NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION GES A.04 NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

Rev 0

Date 1999

Description Issued for Implementation

Checked

Approved

Compiled by Teknica (UK) Ltd

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

GES A.04 Page 2 of 18 Rev 0 1999

INDEX SEC 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.0 2.1 2.2 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.0 4.1 4.2 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 TITLE SCOPE OF SPECIFICATION Introduction Other NOC Specifications Data Sheets DEFINITIONS Technical Contractual DESIGN Codes and Standards Responsibilities Design Procedures Additions and Exceptions to API 615 NOISE CONTROL - GENERAL GUIDELINES Equipment Emitting Continuous Noise Equipment Emitting Intermittent or Fluctuating Noise EQUIPMENT NOISE DATA General Equipment Defining Limits Noise Data for Specific Equipment Deviations ALTERNATE SPECIAL DESIGN OR ACOUSTIC TREATMENT General Silencing Equipment Data Requisition Sheet Equipment Selection GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Noise Control Noise Limits Specific Limits PAGE 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 13

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

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SEC 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 9.0 9.1 9.2 10.0 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 12.0

TITLE WORK AREA NOISE CRITERIA Work Area Noise Limit Emergency Conditions Absolute Limit for Work Areas Restricted Work Areas Accommodation Areas Impulsive or Narrow-Band Noise Speech and Work Interference NOISE CONTROL STUDY Noise Limits Compliance with Criteria NOISE CONTROL REPORT TESTING Noise Data Sheets Noise Test Runs Remedial Action GUARANTEE DATA SHEETS (3)

PAGE 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 18 18 18

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
1.0 1.1 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 Introduction SCOPE OF SPECIFICATION

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This specification describes the technical requirements and procedures to be employed to ensure that the noise levels affecting personnel on site are within specified limits. This specification also addresses noise control of Mechanical Equipment. Noise limits are applied for the purpose of minimising the risk of damage to hearing, ensuring audibility of warning signals and announcements, allowing adequate speech, telephone and radio communications, maintaining working efficiency, providing an acceptable sleep and recreational environment in accommodation areas and to avoid disturbing the local community. This specification will be used as a basis for the development of noise control programmes for a specific project. The scope of work for the noise control programme is given in Section 9 - Noise Control Study. This specification details how to achieve noise levels within maximum allowable limits for equipment installed in refineries and oil and gas plants. It applies equally to design and construction of new plants and to modification of existing plants. This General Engineering Specification will form part of the contract documents. Other NOC Specifications Where indicated in this specification, the following additional NOC specifications shall apply: GES A.01 GES A.03 Plant Layout and Spacing Packaged Units Layout, Spacing and Assembly

1.1.4 1.1.5

1.1.6 1.2

1.3

Data Sheets The technical data supplied by the Owner or the Vendor/Contractor for the existing equipment is given on the Data Sheets which are included at the end of this specification. This data will form a basis for the development of a Noise Control Study to determine the maximum noise levels allowed for the various Vendor/Contractor supplied equipment. The Vendor/Contractor shall complete the remaining information and return this with his proposal. Prior to shipment the Vendor/Contractor shall submit a complete set of 'As-Built' Data Sheets incorporating noise test data at the Vendor/Contractor's works.

2.0 2.1

DEFINITIONS Technical The technical terms used in this specification are defined as follows: Noise Noise can be defined as "Sound which is not desired by the listener". For industrial noise affecting the environment the words sound and noise are therefore interchangeable.

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

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Noise Level The term "noise level" may refer to either a sound pressure level, (SPL), or a sound power level, (PWL). Noise Limit A "noise limit" is a maximum allowable noise level. The unit of measure dB(A) indicates that decibels are weighted according to the A scale. Sound levels are measured on the A scale of a standard sound level meter at slow response. Work Area Work area is defined as any area where personnel may reasonably be expected to work or any position where a worker's ear may be exposed to noise in the normal course of his duty. Unless otherwise specified this shall be taken to be any point 1.5 metres above platforms, ground level, walkways, stairways or at equipment surface. 2.2 Contractual The commercial terms used in this specification are defined as follows: Owner The oil or gas company, an associate or subsidiary, who is the end user of the equipment. Contractor The main Contractor responsible for the scope of work defined in the contract. Sub-Contractor A company awarded a contract by the Contractor to do part of the work awarded to the Contractor. Vendor The company supplying the equipment and material. Inspection Authority The organisation representing the Owner or Vendor/Contractor that verifies that the equipment has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this specification and the Purchase Order/Contract. Inspector A qualified individual representing the Owner, Vendor/Contractor or assigned Inspection Authority, who verifies that the equipment has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this specification and the Purchase Order/Contract.

