DEP INFORMATIVE

NOISE CONTROL
(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO ISO 15664)
Copyright Shell Group of Companies. No reproduction or networking permitted without license from Shell. Not for resale

DEP 31.10.00.31-Gen.

February 2017

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

© 2017 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.

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PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global Solutions
International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
DEP-Informatives provide the main rationale for certain requirements and recommendations in the companion DEP-
Specification with the same number. DEP-Informatives are intended for internal use by the Principal only.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATIVE .............................................................................................. 4
PART I INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 5
1.7 DUAL UNITS............................................................................................................... 5
PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO ISO 15664 ...................................................... 6
5 General noise limits (immission requirements) .................................................... 6
5.1 In-plant noise .............................................................................................................. 6
6 Equipment noise limits (emission requirements) ................................................. 6
6.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 6
PART III REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 7
BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................................................. 8

ANNEXES
ANNEX A RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR ACHIEVING ALARP ........................................ 9

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INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATIVE
This new DEP Informative is the companion to DEP 31.10.00.31-Gen., and provides the
rationale for certain requirements and recommendations in that document.
For clarity, the section and paragraph numbering of DEP 31.10.00.31-Gen. is used in this
document. Where there are no comments regarding a particular paragraph or section,
these have been omitted.
The information in this document is maintained by the custodian responsible for the DEP,
primarily for the following purposes:
• Documentation of the reason or background for certain requirements, particularly
where those requirements have raised questions in the past;
• Inclusion of a PS Table, if applicable, to explain the reasons and give the risk
ratings for requirements if they have been designated as process safety related.
This information can be used as guidance when considering deviation requests.
This is a revision of the DEP Informative of the same number dated February 2012.

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PART I INTRODUCTION

1.7 DUAL UNITS

The conversion of values from the SI system to the corresponding USC values has been
made using an adaptive process (i.e., not an exact mathematical conversion). In some
cases, size substitutions have been made in order to align with available products or
methods customarily used in the US.

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PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO ISO 15664

5 General noise limits (immission requirements)

5.1 In-plant noise

5.1.5 Indoor locations
The maximum allowable background noise when an area is not occupied varies with the
intended use of the space and the need for verbal communication, telephone use, privacy
and concentration. The criterion sound pressure level as measured in dB(A) may not
sufficiently reflect the acceptability of the noise: the sensitivity of the human ear in terms of
frequency characteristic varies with the noise level and this is not reflected in the dB(A)
scale. Furthermore the frequency distribution of the noise also has an effect on the
acceptability. For example white noise is considered as more annoying than pink noise.
There are several methods for rating indoor noise quality but none have found a
widespread international acceptance: Noise Criteria curves (L.L. Beranek, “Revised Criteria
for Noise in Buildings”, Noise Control, vol. 3, pp. 19-27, 1957), Noise Rating curves (only
available as draft ISO 1996) and some more.
The allowable noise limit for personnel accommodation (bedrooms, private cabins, etc.,).as
shown in Table 5.1 is derived in accordance with the following:
• Guidelines for Community Noise (1999), World Health Organization, Geneva;
• Noise and Vibration, Offshore Technology Report 2001/068, Health and Safety
Executive, UK.

6 Equipment noise limits (emission requirements)

6.1 General
The use of the ALARP criterion when selecting equipment for satisfying noise levels
requirements is in agreement with the CF on hearing conservation. However, since the CF
rd
does not address environmental noise, the 3 paragraph adds the ALARP criterion for
environmental noise as well.
The required steps and options to achieve ALARP will vary per equipment type, process
and other boundary conditions. This is described in detail in (Annex A).

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PART III REFERENCES

In this DEP Informative, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell users on the SWW
(Shell Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards.

SHELL STANDARDS

Acoustic insulation for piping (amendments/supplements to ISO DEP 31.46.00.31-Gen.

15665)
Data/requisition sheet for vent/blow-down/air-flow/in-line silencers DEP 31.10.00.95-Gen.

