Category Archive: Acoustics 101

Understanding The Difference Between Sound Absorption and Soundproofing

While the terms “sound absorption” and “soundproofing” are often used interchangeably, they refer to products with distinct purposes. As such, it is essential to understand the differences between the two terms to ensure you select the right type of noise reduction product for your application.  

In this blog post, we explore the differences between sound absorption and soundproofing products, explaining what they do, how they function, and what applications for which they are suited to help guide the selection process 

What Is Sound Absorption? 

Although sound waves weaken as they travel farther from their source, they can seem louder or more bothersome if given a chance to echo. For this reason, acoustic absorption products are designed to reduce perceived noise levels by eliminating the reflection of and increasing the distance traveled by sound waves. One important thing to note is that they only improve the acoustic properties within the space. They do not block sound from entering or leaving a space. 

Acoustic absorbers are generally made from softer materials with open-celled structures, such as foams or fiber-based substrates. The numerous holes within the material make it easy for sound waves to enter but not to exit, essentially trapping—i.e., absorbing—them. Each sound absorber is given a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating that describes how much sound they can absorb.  

Soundproof material

What Is Soundproofing? 

Soundproofing prevents sound waves from traveling through a surface, which stops them from escaping or entering a space. As a result, soundproofed machines in operation emit less noise. 

Soundproofing represents the common conception of sound blockingAcoustic barriers often referred to as soundproofing materials, are generally found within engine enclosures or compartments incorporated by OEMs during initial designsAcoustic barriers are made from denser substrates than those of acoustic absorbers, which serve as a barrier against the sound waves between the source of the noise and the “quiet” area(s). They are given a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, which describes how well the barrier attenuates sound.

Applications for Sound Absorption and Soundproofing Products 

Since sound absorption and soundproofing products serve different noise reduction purposes (absorbing and blocking), they are suitable for different noise reduction applications. For example, sound absorption products—such as acoustic absorbersare used in equipment enclosures and operator cabs, while soundproofing products—such as acoustic barriers—are utilized for engine housings, heavy equipment and vehicle floor mats, and firewalls. However, some applications may require both sound absorption and soundproofing products to achieve optimal acoustic properties.  

Contact the Noise Reduction Experts at Technicon Acoustics Today 

Some companies find it challenging to determine whether sound absorption or sound barrier materials are right for their needs. Fortunately, the experts at Technicon Acoustics are here to help.  

We are the leading producer of acoustic solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in North America. Equipped with over 40 years of industry experience, we can design, develop, and deliver products for nearly any sound absorption, blocking, or isolation need.  

For further assistance choosing which noise reduction product is right for your application, contact us today. Already know what product you need? Request a quote for pricing details.

Acoustic Components in the Medical Industry 

Patients and medical practitioners both benefit from quieter environments, but hospitals and laboratories often have high levels of ambient noise. Even clinics, offices of private practitioners, and homes of recuperating or long-term patients still have noises that may cause distraction or anxiety.

Acoustic-Components-in-the-Medical-Industry

Noise absorbers and sound dampening materials are important throughout the medical industry as patients and medical professionals seek to reduce noise levelsOEMs are often asked to reduce noise levels on equipment such as: 

  • Diagnostic and testing equipment 
  • Home-use medical devices 
  • Hospital-based care equipment 
  • Patient care equipment

reduce noise levels medical equipment

Medical Environments That Require Sound Absorption 

Good medical acoustic design involves balancing competing interests. Enclosed devices can have more sound-muffling technology, but visible controls facilitate easier use. Sound-absorbing outer shells might make equipment maintenance harder even as they quiet the noise level. Striking the right balance between these factors can dramatically increase the comfort and usability of medical equipment. 

Medical Environments Require Sound Absorption

Some of the specific benefits of good acoustical design include: 

Patient Satisfaction 

Noisy settings can be stressful and displeasingThis negative impression can impact a patient’s decision to choose your facility and their perceived quality of care. 