3.0

DESIGN

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

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3.1 3.1.1

Codes and Standards The design shall comply with this specification and the following codes and standards: EEMUA - Engineering and Materials Users Association No 140: 1988 No 141: 1980 Reprinted 1985 No 161: 1988 Noise Procedure Specification Guide to the Use of Noise Procedure Specification Guide to the Selection and Assessment of Silencers and Acoustic Enclosures

BSI - British Standards Institution BS 5228 BS 4196 Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites Part 1 Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources. Part 0: 1981 (1986) Part 6: 1981 (1986)

HSE - Health and Safety Executive Noise at Work: The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

ISO - International Standards Organisation ISO 3864: Safety Colour and Safety Signs

API - American Petroleum Institute API 615 API RP521 Sound Control of Mechanical equipment Guide for Pressure Relief and Depressurising Systems

ANSI - American National Standards Institute ANSI S1.4 3.1.2 3.1.3 3.2 Specification for Sound Level Meters

Unless specified otherwise in the Purchase Order/Contract, the current editions of the codes and standards at the time of the award shall apply. In all cases, the Vendor/Contractor shall inform the Owner of any deviation from the requirements of this specification. Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the Vendor/Contractor to ensure that the noise control incorporated in the design is the best cost effective method of achieving the noise criteria specified. The Vendor/Contractor if involved shall be responsible for the following tasks, otherwise it will be the Owner's responsibility: (a) Obtain necessary information relating to the noise levels generated by the existing equipment used

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
in the plant under all expected modes of operation. (b) (c) (d) 3.3

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Determine suitable noise limits for individual items of equipment in order to achieve the overall noise criteria in this specification. Identify all areas where the relevant noise limits would be exceeded if standard or unsilenced equipment were used and then select the most economic method of meeting the noise limits. Prepare a report giving sufficient data and calculations to confirm that the design meets the requirements of this specification.

Design Procedures (a) The Vendor/Contractor shall consider the noise emission of all plant and equipment including, but not limited to, flares, vents, valves, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, turbo-expanders, motors, engines and turbines, ejectors, boilers, heaters, furnaces, separators and fin-fan coolers. Taking into account cost, operating and maintenance requirements, and safety implications, the Vendor/Contractor shall select the most appropriate noise control measures so that the plant and equipment meet the specified noise limits. (b) (c) Data on octave band noise emission from all items of plant and equipment shall be obtained by the Vendor/Contractor or Owner if no Vendor/Contractor is involved. In calculating work area noise levels, account must be taken of all relevant factors including noise emission from all items of equipment which contribute appreciably to sound pressure level in the area in question, the effect of any complete or partial enclosure or screening of the noise source or work area including allowance for transmission through windows and ventilators, the effects of reverberation, and effects of directivity. The Vendor/Contractor shall ensure that all calculations required to carry out the noise control design are accurate and methods used are appropriate (eg: EEMUA-140).

(d) 3.4

Additions and Exceptions to API 615 All requirements specified in this specification are additions to those of API 615 unless otherwise stated. Paragraph numbers in this specification which do not appear in API 615 are new paragraphs.

4.0 4.1

NOISE CONTROL GENERAL GUIDELINES Equipment Emitting Continuous Noise The maximum value for the equipment noise limit (sound pressure level) shall be 85 dB(A). If equipment consists of components, e.g. a driver and a driven part, the above limits applied to each component separately will not ensure that the assembled equipment meets the work area limit. For such equipment more stringent limits shall be specified on the data/requisition sheets for the separate components. The permissable noise limit per component shall be based on acoustic calculations. As a guidance the following can be used: - a reduction of 3 dB(A) shall be made for each item of a 2-component train, - a reduction of 5 dB(A) shall be made for each item of a 3-component train.

