Author Archives: Alison

  1. Sound Absorbing Materials for Industrial Equipment

    Leave a Comment

    Various types of industrial equipment and machinery produce high levels of noise during operation. Implementing the proper soundproofing materials is crucial to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, protecting sensitive components, reducing warranty claims, and decreasing the overall cost of equipment. At Technicon Acoustics, we offer a range of solutions, including acoustic absorbers and acoustic barriers, designed to reduce noise generated by industrial equipment.

    Types of Noise Control Materials

    To insulate your industrial equipment without inhibiting function, it’s important to pick the right noise control materials. Technicon Acoustics offers a wide range of acoustic absorbers and acoustic barriers to meet various soundproofing needs.

    Acoustic Absorbers

    Acoustic absorbers are materials that absorb sound waves to prevent them from reflecting off hard surfaces. Constructed from porous and open-cell materials, absorbers can line the surfaces around the noise-generating equipment to improve acoustic conditions and reduce the amount of noise reverberation. This results in quieter operation and ensures compliance with strict regulatory standards.

    We offer the following types of acoustic absorbers:

    Foam-Based

    Acoustic foams are available in custom facing options and thicknesses to meet the specific needs of each customer. Our foam-based acoustic absorbers come in the following variations:

    • Polyether Foam Acoustic Absorbers. Our lightweight polyether foam is made of open-cell polyurethane, offering great sound absorption properties as well as flexibility, compressibility, and thermal insulation.
    • Polyester Foam Acoustic Absorbers. Polyester foam features the same performance characteristics as polyether foam, but it offers greater tensile strength. 

    Fiber Acoustic Absorbers

    Fiber-based absorbers offer an alternative solution for applications involving low-frequency sound.  Along with absorbing low-frequency sound waves, they can also provide insulation for temperatures up to 350° F, and they comply with UL94 HF1 standards.

    Acoustic Barriers

    Acoustic barriers take a different approach to soundproofing. Rather than absorbing and diffusing the sound, these surfaces prevent sound from transmitting from one location to another. Acoustic barriers come in the form of:

    Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier

    At Technicon Acoustics, we provide Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) acoustic barriers. MLV offers a tough and effective noise reduction solution that serves to block sound waves from passing through walls, ceilings, enclosures, floorboards, housings, and more. 

    PVC Barrier

    PVC sound barriers offer excellent sound-insulating properties as well as corrosion resistance, a long lifespan, and minimal maintenance requirements. This type of acoustic barrier can be used in a range of industrial applications to provide an effective sound barrier.

    Working With Technicon Acoustics

    At Technicon Acoustics, we specialize in providing high-quality acoustic solutions designed to reduce industrial noise.

    Our Capabilities

    Technicon Acoustics understands the importance of having quiet, high-quality sounding equipment. With our design and engineering capabilities, we can deliver effective soundproofing products to meet our customers’ needs, including high-volume orders. We work directly with our customers and utilize our problem-solving abilities to develop the ideal solution for even the most challenging projects. 

    Our Core Values

    We serve our clients by tackling problems head on. Our team of manufacturing technicians and sound engineers takes pride in crafting high-quality solutions, and we create a fun workplace where our team loves what they do. This shines in every solution we create, allowing us to deliver meaningful contributions to our customers.

    For more information about our sound absorbing materials for industrial equipment, contact us or request a quote today.

  2. High vs Low-Frequency Noise: What’s the Difference?

    Leave a Comment

    You may be able to hear the distinction between high and low-frequency noise, but do you understand how they are different scientifically? Frequency, which is measured in hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times per second that a sound wave repeats itself. When sound waves encounter an object, they can either be absorbed and converted into heat energy or reflected back into the room. Finding the proper balance between absorption and reflection is known as acoustics science.

    High-Frequency Noise

    Higher frequency sounds contain short sound waves with a frequency of 5,000 HZ or higher. High frequency sound waves are reflected back when they encounter thin objects and don’t bend as much around barriers. High-frequency noise can not endure over a long distance and can quickly dissipate due to higher energy levels. Frequent exposure to high-frequency noise is commonly associated with hearing loss 

    Low-Frequency Noise 

    Low-frequency noise is typically defined on the Common Octave Bands as 500 Hz or less. This means people are more likely to feel the sound’s vibrations rather than hearing it. Low-frequency noise also has longer wavelengths, can travel long distances, and has high endurance. Frequent exposure to low-frequency noise can cause a variety of negative reactions such as headaches, increased heart rate, anxiety, vertigo, and fatigue.

    The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is an average measurement of how much sound is absorbed by a certain material. Generally, a higher NRC rating means that a product absorbs more sound and a lower NRC rating means a product cannot absorb high levels of sound. However, it is important to remember that this number is an average across a wide frequency range. Determining the frequency range where the most noise is produced is critical to matching up the right product solution to fit the need. 