Better Employee Focus and Productivity  

Loudunusually low-pitched or high-pitched, and/or repetitive noise(often referred to as tones) can distract employees. Adverse acoustic conditions can also impede clear communication or cause doctors, nurses, and medical staff additional stress in what may already be a stressful work environment 

Removing or minimizing ambient noise and tonality in equipment can improve employee performance by reducing the risk of error, improving communication between staff and patients, and improving employee satisfaction with their workplace. It may also reduce HIPAA violations and better protect patient privacy because staff can speak more quietly.  

Improved Health for Everyone in Contact with the Acoustical Environment 

Adverse acoustical conditions have negative physiological ramifications. Reducing exposure to loudgrating, or repetitive sounds can help patients heal and can be a crucial part of promoting a healing environment. Quieter work conditions also reduce stress, headaches, and anxiety. 

Solutions Design for Acoustics in Healthcare Environments 

Sound Design for Acoustics in Healthcare Environments

Choosing the right acoustical components for a medical application is essential. Sound technicians can add acoustic insulation behind exterior covers to dampen internal vibrations and noise pollution caused by medical equipment. While the external covers protect the internal machinery from contamination, air exposure, and damage, the covers also provide the right surface area to install acoustical absorbers. Large equipment such as blood analyzers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) chambers, and oxygen concentrators can all benefit from acoustic insulation without suffering any loss of performance. 

The search for high-quality acoustical components is not the only important factor to take into consideration, but finding the correct manufacturers is vital as well. You do not just need a solution that absorbs, blocks, and isolates sound, but you need solutions designed and developed by a manufacturer to match every specification. The quality of these solutions is only as superior as its manufacturer.

patient specific health benefits

This is especially important for medical equipment that continuously runs near patients. Patients staying in the hospital overnight or for long periods of treatment need to have calm, quiet conditions. Reducing ambient noise levels by insulating the nearby operating machinery creates patient-specific health benefits such as: 

  • Better sleep 
  • Improved general safety 
  • Superior quality of communication 
  • Lowered blood pressure 
  • Reduced stress and anxiety 
  • Less demands for pain medication  

Does Your Equipment Require Noise Reduction? 

Most medical environments can benefit from noise reduction technology. These locations become safer and more hospitable for both patients and medical professionals when there is less noise and vibration.  

Does Your Equipment Requite Noise Reduction

At Technicon Acoustics, we’re here to help with all of your sound control needs. We offer the following healthcare acoustic control products: 

Acoustic Absorbers 

Once sound leaves a device, it becomes airborne. Our acoustic absorbers muffle this airborne noise by absorbing the soundwaves. We produce porous acoustic foamsalso known as sound-proof or sound-absorbing foam. This foam comes in a variety of thicknesses and facings.  

Our team can customize acoustic absorbing layers to target the specific frequencies of the noise pollution in your applicationBy adding this material to surfaces that can reflect sound, you can control the total ambient noise within a space. 

Acoustic Barriers 

While acoustic absorbers control noise within a given space, acoustic barriers contain the sound so it doesn’t spread in the first place. We’ve carefully designed our barriers to stop the transmission of soundwaves. By using acoustic decouplerswhich interrupt the transfer of the sound through mediaand acoustic absorbers, you can control sound in and out of specific areas. We can also design our barriers with composite materials that perform all of these functions simultaneously.  

Sound Control Solutions from Technicon Acoustics 

Sound control solutions from Technicon Acoustics

If your medical facility is too loud or the sound of the onsite equipment is interfering with patient and employee health, contact us todayor request a quotefor help creating custom noise reduction solution that perfectly fit your environment. 

The Importance of Acoustic Enclosure Treatments

Loud noises are not just distracting or uncomfortable for workers—they pose serious safety risks that lead to hearing loss. Reducing noise with acoustic enclosure treatments is an important element in creating a healthy work environment and facilitating employee productivity. These enclosures reliably reduce, minimize, or eliminate noise from specific sources in countless industrial environments.

