The Singer Safety Approach to
Noise Reduction
There are a variety of products available
for noise control and sound proofing. Before making a selection, here's a quick review of three
basic principles involved in sound reduction.
Acoustical
Barriers
An energy source produces noise as
radiating sound pressure wave which moves through the air in all directions. The
most effective, economical, and flexible method of noise control and sound
proofing is usually
the the construction of a barrier (or enclosure) between the noise source and
the receiver.
Barriers prevent transmission of sound,
but do not absorb sound. With a barrier, the sound is reflected back in the
direction of its source.
The essential physical characteristic of a
sound barrier is mass. Heavy, dense materials are good barriers, while soft
porous materials are poor barriers. Our Mass-Loaded Vinyl is recommended for
this portion of soundproofing process and fiberglass while good as an absorber
is not an effective barrier.
The second important characteristic of a
good barrier is limpness. A rigid barrier material can transmit vibration and
regenerate noise on the other side of the barrier, while a limp material will
not shake or vibrate in a sound field.
Acoustical Absorbers
Hanging
Fiberglass Baffles Acoustic Foam
Sound absorption is necessary to reduce
the intensity within a room or enclosure. The process of absorption depends on
the the sound wave entering the material and being converted to heat by
frictional processes on the porous material surface and the cells.
The essential physical characteristics of
absorbers is controlled porosity. Sound absorption is intended to reduce noise
reverberation from reflective surfaces. Since the sound wave must flow through
and absorbing material, its effectiveness as a sound barrier is very limited.
It is important to consider the use of
sound absorbing material on the inside of of surfaces of a noise barrier,
especially when a full or partial enclosure is being designed. The lack of sound
absorbing materials causes a highly reverberant condition inside the enclosure,
thus defeating the effectiveness of the design. Fiberglass batts or mineral
fiber board available in various densities are commonly used as sound absorbers.
Fiberglass batts and blankets are well suited for noise control and sound
proofing.
Vibration Damping
To control vibration, it is necessary to
prevent structural transmission of vibrational energy between the source and the
surface. Vibrating surfaces are frequently damped by applying visco-elastic
materials directly to the surface converting vibration energy to heat.
The minute flexing of the damping
materials provides the energy dissipation and "decay" to reduce noise.
Metal no longer "rings" when struck.
Damping materials for noise control
or sound proofing are primarily used on
light gauge vibrating metals, but also may be effective on wood or plastic.
Price
List
For your noise control or sound proofing project do not hesitate to
contact us for a consultation.