    Real-World Examples & Material Information

    The level of noise frequency produced by a particular item is often determined by its size and its Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). For example, a smaller motor running at high RPM will have a higher noise frequency than a large diesel engine running at a low RPM. With fans, the level of noise frequency is not only determined by its RPM, but also by its number of blades. 

    Examples of objects that produce low-frequency noise include:

    • Motors, diesel engines
    • Large fans
    • Large compressors
    • Exhausts 

    Examples of objects that emit high-frequency noise include:

    • Small compressors 
    • Small fans
    • Turbochargers
    • Small motors 

    Common applications that produce high and low-frequency noise include:

    • Generator enclosures
    • Reciprocating compressor enclosures
    • Oxygen concentrators
    • Vacuum cleaners
    • Ambulances
    • Fire trucks 

    When looking for solutions to absorb high and low-frequency noise, Technicon Acoustics offers various products. For low-frequency noise, we offer:

    • NR fabric faced composites foam or fiber
    • Foil or film faced composites
    • Barrier composites
    • Vibration Damping material (if the noise source is structure borne) 

    For high-frequency noise, we offer:

    • Absorbers with a lower airflow resistant face(UB, FS)
    • Barrier composites
    • Vibration Damping material (if the noise source is structure borne) 

    Working with Technicon Acoustics

    As a leading manufacturer of acoustic and thermal products, Technicon Acoustics can provide innovative products for both high and low-frequency noise. Our design and engineering capabilities combined with our ability to problem solve allow us to work with our customers to deliver high-quality acoustic solutions. 

    The core values of Technicon Acoustics are to always face challenges head-on while also bringing our A-game and taking pride in what we do. We also believe that a little love and a lot of fun go a long, long way to making this a better place. All of our team members are very engaged in their work and believe in making meaningful contributions. Please contact us or request a quote today for more information about our noise reduction products.

  3. A Guide to Material Testing for Acoustical and Thermal Treatments

    Leave a Comment

    Acoustic and thermal product solutions play a vital role in a wide range of systems and structures. By absorbing, blocking, and isolating sound and heat, they help keep equipment and equipment users safe. Given their important function, it is essential to verify that they work as intended before using them. That’s why, like many other industrial materials, they are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the necessary specifications and standards for their designated applications. 

    Common Material Tests for Acoustical and Thermal Treatments

    Acoustic BarrierTwo of the tests acoustic and thermal treatments commonly undergo are UL testing and ASTM testing. Below, we provide an overview of what they entail and why they are important. 

    What Is UL Testing, and Why Is It Important?

    Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent, third-party company providing product safety testing and certification services. It sets specific safety standards for various product categories and tests new product samples to ensure they meet those standards. If the sample does pass testing, it is given a “listing”, which is displayed on the organization’s website, and allowed to have the UL mark. While products are not legally required to be UL listed, many companies pursue UL certification since some customers will only buy things that have it since they have been verified as safe. 

    Products with the UL stamp can be grouped into three categories: UL listed, UL recognized, and UL classified. While the three have many similarities, they also have some key differences. For example, UL recognized products are components that are part of a larger assembly (e.g., circuit boards in electrical equipment), while UL listed products are standalone products (e.g., the complete electrical device). The former is much easier to attain than the latter since a manufacturer can select which components receive certification within the assembly rather than certifying the whole assembly and the industry standards are not as rigid. However, the latter offers better assurance that the complete product is safe to go to market. 

    What Is ASTM Testing, and Why Is It Important?

    Previously known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), ASTM International is an American organization that develops and publishes technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. These standards focus on ensuring the quality and safety of industrial and consumer products. They are developed for and used by various industries across the world. If a new industry wants to establish standardization for its products, companies within it come together under ASTM International to establish standards. 

    Today, more than 143 technical standards-writing committees have written over 12,000 international standards under ASTM International. All of them can be classified into one of six categories:

    • Standard Specification — Defines the requirements that the test subject must meet
    • Standard Test Method — Defines the testing method and the degree of precision needed in the result
    • Standard Practice — Defines the sequence of operations that fail to produce results
    • Standard Guide — Provides a list of options or collection of details that don’t require a particular course of action
    • Standard Classification — Guides the creation of groups of systems, products, materials, or services based on shared aspects, including properties, use, origin, or composition
    • Terminology Standard — Provides specific definitions of terms that other standards use

    While the organization does not require or enforce compliance with any of its standards, some external companies, industries, or governments may require products to abide by them. Certified members of ASTM International can perform tests to verify the products meet the necessary standards. 

    Material Standards by Industry

    The standards acoustical and thermal materials must meet can vary from industry to industry, so it is important to know and understand the different material standards relevant to each industry. Otherwise, the materials may undergo insufficient testing, which could mean they are not verified to have the necessary specifications to allow for safe use within the intended application.

    Below, we highlight some examples of material standards by industry. 

