Acoustic protection in industrial installations of the power industry

Have you ever felt a sense of relief when a device that produces a barely perceptible hum suddenly stops? While this may seem like a minor annoyance, it can actually be quite disruptive to our environment. At our company, we specialise in finding solutions to minimise unwanted noise and create more peaceful surroundings. A below case study presents our approach to the environmental noise that can disturb local areas.

Introduction

A power plant, with its supply and output complex experienced a problem of noise levels in the environment due to the noise emitted by three dedusting installations. Based on a study and acoustic analysis, steps were taken to reduce the noise, and the project developed an innovative type of muffler. The purpose of this case study is to highlight the methodology, scope of work, and results of the design, manufacture, and installation of acoustic protection at this type of industrial installation.

Methodology

The project’s methodology aimed to design and manufacture an acoustic silencer with an innovative design. The scope of research included the development of design assumptions, the design itself and modeling, validation of the silencer design, assembly at the customer’s site, control, and acceptance of the finished product. The design was checked by simulation using FEM software to analyze air flows, the reaction of structures to air pressure, the strength of steel structures, and the distribution of the acoustic field in the silencer.

Results

A number of simulations were carried out in the fields of acoustics, flows, and endurance. Based on the conducted acoustic simulations, the shape of the silencer was created to ensure the required parameters with the weight of the entire solution not exceeding the values allowed by the customer, and additional supporting structures were avoided. 

A unique shape of a round muffler with a toroidal core was developed, and deflectors were made to reduce local flow resistance with an innovative shape dividing the stream evenly into the external and internal channels of the silencer. The selected silencer structure had a cross-section designed to meet the customer’s specific requirements.

Conclusion

The project’s main objective was to design, manufacture, and install acoustic protection at the power plant. The project achieved its objectives by using a methodology that involved the development of design assumptions, design and modeling, validation of the acoustic silencer design, and assembly at the customer’s site, control, and acceptance of the finished product. 

The silencer was created to ensure the required parameters with the weight of the entire solution not exceeding the values allowed by the customer, and additional supporting structures were avoided. The unique shape of a round muffler with a toroidal core was developed, and deflectors were made to reduce local flow resistance with an innovative shape dividing the stream evenly into the external and internal channels of the silencer.