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

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A further reduction of 10 dB(A) of the equipment noise limit shall be made when several equipment items or trains are to be mounted close together, i.e. when the distance between equipment surfaces is less than the largest equipment dimension, or when equipment is located in a reverberant area. 4.2 Equipment Emitting Intermittent or Fluctuating Noise Where the equipment emits an intermittent or fluctuating noise (e.g. depressuring, boiler blowdown, sump pump), the equivalent continuous sound level, over the most noisy consecutive 8-hour period shall not exceed the equipment limits specified in 4.1 above. The maximum level shall not be more than 10 dB(A) higher than the limit for continuous noise. For intermittent noise, the equivalent of 85 dB(A) over 8 hours are: Table 1 Intermittent Noise With equipment actually operating 8 hours 4 hours 2 hours 1 hour Maximum sound pressure level with equipment operating 85 dB(A) 88 dB(A) 91 dB(A) 94 dB(A)

Provided that no significant noise (i.e. above 75 dB(A)) is emitted for the remaining time in the 8 hour period. 5.0 5.1

EQUIPMENT NOISE DATA General Equipment It is necessary to obtain data from the Vendors/Contractors of all potentially noisy equipment. This shall be achieved by requesting the information in the enquiry specification or by including the associated noise control Data Sheets with the enquiry documents. A typical Data Sheet is included as part of this specification. The Vendor/Contractor shall also be asked for information on low noise design, or silencing options to achieve the lowest practicable noise levels. The noise control Data Sheets shall specify the maximum allowable noise levels for those items of equipment. The Vendor/Contractor shall complete the Data Sheets with actual noise levels generated by the proposed equipment, e.g. (a) (b) (c) (e) (f) Control valves gas service flow greater than 453 kg/h, liquid service flow greater than 45m3.

Mechanical equipment - fans, blowers, compressors, turbo-expanders. Flares and vents. Pumps, Boilers, Heaters and Furnaces. Ejectors - exhausting to atmosphere with inline steam/gas flows >453 kg/h.

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(g) (h) 5.2

Electronic and computer equipment. Motors above 5 hp engines and turbines, solids handling equipment.

Defining Limits Equipment noise limits should be determined using a noise study by taking into account the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) All equipment in an area which may generate noise. The allowable noise level in the area. The interactive effects of noise from adjacent items of equipment. The operating mode of the equipment, e.g. emergency, standby. The construction of the area in which the equipment is located, e.g. open/closed. The distance between the source of the noise and the nearest area which may be manned.

Thus, it is not possible to specify a general noise limit covering all items of equipment and the limitations on individual items of equipment shall be defined by a Noise Control Study, see Section 9. 5.3 5.3.1 Noise Data for Specific Equipment Valves (a) (b) The noise generated by all pressure regulating chokes and similar valves with a high differential pressure or large flows shall be checked against the area limitations. The anticipated noise levels 1 metre downstream and 1 metre radius away from the pipework shall be requested from the valve manufacturers. Account must be taken of the length of pipework and vessels upstream and downstream. If the area limitation is exceeded, the use of quiet trim, drag or similar inherently quiet valves shall be considered. If this is impracticable for process or availability reasons, acoustic insulation shall be applied to adjacent piping. The possibility of using in-line silencers shall also be assessed for practicality and effectiveness. All relief and emergency blowdown valves shall be checked to ensure that the emergency criteria are not exceeded.

(c)

(d) 5.3.2

Mechanical Equipment This includes pumps, engines, fans, etc., which may be packaged or supplied as individual items. The noise control Data Sheets shall be used to obtain the information from the Vendors.

5.3.3

HVAC Equipment Items of HVAC equipment which generate noise include fans, motors, chiller units, high velocity ductwork and diffuser grills. This equipment is commonly installed in areas with the strictest noise limitation. Thus it is essential to obtain noise data from the Vendors.

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5.3.4

Electronic and Computer Equipment Electronic equipment and computer ancillary equipment are potential sources of noise, particularly in narrow frequency bands. If such equipment is located in normally manned quiet areas such as control and radio rooms, then noise limits shall be imposed and noise data obtained.