Benefits of Acoustic Enclosures for Noise Reduction

Industrial machinery often exceeds allowable noise levels, but acoustic enclosures used in industrial environments facilitate noise reduction in compliance with federal, state, and local statutory limits. Noise enclosure treatments provide a number of benefits, including:

  • Measurable noise reduction, from 15dB(A) to 50dB(A)
  • Noise reduction for air inlet drive on combustion engines
  • Acoustic level reduction of combustion engine exhaust removal
  • Availability for indoor or outdoor applications

Applications for Acoustic Enclosures

Acoustic enclosures are present in a variety of facilities across a broad range of industries, applying noise reduction or elimination solutions to common noise pollution issues. Some examples include:

Mobile electric power generator for emergency situations.

Outdoor Generator Enclosures

Outdoor generator enclosures reduce damaging frequencies from continuous engine noise. Though many portable generators integrate adequate levels of sound reduction, most industrial generators produce noise levels well in excess of OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL). OSHA currently allows 90dB over a period of eight hours and only two hours of exposure to 100dB.

Transformer Enclosures

While transformers may not generate loud or intense noise, they do produce noise at a continuously damaging frequency. Transformer enclosures minimize the continuous humming and high-frequency noises commonly associated with this equipment.

Noise Reduction Solutions from Technicon Acoustics

Technicon Acoustics is an industry leader in the production of acoustic solutions for original equipment manufacturers throughout North America. We design, develop, manufacture, and deliver components and materials that block, absorb, and/or isolate acoustic and thermal energy. We incorporate the most advanced materials, systems, processes, and technologies within our state-of-the-art facility in order to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers.

Our customers rely on us to provide adequate acoustic absorption materials and noise isolation in a broad range of industries and applications, such as:

Contact us for more information about the acoustic enclosure treatment solutions provided by Technicon Acoustics or request a quote from one of our acoustics experts.

The (not so) Silent Threat to American Classrooms

The (not so) Silent Threat to American Classrooms and ways to address it.

Noise is everywhere. Unless it’s a movie or naptime, you can’t really find a quiet place inside a school. Especially, the place where quiet should matter the most; the classroom.    

Inside the classroom image

The impact that noise has on classrooms can be easily overlooked. You don’t think about the hmm of the air conditioner or the rattle of the pipes, but experts believe that students miss up to 33 percent of learning material because they can’t understand what’s being said. Children who are especially sensitive; socio-emotional or those whom have learning, or behavioral challenges for example are more susceptible to the impacts of noise. Not the mention the teachers who suffer from vocal strain trying to talk over the noise.    

The National Heart Association says chronic noise can cause elevated stress responses in the human brain. This is especially straining for students because unlike adults, children haven’t developed the ability to interpret meaning from words that they don’t fully understand.  

 Noise pollution from outside noise, HVAC units, the humming of lights can have serious health and cause performance impacts on students. For example, an air conditioner found in Decatur, GA aka “the beast” is a staggering 60 decibels. Schools do take the performance of their districts seriously. However, noise inside of the classroom is not a priority. To reduce noise levels and bring awareness to noise issues in schools the American National Standards Institute in 2002 published a set of standards to be used by designers, school planners, and school districts that dictates maximum noise and reverberation levels in classrooms. (ANSI_S2.60) Keep in mind that this, however is not a requirement. It is recommended that decibels levels in schools not exceed 35 decibels. It has been recorded by researchers that noise classroom can reach between 66 to 94 decibels! In a TED Talk by sound expert Julian Treasure, he makes it clear that Architects need to use their ears as well as their eyes. Here are some solutions to show you how. 

Solutions

Keep in mind

Sound is lazy and will always take the easiest path to get from point A to B. The easiest path for sound to travel is a clear unobstructed path. If you can visually see the noisy machine, there is nothing obstructing or reducing the noise from the maximum amount that you can receive. It is important to not only place something in-between and the noisy machine but also to make sure that there is no place for the noise to slip through the holes and cracks.

