mm holes 30%
Element 2:
Aluminum profile sheet metal 0.7 mm
New type thinner insulation material, 10 mm
KS perforated sheet metal 0.7 mm holes 30%
Element 3:
Aluminum profile sheet metal 0.7 mm
New type thinner insulation material, 12 mm
KS perforated sheet metal 0.7 mm holes 30%
The sound insulation of the sound insulation elements was measured in the laboratory so that each element was fitted tightly in the opening between the two rooms. The sound pressure levels of the sounds produced in the second room were measured on the other side of the structure.
The differences in sound insulation between the sound insulation elements tested remained very small. Element 1, which had the traditional 50 mm insulation, got the best result, Rw 24. However, even with much thinner new types of insulation materials, this result was really close.
What conclusions can we draw from the test results?
Based on the results, we can say that Kespet sound insulation elements are an effective way to improve sound insulation, regardless of the type of insulation material chosen for them. When implemented with traditional wool insulation, the element is slightly larger in weight and thickness than with new types of thin insulation materials, but in the sound insulation almost the same results were achieved with all materials tested.
However, lightness and thinness are desirable features, as they can save space. The thinnest elements are only 15 mm thick. In fact, newer thin insulation materials are better in terms of sound insulation in relation to the weight of the element. There is also no big difference in the prices of the elements between the traditional and the new insulation material.
Does noise interfere with working in your company?
You can easily find a solution to this problem by calling us.
In addition to the sound insulation elements of our own production, our selection includes sound insulation enclosures suitable for the sound insulation of smaller objects, as well as versatile solutions e.g. for sound insulation of pipes, sewers and IV systems.
Contact our sales or use the form below!