5.3.5

Vents and Flares Where gas may be vented or flared, the resultant noise levels must be considered. Vendors shall be instructed, in the enquiry documents, to provide the necessary information. Vents and flares are, of necessity, located remotely. Thus, limitations placed on the noise output must take into account the separation distance.

5.3.6

Electric Motors Totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motors shall be designed not to exceed a free field, no load noise level of 80 dB(A) at a distance of one meter from the motor surface. The following guidelines shall be used as a general criteria for design: Speed (RPM) 3600 1800 1200 & Less Size Below 7.5 kW 37 kW & Below 56 kW & Below Design Standard Standard Quiet Standard Quiet

All other motors shall be designed not to exceed a free field noise level of 80 dB(A) at a distance of one meter from the motor surface. 5.3.7 Gears Where external cooling is required, the Vendor/Contractor shall provide adequate capacity for the gear coolers to allow complete acoustic insulation if required. 5.3.8 Fans The maximum pressure level for induced and forced draft fans shall be 82 dB(A) per fan at one meter in a semi-reverberant area. This level shall include intake, exhaust and casing radiated noise for non-ducted fans. 5.3.9 Control Valves and Piping Control valves and associated piping shall not exceed a noise level of 82 dB(A) at one metre for both normal operating flows and pressure drops. Likewise, with 50% of normal flow condition. 5.3.10 Air Cooled Heat Exchanger The air cooled exchanger and auxiliary equipment shall not exceed a noise level of 82 dB(A) at a position one metre below the unit. 5.3.11 Silencers In-line silencer unit as part of an equipment package, shall have a maximum sound pressure level for the

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entire package including the silencer in any mode of equipment operation not exceeding 82 dB(A) in a semi-reverberant acoustical environment. This sound pressure level requirement must be met at a distance of 1 metre from any major bounding equipment surface. Process or steam vent silencers shall have a maximum sound pressure level not exceeding 90 dB(A) at a distance of three meters from the silencer body and vent. 5.3.12 Other Equipment The maximum sound pressure level of any equipment item, including its drive and ancillary equipment, shall not exceed 82 dB(A) (ANSI S1.4 - Latest Edition) in semi-reverberant acoustic environment. This maximum permissible sound pressure level shall not be exceeded in any mode of equipment operation. Generally, the sound pressure level requirement must be met at a distance of one metre from any major bounding equipment surface where operators or maintenance personnel may frequent. 5.4 Deviations The Vendor/Contractor must clearly define and report to the Owner all deviation from this specification. The absence of such a report shall be construed as indicating complete compliance with the specification and referenced codes and standards. 6.0 6.1

ALTERNATE SPECIAL DESIGN OR ACOUSTIC TREATMENT General Principles Wherever noise or vibration reduction is required, the first consideration shall be to treat the source of the noise or vibration. If control at source is impracticable or insufficient to meet the noise or vibration limits, then treatment for the transmission paths and/or the receiving areas shall be considered. All acoustically absorbent and damping materials shall be non combustible.

6.2 6.2.1

Silencing Equipment Silencers, including vent and in-line silencers, shall comply with EEMUA 161 and the appropriate codes and standards for mechanical design. The design of silencers shall ensure that any internal parts that may inadvertently break loose do not partly or completely block the silencer outlet or damage downstream equipment (e.g. compressors, pumps etc.) Acoustic enclosures may be either of the 'close fitting' or 'walk-in' (large) type. Large enclosures shall be designed in such a way that operating/maintenance personnel can conduct their work without being hampered in their movements. The design of enclosures shall comply with EEMUA 161. In addition to the acoustic requirements, all operational process and safety aspects including access, ventilation, hazard area classification and fire protection and detection must be considered. Where weight and hazardous areas present problems and only a small noise reduction is required, then lightweight and partially open enclosures should be used.

6.2.2

6.2.3

Large enclosures shall also be subdivided in such a way that personnel servicing the equipment during partial shutdown are not exposed to excessive noise generated by other equipment that may also be in the enclosure. This can be achieved for example by a separating wall between two independent trains of equipment.