Structure Borne vs Air Borne Noise

Structure Borne noise is cause by vibration the different components. The vibration can cause structures as well or sheet metal to resonate. Initial design can control a large portion of this problem. The preferred method of controlling residual structure-borne noise is to isolate the cause of the vibration.

Air Borne Noise can be reduced through proper design elements and acoustical treatments. The primary consideration in design to reduce Air Borne Noise is to make sure that all air paths in or out of the enclosure are tortuous and to ensure that all large flat sound reflecting surface are treated with appropriate soft sound absorbing materials.

Know the causes

Heating and cooling systems play a major part in excessive classroom noise because to save dollars, schools often place HVAC units in each classroom instead of a centralized system. Individual units typically are nosier. Another reason for the excess noise is the lack of Acoustic Standard being applied to building codes in the same fashion as lighting and ventilation. Ensuring that equipment used in and around classrooms is manufactured to the quietest possible standards is the easiest way to reduce unwanted noise in the classroom.

Absorbers vs Barriers

When you’re not really sure what solution you’re looking for you usually search for “soundproofing”. We receive calls that sound like “how do you make this oxygen air compressor quiet?” Or Is there a way to soundproof my office?

People are convinced that soundproofing foam, sound absorbing foam or soundproofing panels are the “cure all”. Well, doesn’t foam stop sound?  No. Foam doesn’t “stop” sound. It absorbs echo. This is a common misconception that follows confusion when OEM’s and everyday people are looking for sound solutions for their next project.  Let us help you understand the difference and which one is best for your next project.

What is an Absorber?

Technicon Acoustics Foam for Sound Absorption

 

First, let’s determine what an Absorber does. Sound absorbers are porous materials used to line hard sound-reflective surfaces to reduce airborne noise. Airborne noise is a sound that is transmitted through the air, typically generated by

 

 

  • Speech
  • Television and Radio
  • Animal Sounds
  • Transport

In construction, you typically find structure-borne noise which is transmitted through a solid structure, such as steel, wood, concrete stone etc. Once the sound strikes the material, the sound energy is dissipated as heat. Typical absorbers used are acoustical foams and fibers. At Technicon Acoustics we produce absorbers that are acoustical foams and fibers for both functional and aesthetic purposes with a wide variety of foam or non-woven absorbing materials. Common examples of sound absorbers are open cell foam and polyester fibers. To determine the amount of material necessary to reduce the noise, our engineering team uses our Acoustics Lab to ensure there are no gaps, cracks or leaks to allow sound to escape from the enclosure.

Common Uses of Sound Absorbers

• Machine enclosures

• Generator, air compressor, & water pump enclosures

• Engine compartments

• Truck & heavy equipment cabs

• Home appliances

• Medical equipment

What is a Barrier?

Barrier Composite

Barriers (soundwall, noise wall) are slightly different than absorbers because they are used to block noise transmitting from one location to another. A Sound Barrier is a Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) used to reduce the amount of airborne sound transmitting through a wall, 

 

floors, ceilings etc.

While Barriers are heavy as lead, they usually aren’t that thick. This allows the MLV to improve Sound Transmission Loss without taking up space; like at a Construction Site. Barriers can be wrapped or be used with other material like our Thermal Solution Product Tech Shield.

*Keep in mind, that noise can be absorbed by sound absorbers or blocked by a barrier. We can also reduce structure-borne noise that causes vibrations using our Damping Material. *

Common Uses for Sound Barriers

• Machine enclosures

• Engine compartments

• Firewalls

• Bulkheads

• Cab floors

• Pipe Wrap

To view, our case studies and additional applications go to www.techniconacoustics.com or if you just have more questions. Click to request a chat with the Sales Team.

The Cost of Noise

On average the CDC reports that in 2007, “82% of the cases involving occupational hearing loss were reported among workers in the manufacturing sector” Hearing Loss is the most commonly recorded occupational illness in Manufacturing accounting for 1 in 9 recordable illnesses. It’s estimated, that there are 16 million people working in the Manufacturing Sector, which accounts for approx 13% if the US workforce.

