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The Best Drilling Noise Control Techniques

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By Nelda Powers


Drilling noise control is important for all industries especially the in the building and construction, oil, gas and water exploration sectors. It is important to ensure that both employees and the community around are shielded from excessive noises emanating from the work equipment. There are various control techniques that can be employed such as vibration isolation, sound absorbing wall panels, sound abatement and air silencers among others.

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.

Surveys can be conducted in any workplace to determine the hazard posed by the noises. The preliminary surveys should be able to identify places where the noise-level exceeds the set exposure limits. Wherever drilling machinery are used, a detailed survey should be conducted so as to provide an in-depth assessment that quantifies the noise-level, identifies the source, develop control strategies and determine the appropriate hearing protection needs.

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.

Sound energy from two or more sources is usually higher by 3 dB. To cut down on the sound energy produced, it is advised that if possible, the sound sources should be separated. Sound energy that penetrates through a body or object can be reduced through sound insulation. Insulating is most effective if a wall or partition is used. Many music recording studios have adopted this technique which has adopted the reflection principle.

Some of the administrative polices that firms can adopt include undertaking the purchase of quiet machinery which produce minimal sound energy. Many manufacturers are now responding to these market needs. Job rotation procedures can help reduce the exposure time for an individual employee. Regular maintenance of the machines hence ensuring that they are efficiently operating. The use of hearing protection devices by employees in very noisy places.

Where it poses a challenge to reduce the noises from their source, one can use a simple enclosure which should be sealed. This can help reduce noises by 15 to 20 dB. Large and heavy machines should not be mounted near buildings. They should be mounted on foundations. Stable foundations are best and it is recommended that elastic separation such as rubber or springs made of steel be used.

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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