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6.2.4

Silencers and/or acoustic enclosures may be included in the tenders for noisy process equipment shall be agreed upon between the Vendor/Contractor and the Owner. The Owner may choose to order silencing equipment separately from the process equipment. Noise emission of certain silencing equipment (e.g. silencers on vent stacks, acoustic insulation on pipes) is not always the responsibility of any particular equipment Vendor. It shall be ensured, by the Owner, that such silencing equipment is incorporated in the design and complies with EEMUA 161. Acoustic insulation for pipes, vessels and equipment shall comply with EEMUA 161. It shall be ensured that sound absorbing materials or constructions are incorporated in the design of potentially reverberant spaces. The minimum absorption coefficient, averaged over walls and ceiling, shall be 0.2 for frequencies above 200 Hz. For some equipment, calculations or measurements may indicate that the noise limits will be exceeded but with a margin of uncertainty extending down to levels below the limit (i.e. there is a possibility that the limits may be met). For such equipment the application of noise control measures shall not be postponed until actual noise levels have been obtained after start-up, unless specifically agreed with the Owner. Silencers to suppress commissioning noise only may be of a movable type. Silencers to reduce noise in transient operations such as start-up, shutdown, etc. shall be permanent. Data Requisition Sheet Equipment noise limitation sheets shall be prepared for all relevant items of equipment or an equipment train, if such a train will be provided by a single Vendor/Contractor, specifying the limits as required. If the components of a train will be provided by different Vendors/Contractors, separate equipment noise limitation sheets shall be prepared by the Package Vendor/Contractor. It shall be ensured that the Vendor/Contractor is made aware of the obligation to state noise guarantees for the equipment to be provided, for any of the conditions of operation for which the equipment may be expected to be used. The equipment noise limitation sheets shall be returned with the tender, to give the following information: a) (b) Unsilenced sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the equipment. Sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the equipment together with details of any silencing measures that may be necessary to meet the specified noise limits. If the specified limits cannot be met, the minimum attainable sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value shall be given.

6.2.5

6.2.6 6.2.7

6.2.8

6.2.9 6.2.10 6.3 6.3.1

6.3.2

6.3.3.

(c) 6.4

Equipment Selection It shall be ensured that Vendors/Contractors have provided in their tenders all the information required in accordance with this specification.

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Bid comparison shall be made including the cost of all the options required to meet the specified noise limits. Where a choice can be made of equipment of low noise emission by design and equipment with 'path-treatment', the estimated extra cost in operation and maintenance that may result from path treatment should be capitalised and taken into account in the ultimate selection. Generally preference shall be given to equipment of low noise emission by design. For equipment emitting fluctuating or intermittent noise, temporary excursions above the equipment noise limit may be permissible. If such excursions can be avoided by selecting a less noisy and otherwise acceptable alternative then this shall be preferred. Where a higher extra expenditure would seem justified, the Owner shall be consulted. 7.0 7.1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Noise Control Noise control is an essential part of any plant in order that the installation as a whole meets the noise criteria set with regard to: to conserve the hearing of personnel, to reduce speech and work interference, to provide quiet accommodation for personnel, to prevent annoyance to the neighbouring community.

7.2

Noise Limits Noise limits for each item of equipment shall be derived from the general noise limits, as applicable for the equipment in its specific position in the plant. They are commonly referred to as 'Equipment Noise Limits'. Procedures for deriving equipment noise limits are specified in Section 5.2. Each potential noise source shall be subject to the requirements of this specification.

7.3

Specified Limits The specified limits shall be met for the design operating conditions of the plant and for other operating conditions which occur occasionally, such as start-up, shutdown, regeneration and maintenance. The only requirement for emergency situations, i.e. any conditions other than just described, which can be foreseen or predicted (e.g. emergency relief or depressurisation) is that the absolute limit shall not be exceeded. During construction, noise levels should not exceed the limits applicable for operation of the completed plant.

8.0 8.1

WORK AREA NOISE CRITERIA Work Area Noise Limit (a) Work area noise limitations shall be based on hearing damage risk considerations referenced in The Noise at Work Regulations 1989.

