Certain things in life are inevitable, such as death, taxes, and power outages. By now, most manufacturers have realized that nothing kills productivity like a loss of power. Fortunately, industrial generators can provide the electricity needed to keep the job going when the main power supply goes offline. However, one of the often overlooked drawbacks, noise pollution, can present a significant issue.
Whether diesel-, propane-, or natural gas-powered, most industrial generators operate at or near 100 decibels (dB) during standard operation. In fact, industrial diesel generators produce over 115 dB at 125 hertz (Hz), which is considered the average human pain threshold. In perspective 100 dB is as loud as a jackhammer, a live rock concert, a jet aircraft takeoff, or a car horn from three feet away. Needless to say, that’s a tremendous amount of noise! Not only are the noise levels extremely high, but they are also continuous, and will carry on until the generator is turned off.Imagine all of the problems that can arise from being exposed to such high noise levels for extended periods of time: increased tension and stress, interference with communication between employees, plant safety and traffic issues, and even hearing damage or loss. If that weren’t enough, OSHA has strict guidelines regulating noise levels in the workplace. If you are operating in a residential area, the EPA noise standards dictate noise limits of 60 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. Taking all of that into consideration then there’s only one solution: sound insulation.
Whether you have a few small generators, or a large backup power system, the Vinaflex™ line of noise reduction materials offers the total solution. This Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) product sold under the Vinaflex™ brand name has everything from noise barrier rolls and acoustic foam to fiberglass absorbers. Ideal for a variety of jobs, all Vinaflex™ products are available in an assortment of sizes and densities and have varying degrees of noise reduction. With the Vinaflex™ line of products, typical noise transmission loss ranges from 8 dB at 125 Hz all the way up to 40 dB at 4,000 Hz.
In addition to providing outstanding noise reduction, Vinaflex™ products won't shrink, rot, or cause metal corrosion. They also have a strong resistance to adverse environmental conditions, oils, weak acids, and alkalis. Vinaflex™ can be combined with acoustical foams, mineral fiber, glass fiber, and ceramic fiber insulation to provide lightweight, efficient composites with high transmission losses over a broad frequency range.
If your industrial generators are generating more than just power, learn more about Vinaflex™ noise reduction materials from GLT Products. Download a free copy of our brochure by clicking the link to the right.