AMERICAN STANDARDS

Process Piping ASME B31.3

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Acoustics – Noise control design procedures for open plant ISO 15664:2001
Acoustics - Determination of Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources - ISO 3740
Guidelines for the Use of Basic Standards
Acoustics - Determination of Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources ISO 9614-1, -2, -3
Using Sound Intensity – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Acoustics - Noise Emitted by Machinery and Equipment - Guidelines ISO 11200
for the Use of Basic Standards for the Determination of Emission
Sound Pressure Levels at a Work Station and at Other Specified
Positions

OTHER STANDARDS

L.L. Beranek, “Revised Criteria for Noise in Buildings”, Noise Control,

vol. 3, pp. 19-27, 1957)

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
NOTE: The following document is for information only and does not form an integral part of this DEP:

Health Hazard Management Manual – Shell HSSE & https://eu001-

SP Control framework Health Manual sp.shell.com/sites/AAAAA8432/CF/default.aspx

World Health Organisation, Guidelines for Community http://www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.

html
Noise,1999
International Finance Corporation, General EHS http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/AttachmentsByT
itle/gui_EHSGuidelines2007_GeneralEHS_1-
Guidelines: Environmental Noise Management
7/$FILE/1-7+Noise.pdf

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ANNEX A RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR ACHIEVING ALARP

A.1 INTRODUCTION
This appendix is written to aid the Contractor/Principal in the preparation of Project
Specifications from the General Specifications and in compliance with the principle of
ALARP.
The Shell Control Framework on Hearing Conservation aims at reducing the risk of hearing
damage to tolerable levels and below tolerable where practicable. To this end a hierarchy
of controls is to be followed such that the objective can be reached with minimum reliance
on operational controls (e.g., work schedules, hearing protection).
Noise can have additional undesirable consequences at much lower levels: loss of
concentration, stress, annoyance, sleep disturbances. For the facility this is reflected in
setting limits to workplace noise levels depending on the required activities (e.g., control
rooms, work shop, accommodation areas).
Outside the facility boundaries the noise generated by the facility may have undesirable
rd
effect on 3 parties, recipients outside the facility. This is also called environmental noise.
The recipients can vary from industrial facilities at the property boundaries to sensitive
receptors, like residential areas or hospitals as far as 2 kilometres (1 mile) from the facility.
The ALARP principle when applied to managing workplace or environmental noise follows
a similar hierarchy of controls as that for preventing hearing loss. However there will be
differences in the effectiveness of the noise reducing measures. A noise reducing measure
may be very effective in reducing the exposure at a workplace but have negligible influence
at the environmental noise level. Similarly a noise reducing measure for the environment
may not be needed to meet workplace noise exposure.
This Appendix gives guidance for achieving ALARP.

A.2 THE ALARP HIERARCHY

The basic policy regarding noise is that facilities will be designed in compliance the HSSE
and SP Control Framework as well as any other applicable local noise emission
regulations.
In addition, facilities are to be designed to minimize the potential for legitimate community
complaints of nuisance caused by noise emitted from the facility.
The ALARP hierarchy of controls will have 3 objectives:
• Allowing safe work and communication in the workplace.
• Preventing noise induced hearing loss by reducing work place noise exposure to
ALARP. The measure is noise exposure, LAeq, representing a time-integrated
exposure of the ear to a sound pressure level Lp in dB(A). The reference level
assumes an 8 hour workday.
LAeq will be determined primarily by the equipment sound pressure Lp, secondly
by the nearby equipment and thirdly by the exposure time, the time spent by the
operator near that equipment.
• Reducing risk by noise to the environment to ALARP. The measure is a sound
pressure level Lp, usually as a 1 hour time averaged value but occasionally as a
peak value or a percentile. The reference level is in dB(A) normally.
Lp will be determined primarily by the sound power Lw of the facility (the sum of
the sound powers of all individual equipment), secondly by the location of the
individual equipment. An option to reduce exposure time is absent.

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To achieve a manageable work process three noise levels are defined:

• CRIT (or Tolerable), this means permitted by Shell standards, local regulations
and other applicable standards. Exceeding this level is not permitted.
• TRESHOLD, this is a level far below CRIT that is assumed to be as a no or
negligible effect level. Below this level ALARP is assumed to have been reached
and no further demonstration is required.
• TRIGGER, above which level an ALARP procedure must start to reduce the noise
level. An ALARP procedure may end with a resulting noise level above or below
this level. If equipment starts with this noise level below TRIGGER it may still be
required to start an ALARP procedure for other reasons. An example of that are
when the equipment represents a class of equipment that combined exceed the
TRIGGER level.
Table 1 lists the noise levels for the three noise ALARP objectives.
Table 1 Noise levels for noise ALARP objectives

