It
was getting pretty hot at this art museum. The director of the facility decided that
the best way to improve the efficiency of the museum's air conditioning system would be to
install a new rotary screw chiller. The problem was that it had to be placed in the
same location as the older, quieter unit, a maintenance workshop space measuring about
15'x40'. Unfortunately, it would also be adjacent to one of the museum's display
areas.
The concern was that the higher noise levels
generated by the new Carrier chiller would disturb visitors in the display viewing area.
They were also worried that they would lose the effective use of the remaining
workshop space-more than 400 square feet. Another consideration was the heat
generated by the unit itself. Would it overheat the entire work room, making it
impossible to work in?
An acoustical curtain enclosure was determined
to be the most cost effective way to reduce noise. The acoustical curtain enclosure
design would provide: accessibility, sufficient air flow for ventilation and most
important, the noise reduction necessary to allow for undisturbed enjoyment of the
museum's displays. The museum was delighted to learn that this kind of acoustical
treatment could be fitted around the equipment to allow for use of the rest of the space.
The work room would be intact.
As soon as the chiller was installed, Sound
level readings were taken. Generally, the levels were 93 dB(A), with the dominate
disturbing frequencies at 250, 500, and 1,000 Hz.
BSC-25 was selected to provide the required
sound attenuation as well as random sound absorption within the concrete-surfaced
workroom.
BSC-25 is a combination of a quilted fiberglass
sound-absorption material with a loaded vinyl noise barrier septum. It is fabricated
into modular acoustical curtain panels with grommets at the top, and hook and loop
fasteners along each edge. Individual panels are joined together to form any
configuration necessary.
BSC-25 - Acoustical Composite Product
(Note loaded vinyl noise barrier septum in the middle and two layers of quilted fiberglass
sound absorption material.)
|
 The door panel allows easy access to
the chiller. A "drop-down" view window provides immediate access to
control knobs.
Ventilation baffle (bottom left of enclosure) allows
for adequate air intake.
After the enclosure was constructed, sound level
readings were taken again. The results were more than satisfactory.
The acoustical curtain enclosure brought the
work space noise levels down to 73 dB(A) - a reduction of 20 dB(A). According to
Kevin, it is now quieter than it was when the old chiller was operating!
The vent baffles were placed to duct air
over the hot spots, thus causing the chiller to be properly cooled, and the work space to
be at normal temperatures.
The noise of the chiller in the museum viewing
area is lost in the ambient background levels of the low 50's.
|
