The Best Drilling Noise Control Techniques

By Nelda Powers


Drilling noise control is crucial for many industries more so those that undertake work relating to construction and building projects. Other areas where these controls are useful are in the mineral exploration industries. Shielding the community and the workforce from excessive noises should be one of the core objectives of any ethical company undertaking projects. Some of the commonly employed techniques include the use of air silencers, sound abatement and noise absorbing wall panels.

A linear scale cannot quantify the sound levels and therefore a more improved scale known as a logarithmic scale which is called a decibel is used. There are two aspects of sound which affect human hearing. This include the sound intensity and the length of exposure.Deafness is caused by excess sound intensity which damages the ear drum.

One of the common ways used to determine hazards at the work place is by conducting surveys. ISO standards have set an acceptable sound level which should act as a benchmark. A preliminary survey should therefore be able to identify work places where the sound level is materially above the benchmark set. In the drilling sector, a detailed survey should be able to identify the source or sources if many, quantify the sound level and come up with practicable solutions on ways of reducing levels.

Most controls are pegged on areas such as administration, hearing protection and engineering. One needs to clearly understand the principles that relate to noise-control. Breaking down the problem into smaller portions so as to effectively deal with each independently. These areas should include the source, transmission and reception.

To lower the levels, one should try and separate the sources. This is because combined noises produce a sound that can be 3db higher than the usual one hence posing a risk of hearing damage. Sound insulation can be used to reduce the sound energy that is able to pass. It works by reflecting most of the sound. The most common way of insulation is the use of an obstacle such as a wall or partition. One can use a porous material to absorb sound energy. This is widely applied in music recording studios. These absorbents can absorb 50 percent of the sound energy produced.

Policies set by the company administration should help reduce the sound-levels. Sound policies such as the purchase of quiet equipment can be very beneficial in solving this problem. This type of equipment is quickly gaining popularity around the world. Many manufacturers are now manufacturing and assembling such equipment as they are selling quickly and are more profitable. Routine maintenance of plant and job rotation can also help cut down on noise-levels.

At times it is difficult to reduce the noises right at the source. In such a case, one can use a simple enclosure that should be sealed off. This will help reduce the sound energy by between 15 to 20 dB. Mounting of heavy and large machines in close proximity to a building should be avoided. Rubber or springs which are elastic in nature can provide a stable foundation to mount the machines.

There are many drilling noise control techniques that can be used on drifters. Only down the hole hammer machines with hydraulic drive motors should be used. Use of insulators with a double glass can to a big extent help reduce penetrating sound energy.




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