GIW Technical Series

SOUND ADVICE
One of the questions occasionally asked by customers relates to the noise level of our pump
assemblies. Inquiries often reference a sound level of 85dBA at a distance of one meter, which is
typically used as a time-weighted average value for equipment. The actual sound levels of GIW
pumps are generally below 80 dBA based on representative pump assemblies tested on clear water
in our Hydraulic Lab. It should be noted that this sound reading is for the pump and bearing
assembly only. Motors, couplings, drives, gear reducers and other components all have their own
unique sound signal, and information should be obtained from that supplier. As reference, radios
play about 70dBA, noisy offices are in the 80dBA range, and factories can average around 90dBA.
Noise measurements can also be affected by atmospheric conditions.
Each pump installation is unique and the total sound level will be influenced by many factors.
Mounting bases, piping arrangements, building acoustics, slurry material and operating conditions
will all contribute to the sound level of any system. The operating frequency of the equipment
affects the human ear’s perception of sound levels. Without specific testing of the actual
components and slurry, the sound levels of an assembly in the field can not be accurately
estimated. Even then, readings can be different when the equipment is installed. Visiting similar
pump installations is a good way to understand noise levels.
Noise levels are really just comparisons, and sound measurement requires a sophisticated sound
level meter and controlled conditions. Sound is expressed in Decibels (dB) defined as “twenty times
the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of sound pressure to the reference sound pressure”, and
have different relative scales, such as “A”. Determining total sound level is not as simple as adding
the components together, since decibels do not add numerically like linear numbers do. For
example, combining a 70dBA pump and a 70dBA motor would equal 73dBA, while adding a 78
dBA gear reducer to a 72 dBA pump unit would only raise the sound level to 79 dBA. The chart
below shows the factors to add to the higher of the two sound levels of components when looking
for a total estimate:

Chart for addition of Decibels

Add to higher dB

4
3
reading

2
1
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Difference in levels, dB

The above information is intended to help explain noise levels to our customers. Contact GIW if
there are specific questions, or if additional information is required. Testing for estimated noise
levels of pumps and equipment is available in the GIW Hydraulic Lab for our customers at an
additional charge.

GIW Slurry Pumps–Sound Advice for all your pumping needs.

TECH Sound Levels 2007-11-15.doc