To save costs and lessen pollution, many trucking companies are making the switch from diesel to natural gas. Accordingly, there is a growing prevalence of fueling stations for trucks that use natural gas. These fueling stations can get extremely loud, and it is therefore important to implement the most effective noise control system to enhance comfort for truckers filling their tanks.
Polymer worked with a manufacturer of natural gas refueling pumps that was experiencing problems with noise reduction materials and associated assembly and installation that weren’t cost-effective for the company. Additionally, installing the company’s existing noise control materials created negative conditions for workers. Polymer found the client a solution by analyzing their materials and processes and developing a customized system that was more efficient.
Constructing mechanical systems that don’t make excessive noise
When systems require large mechanical parts, a certain amount of noise is unavoidable. However, you may be able to make changes to systems that improve their acoustical performance by reducing unwanted vibrations.
Compression systems require a large metal enclosure, which created some problems for Polymer’s client. When the metal enclosure is directly mounted to the vibrating parts of the system, energy is transferred to the metal enclosure, creating excess resonant sound. Polymer added strips of high density, resilient foam that partially isolated the metal enclosure from the base frame rail, which reduced the resonant energy.
Using safe materials for noise reduction
Noise reduction makes conditions more comfortable for everyone in the vicinity of a mechanical system. However, it is important that the materials used for acoustical control are safe for the workers installing them. Polymer’s client was using mineral wool as noise insulation. Mineral wool has a hands-on installation that puts installation workers at risk of inhaling particles of the material.
Polymer analyzed exactly how the mineral wool worked and which acoustical functions it was performing. Polymer’s tests discovered that the mineral wool was working as a vibration damper and barrier and less as a sound absorber, and this knowledge affected the choice of a new material.
Polymer wanted to find a material that provided barrier, damping and absorption properties, and they came to the conclusion that a custom melamine foam/sound barrier composite would be ideal. Polymer also produced, cut, and shaped the melamine system so that it was ready for installation, reducing the amount of labor for the workers.
The takeaway is that it’s important to analyze your noise reduction materials and see why exactly they work and for what. They may not be the most efficient materials for the task. Your noise control system should not only be beneficial while in use, but it should also be safe for the workers in your factory.