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(b)

Noise limits shall generally apply at a minimum distance of 1 metre from operational equipment. If personnel are normally required to work closer than 1 metre to equipment then the limits shall also apply at these locations. The noise level in any work area shall not exceed the values in the table below: Table 1 - Hearing Conservation Noise Limits Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) SPL Limits (dB) 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k Overall Level dB(A) 85

(c)

102

92

85

79

76

75

75

77

(d)

To achieve these limits it will be necessary to reduce the noise contributed by individual sources to below these levels. In particular the noise limits for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems should be at least 5 dB(A) below the total permissible noise level for each area. Under no circumstances shall the unprotected ear be exposed to sound pressure levels in excess of 135 dB (linear). Noise limitations shall be met in full at all locations where personnel may have unrestricted access.

(e) (f) 8.2

Emergency Conditions Under emergency conditions the maximum permissible noise levels may be relaxed. These conditions are defined as "when extraordinary measures are taken to alleviate a potentially dangerous situation" and include the operation of relief or blowdown valves. Emergency conditions do not include start-up, routine venting or the use of standby plant. Under emergency conditions a maximum SPL of 135 dB (linear) shall apply at any place which personnel may visit occasionally that is not a work area or restricted work area.

8.3

Absolute Limit for Work Areas The sound pressure level anywhere in the work area or restricted work area shall not exceed 115 dB(A) in any situation, including emergency conditions such as blowing of safety/relief valves.

8.4

Restricted Work Areas (a) If the work area noise limit cannot be achieved in certain areas, then these shall be treated as "restricted" and appropriate warning notices posted instructing personnel entering these areas to wear suitable ear protectors. Permanent warning signs to indicate the mandatory use of ear protectors shall be erected at the boundaries of restricted areas. The signs should be of the type given in ISO 3864. (b) The existence and extent for any noise restricted areas shall be shown on drawings which include details of the highest anticipated sound pressure level and precautionary measures. These drawings shall form part of the Noise and Vibration Control Study referenced in clause

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Section 9. (c)

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If it is unavoidable that the work area limit will be exceeded around particular equipment, action shall be taken to limit the area involved as far as possible; this may include the erection of an acoustic enclosure. Written permission shall be obtained from the Owner to designate an area as a restricted area. Owner's permission may include a maximum allowable sound pressure level for the area under consideration. Such a restricted area limit may be between 85 and 115 dB(A). However, attempts shall be made to reduce the level below 90 dB(A).

(d)

8.5

Accommodation Areas The sound pressure level shall not exceed 40 dB(A) inside personnel accommodation such as bedrooms, private cabins, etc. Noise that is not related to equipment but is produced by users of the various areas need not be considered.

8.6

Impulsive or Narrow-Band Noise (a) Further restrictions shall apply if the noise contains narrow-band or impulsive components as defined in EEMUA 140 and this shall be taken into account when specifying equipment noise limits. Impulsive or narrow-band equipment noise limit shall be reduced by 5 dB(A) from specific limits for broad band steady noise. For environmental noise, any narrow-band or impulsive component shall be sufficiently below the broad-band noise from the plant so that it is no longer audible (see Appendix E of EEMUA 140). If this is not possible, the Owner's advice shall be obtained.

(b)

8.7

Speech and Work Interference The following noise limits shall apply in order to reduce speech and work interference from equipment to acceptable proportions. Table 2. Speech and Work Interference - Noise Limits Area description Areas in workshops and machinery buildings where communication is required Workshops for light maintenance Workshop offices Control rooms, not continuously manned Computer rooms Control rooms, continuously manned Open plan offices Social rooms, changing rooms, wash places and toilets Offices and conference rooms Maximum allowable sound pressure level dB(A) 70

60

50 45

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9.0 9.1 NOISE CONTROL STUDY Noise Limits

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In order to specify noise limits for the various items of equipment, it is necessary for a Noise Control Study to be undertaken. The objective of the study is to implement the Noise Control Philosophy as follows: (a) (b) Specify maximum allowable noise levels for all areas of installation. Predict noise levels in these areas using the best available data and allocate noise specifications to all items of equipment in the various areas by calculating cumulative noise level of all operating equipment, whose estimated noise levels are provided by the Vendors/Contractors. Complete the noise control Data Sheets to specify maximum noise levels to equipment Vendors. Obtain equipment mounting vibration data from Vendors/Contractors. Check natural frequencies of major machinery substructures to ensure no coincidences with fundamental input frequencies. Consider paths for structure borne sound and predict the resulting noise levels where this may be significant. Refine predicted noise levels as Vendor/Contractor information becomes available. Identify any areas where the allowable noise levels are exceeded and evaluate methods of acoustic attenuation. Justify that the design incorporates the best practical means of noise control. Specify additional acoustic treatment reduction measures, where necessary.