Hearing loss disability results in an estimated $242 million dollars worth of workers compensation payments each year. According to hear-it.org. As many as 95% of construction workers are exposed to high levels of noise on a daily basis. When left untreated, hearing loss can reduce earnings by as much as $30,000 a year. The top industries that have the most hearing loss claims? Construction, Carpentry, Farmers, and Mining resulting in 30 million work-related injuries each year. The machines that caused the most noise are Jackhammers, Dump trucks, Cement Mixers, Electric Saws. Plant work and Power Stations resulted in 100 DBA ( A-weighted decibels) with Sewer water and Residential Construction sites following behind between 93-99 DBA. *see how to measure noise on a construction site*

Most will argue that the primary cause for the hearing loss injuries in Manufacturing, Construction, Mining etc is that there’s a lack of educational training on how to prevent Occupational Hearing Loss. According to Mr. Neitzel’s report:

“Occupational health regulations governing the construction industry, including those pertaining to hearing conservation, are generally less comprehensive than those for the general industry. As a result, health surveillance and prevention programs for chronic diseases such as NIHL are limited in the industry. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has two regulations pertaining to hearing conservation in the construction industry. The first… set forth an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit of 90 dB, and requires a hearing conservation program (HCP) for workers whose exposures exceed this level. The second, [regulation] requires the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) when noise exposures cannot be reduced below the Permissible Hearing Levels PEL.”

Source: healthyhearing.com

See the Story on how poor acoustics affects farmers Source: National Geographic

How to solve it

Marine

Whatever kind of boat you build, your customers will appreciate your efforts to make it quieter. Engine noise, prop cavitations, shaft whirl, all generate noise and create a vibration that can be controlled with the right noise control materials. Here’s our recommendation for a 47″ Trawler Yacht.

  • Engine Room – Use Absorber/Barrier composites. The absorber layer reduces reverberant noise. The barrier layer reduces sound transmission from the engine compartment.
  • Bulkheads – Here, you can also use an absorber and barrier. Either separately or in a composite to reduce reverberant noise and block sound.
  • Hull Structure – Treat hull and deck vibration with proper damping materials.

How to measure reverberant noise

Transportation

Operators of Transportation products such as trucks, buses, trains and emergency vehicles spend their entire day in the vehicle. The major noise sources in a vehicle are the engine, accessories, road and wind noise. Noise can enter the operator and passenger compartments by a variety of paths – through the glass, dash, floor doors etc.

  • Flooring Systems – Road Noise is generated by the vehicles passage over the highway surface and resulting tire and air noise. By using a Barrier Composite you can reduce the impact of road noise on the operator and its passengers.
  • Body Panels – Large surfaces such as floor pans and door panels are prone to vibration. Typically, the greater the surface the greater the noise. Vibration damping materials applied to these surfaces reduce vibration – radiated noise.
  • Hood Liners -These can be manufactured to act both sound absorbers and Heat Shields. They can reduce the reverberant engine noise thus improving both the outdoor environment and the cab interior. They can be made with a protective, heat-resistant facing and sound-absorbent material.

Heavy Equipment

Major noise sources in heavy equipment are the engine, drive train and power take-off systems. The sound radiates throughout the environment and affects operators, bystanders, nearby businesses and individuals.

Read the blog: Tuning into Urban Noise

  • Operator’s Cab- Headliners and sidewall trim systems that incorporate sound absorbers and sound barriers can be used to block sound entering the operator’s compartment and absorb sound reflection from within the operator’s cab. (Contact us to see which facings can be used for functional and aesthetic purposes.
  • Firewall and floormat systems- Firewall composites block sound from the engine and drive train and prevent noise from entering the cab. These can be manufactured either with or without a heat shield component. Sound barriers bounded to a durable wear surface create floormats that reduce sound transmission and improve operator comfort.

Technicon Acoustics did a case study on measuring and decreasing noise in the cab of a motor grader. Click here to see the results

Contact Us

See our list of Solutions and Capabilities at www.techniconacoustics.com and request a consultation with our Sound Solution Sales Team.