    Mass Transit

    • FMVSS 302 — Federal motor vehicle standard for the burn rate of interior materials
    • ASTM E162 — Radiant flammability for mass transit
    • ASTM E662 — Smoke density for mass transit
    • BSS 7239 — Smoke toxicity for mass transit

    Heavy Truck & Specialty Vehicles

    • FMVSS 302 — Federal motor vehicle standard for burn rate of interior materials

    Power Generation

    • UL2200 — Standby generator standard

    General Industrial

    • UL94 — Flammability standard for plastics materials

    Architectural

    • ASTM E84 – Architectural fire test, Class A, flame and smoke density

    Material Testing at Technicon Acoustics

    Need acoustic and thermal materials for your next project? Technicon Acoustics is the ideal source! We subject our products to rigorous material tests, so you can trust in their quality and safety. To learn more about our material solutions, contact us today.

  4. Thermal Insulation for Portable and Standby Generators

    Leave a Comment

    For many applications, thermal insulation is an important feature to have in portable and standby generators. Sufficient thermal insulation offers numerous benefits, including reduced energy costs, protection for workers, and increased longevity of equipment. To meet your heat insulation needs, we offer top-of-the-line Tech Shield™ and Tech Shield Sleeve™ solutions to keep your systems and workers protected.

    Importance of Thermal Insulation for Power Generation Equipment

    There are certain standards regarding insulation, known as UL standards, that many facilities must meet. UL standards make it necessary for air compressor enclosures or power generators to remain within an acceptable surface temperature range. The right temperature level helps keep door panels cool and subsequently protects workers from burns. To help ensure that power generation equipment meets UL standards, the UL 2200 listing details the standards for the design, manufacture, and overall performance of stationary generators.

    Manufacturers who meet this standard will be able to increase their products’ value while building their reputation as a leader in safety among their customers.

    Employee Protection

    One of the most important benefits of proper thermal insulation is the ability to keep workers safe from contact burn injuries. Thermal insulation helps to maintain a safe surface temperature while minimizing heat loss and gain. In applications using hot insulation, the surface temperature cannot exceed 140°F, and ideally should be below 125°F. Keeping surface temperatures below these thresholds can help prevent potentially serious burn injuries.

    Energy Saving

    Thermal insulation that meets UL standards can also reduce energy costs in several ways. For example, bare hot pipes ranging from 300°F to 400°F are expected to experience still air heat loss of 1,000 to 2,000 Btu/hr-ft2. However, sufficient thermal insulation can help reduce that heat loss to approximately 100 Btu/hr-ft2. Using the right equipment, cold side temps can remain up to 70% cooler than the surface temperature of the exhaust pipe. Proper insulation can also reduce vibrations resulting from airflow and resonance.

    In addition, the heat produced from exhaust pipes can cure proprietary cords, which helps prevent wraps from unraveling regardless of the damage done to fibers due to environmental factors. This means that even if rocks and other debris cause damage to fibers or if hose clamps detach from wraps, sleeves will stay intact.

    Thermal Solutions for Portable and Standby Generators

    Depending on your application’s specific requirements, Technicon Acoustics can provide several solutions to help you meet them.

    For some applications, acoustic material on doors may be parallel to heated exhaust pipes, which may melt the material. To help mitigate this, we suggest you reduce the thickness of composite materials to accommodate the installation of our Tech Shield™ product, which can help block heat from your exhaust pipes and protect acoustic materials.

    In some enclosures, exhaust pipes may extend from the inside of an engine to the exterior. In these instances, we recommend using our Tech Shield Sleeve™ to maintain a consistent temperature for the pipe while keeping its internal components protected. Since exhaust pipes are one of the main sources of heat in enclosures, insulation for these sources is vital.

    Tech Shield™ Features and Benefits

    Our Tech Shield™ product can protect surrounding materials and equipment from nearby heat sources of up to 1,000°F with a distance of as little as 1″. The product’s overall thickness of 0.125″ also enables installation in areas with tight space requirements. Other benefits include natural fire retardant core material, minimal tooling costs, brief production lead times.  Tech Shield™ also comes with a high-temperature PSA with EZ Peel liner that allows for installation on a variety of substrates.

    Tech Shield Sleeve™

    The Tech Shield Sleeve™ features a braided sleeve  of highly texturized fiber and cure in place structural cords. The fiber element in this sleeve provides sufficient exhaust insulation to retain heat for filtering particulate and reduce exhaust pipe surface temperatures, which keeps nearby materials and machinery consistently safe from damage. Once the structural cords cure in place, which takes a few minutes following exposure to hot exhaust pipe surfaces, the wrap will remain permanently secure.

    Thermal Insulation Solutions from Technicon Acoustics

    At Technicon Acoustics, we are dedicated to helping you find the best thermal insulation solutions. We make use of the most up-to-date technologies and industry knowledge, and do all of our work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. For more information, or to get started on your thermal insulation solution, contact us or request a quote today.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Tell us what you need. →