(c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j)

The study may be extended to include equipment noise acceptance tests. 9.2 Compliance with Criteria Surveys to ensure compliance with the noise criteria will be carried out on the installation when commissioning is completed by the Vendor/Contractor and the plant is fully operational. The methods of carrying out these surveys will be in accordance with the procedures specified by the Certifying Authority. 10.0

NOISE CONTROL REPORT The Noise Control Report shall be prepared by the Vendor/Contractor in accordance with the following format: 1. Summary showing to what extent: 2. the acoustic design of the plant has been completed; guaranteed noise data has been obtained from Vendors; the specified noise limits have been met.

Specified limits - quote the original requirements and make any comments necessary.

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
3. Vendor/Contractor noise data -

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4.

tables of octave band sound power, sound pressure and overall levels of all potentially noisy equipment per plant unit. The origin of the data shall be indicated (guarantee from Vendor/Contractor, estimate from Vendor/Contractor, test data from Vendor/Contractor, estimate from Vendor/Contractor, etc.), the results of 'noise' test runs, a list of control valves with a noise level above 80 dB(A) with an indication where lownoise control valves will be applied.

Noise control measures a list of silencers and acoustic enclosures, the detail and extent for any acoustic insulation.

5.

Calculations in-plant noise contour maps, showing contours of 75, 80 and 85 dB(A) and higher where applicable, evaluation of the sound power level of the plant, even in the case that no plant sound power limit is required, separate evaluation of plant pipe noise, calculations of expected noise levels inside buildings and shelters.

6. 7. 11.0 11.1 11.1.1

Restricted Areas Outstanding Items

TESTING Noise Data Sheets The noise limitations placed on an item of equipment should be specified in the noise Data Sheets. The total noise emitted from an item of equipment should be expressed as either (a) the radiated sound power level or (b) the maximum sound pressure level at 1.0 metre. Equipment noise limitation sheets should be prepared for all relevant items of equipment or an equipment train. If the components of a train will be provided by different vendors, separate equipment noise limitation sheets shall be prepared. The equipment noise limitation sheet should be returned with the tender, with its guarantee section completed by the Vendors/Contractors to give the following information: (a) (b) Unsilenced sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the equipment. Sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the equipment together with details of any silencing measures that may be necessary to meet the specified noise limits.

11.1.2

11.1.3

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
(c)

GES A.04 Page 18 of 18 Rev 0 1999

If the specified limits cannot be met, the minimum attainable sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value shall be given. All noise levels quoted shall have an upper tolerance of 0 dB.

11.2

Noise Test Run The Owner shall decide which equipment should have a noise test run at the Vendor/Contractor's works. Where acceptance of individual equipment items is conditional on satisfactory conclusion of noise test runs at the Vendor/Contractor's works, the test run should reflect the in-situ arrangement and a suitable test procedure shall be agreed. The test includes preparation of an in-plant noise contour plot, showing contours of 75 dB(A) and higher, with incremental steps of 5 dB(A). Where a sound power limit applies to the project, a suitable test procedure should be agreed between the Vendor/Contractor and the Owner.

11.3

Remedial Action Corrective action should be taken in actual sound levels or levels calculated from measurements made in the acceptance test exceed the specified limit. The corrective measures shall have the Owner's approval.

12.0

GUARANTEE (a) (b) The Vendor/Contractor shall submit a written guarantee to meet the noise level requirements in accordance with this specification. The Noise Level Guarantee shall be supported with the completed Noise Data Sheets for the equipment and shall be subject to the Owner's test and verification in the semi-reverberant field conditions. Any remedial work performed either by the Owner or the Vendor/Contractor as a result of the latter's failure to meet the guaranteed noise levels shall be at the Vendor/Contractor's expense.

