www.PDHcenter.com PDH Course M143 www.PDHonline.

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$"Fan noise

$"Airflow turbulence

$"Process equipment

The first two sources may be addressed by the noise-control engineer during the design of

the facility. The manufacturers of that equipment must handle reduction of noise from process

equipment.

A noise can be more annoying if it has a "hissy" high frequency spectrum, or a "rumbly" low

frequency spectrum. In the production areas of an "average' facility, the noise at frequencies

of 500 Hz and higher is mainly attributable to process equipment. At lower frequencies, it is

due to the HVAC air-handling systems.

Airflow noise is due to the turbulence that is typically generated by the introduction of

discontinuities in the airstreams (such as elbows or transitions), which is more prominent at

high velocities.

Other than the equipment and the airflow noise the material characteristics of cleanroom

provide a relatively “hard” acoustical environment. The bare block walls, raised access floor

over a concrete structural floor, epoxy coated composite finishes and corrugated metal ceiling

create highly reverberant conditions, which adds to the overall noise level.

The concern for shedding of particles generally prohibits the use of many conventional

sound-absorbing treatments in the clean room or in the ducting of the air-handling systems.

Points to note for Attenuation

Following attenuation guidelines must be noted and applied:

• Where possible, use convex surfaces and deep texture (6" or more") on large
surfaces to diffuse sound pleasantly.

• Avoid concave surfaces because the radial shape concentrates the noise into "Hot
spots" which are objectionable.

• If surfaces are 70' away, more distinct echoes may be heard. Avoid having direct
sound and reflected sound following paths more than 50' different in length. Large

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