(c)

S:\NOC9077\ADMIN\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\GESA04RF

DATA SHEET No.

NOISE CONTROL DATA

P.O./CONTRACT No. CLIENT PLANT SERVICE LOCATION ITEM No. SHEET 1 of 3

No. of UNITS

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SOUND

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Job No. Requisition Order No. Applicable to:

Item No. Inquiry No. Proposals Number Required

Purchase Order/Contract No. Date Revision Purchase As-Built Item Number

Equipment Type Centrifugal Compressor Reciprocating Compressor Rotary Compressor Gear Motor Pump Gas Turbine Steam Turbine Other

Description

Provided By

Mounted By

MAXIMUM SOUND LEVELS dB(A) Vendor/Contractor's Estimated Maximum With Normal Special Acoustic Design Design Treatment Vendor/Contractor's Guaranteed Maximum With Acoustic Normal Special Design Treatment Design

Equipment Item Complete Train Driven Equipment Driver Gear Other

Owner's Requirement

Description of Acoustic Treatment Description of Special Design

Revision No./Date Prepared by/Date Authorised by/Date Purpose (C) 1999 NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION. The information on this sheet may be used only for the purpose for which it is supplied by NOC.
K:\nocspecs\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\DA0401R0.xls Sheet1

DATA SHEET No.

NOISE CONTROL DATA

P.O./CONTRACT No. CLIENT PLANT SERVICE LOCATION ITEM No. SHEET 2 of 3

No. of UNITS

NOISE DATA BY OWNER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT NOISE LEVEL Equipment noise limits shall not exceed the values in this table NOISE LIMITS SOUND POWER LEVEL OR SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL) AT 1M FROM SOURCE * * (delete whichever not applicable) OCTAVE BAND CENTRE FREQUENCY Hz 31.5 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k OVERALL dB(A)

EQUIPMENT ITEMS

NOTES 1. Impulsive or narrow band noise shall be limited to 5dB less than the specified values in the octave bands in which noise occurs. 2. Noise limits apply through the operating range. INFORMATION FROM VENDOR/CONTRACTOR NOISE REDUCTION FEATURES INCLUDED IN SUPPLY Description of Special Design:-

Description of Acoustic Treatment

Description of any modifications to standard design

Description of anti-vibration mounts/flexible supports included.

NOISE TEST INFORMATION Basis of measurement procedures is BS 4196 / EEMUA 140 / Others (specify) Description of operating conditions during test and corrections applied to measured noise levels :-

Revision No./Date Prepared by/Date Authorised by/Date Purpose (C) 1999 NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION. The information on this sheet may be used only for the purpose for which it is supplied by NOC.
K:\nocspecs\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\DA0401R0.xls Sheet2

DATA SHEET No.

NOISE CONTROL DATA

P.O./CONTRACT No. CLIENT PLANT SERVICE LOCATION ITEM No. SHEET 3 of 3

No. of UNITS

NOISE DATA FROM VENDOR/CONTRACTOR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

EQUIPMENT SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL Highest noise levels from installed equipment operating within design parameters NOISE DATA EQUIPMENT ITEMS 31.5
Standard Equipment

MAXIMUM SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL) AT 1M FROM SOURCE * OCTAVE BAND CENTRE FREQUENCY Hz 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k OVERALL dB(A)

Equipment with Noise Controls

Does noise include impulsive or narrow band components ? Yes/No If yes, then indicate the bands in which these components occur by * in the table

EQUIPMENT SOUND POWER LEVEL Highest noise levels from installed equipment operating within design parameters NOISE DATA EQUIPMENT ITEMS 31.5
Standard Equipment

SOUND POWER LEVEL (PWL) OCTAVE BAND CENTRE FREQUENCY Hz 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k OVERALL dB(A)

Equipment with Noise Controls

Source of noise data: Direct measurement / extrapolation from other equipment data.

Revision No./Date Prepared by/Date Authorised by/Date Purpose (C) 1999 NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION. The information on this sheet may be used only for the purpose for which it is supplied by NOC.
K:\nocspecs\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\DA0401R0.xls Sheet3