Objective CRIT (Tolerable TRIGGER TRESHOLD Comment

level)

1: Safe work Work area CRIT-5 CRIT-15 Depends on work area,

and dependent: (but not see section 5.1.5 of this
communication examples, Lp, 1 m exceeding Specification.
85 dB(A))
Plant: 115 dB(A),
30 sec
Control Room:
50 dB(A)

2: Prevent Loss LAeq, 8 hr = 85 dB(A) CRIT-5 CRIT-15 No effect noise dose is

of Hearing possibly 70 dB(A)
LC,peak = 140 dB(C)

3: Prevent Various local CRIT-5 CRIT-15 No effect noise level is

Environmental regulations: LAeq, possibly 30 dB(A). It is
rd
and 3 party 1hr recommended to
damage aggregate the location-
(e.g. stress) Residential: 45 dB(A) specific environmental
Industrial: 70 dB(A) Sound Pressures (Lp ) to
a single facility Sound
Power (Lw)

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To achieve all ALARP objectives the procedure of Figure 1 can be followed.

Figure 1 Overall ALARP process

The ALARP process is applied to individual equipment (including the interconnecting

piping, valves, etc.). It can be useful to apply the process to a class of similar equipment
(air coolers or compressors within a certain duty-range).
This result is a procedure where for the strongest noise sources it will be demonstrated that
ALARP is reached, while for the weakest noise sources it can be assumed that ALARP is
obtained by industrial standards and proper design practices.
When a noise source exceeds the TRIGGER LEVEL, it needs to be mitigated following the
ALARP hierarchy or until the noise level is below the TRESHOLD LEVEL.

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A.3 DEFINING THE CRIT, TRIGGER AND TRESHOLD LEVEL

The project will define the CRIT level conforming to local legislation, Shell standards
(e.g., HSSE Control Framework) and other applicable standards. The differences between
CRIT and TRIGGER/TRESHOLD levels in this informative are recommended values.
The TRIGGER value corresponds to a current good practice margin to cover uncertainty in
projected and guaranteed noise levels (objectives 1, 2, 3), the presence of other equipment
in the direct environment (objectives 1, 2) or the need for expansion capabilities
(objective 3).
The recommended TRESHOLD LEVEL is 15 dB(A) below the TRIGGER LEVEL,
representing a reduction factor of 30.
For loss of hearing the TRESHOLD LEVEL is set at Lp = 70 dB(A) because most there is
no evidence for hearing loss at 70 dB LAeq,8 hrs.
For environmental noise, the TRESHOLD LEVEL is set at 30 dB(A) Lp at a residential
recipient. This considers that utilities have typically 30 major noise sources which – if all
managed to 30 dB(A) - will result in a the tolerable recipient sound pressure of 45 dB(A).
With typical housing construction, this results to an exposure of 25 dB(A) during the sleep,
below WHO reported ‘no-effect’ level. For very small or very large facilities, the
environmental TRESHOLD may require adaption to speed up the ALARP process.
For objective 1, there is no formal limit to the noise level for working in process units
(including noisy workplaces such as enclosures for compressors, diesel engines, etc). The
reason is that noise levels in such areas cannot always practicably be reduced via technical
means.
The project will document the CRIT, TRIGGER and TRESHOLD levels to facilitate a proper
ALARP documentation.
It is anticipated that the ALARP process will not result in a similar noise level or similar
reduction in noise level. This will differ per equipment type and the (A5) will provide
guidance on what is considered as practicable for several equipment types.
A.3.1 Equivalent noise dose
The default CRIT LEVEL is for a nominal 8 hr shift time. For a 12 hr shift, the default
TRIGGER LEVEL is 3 dB(A) lower. The allowable noise exposure according to OSHA
Occupational Noise Regulation is not ALARP and should not be used

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A.3.2 Property limit and environmental emission requirements

National and local regulations can also impose limits in noise levels imposed on adjacent
facilities and communities. Fence-line limits are taken to be the limits at the property
boundary. Environmental emission limits are evaluated at the nearest sensitive receptor per
recipient class.
Compliance to all of these regulations simultaneously may pose limits on individual
equipment (a noisy piece of equipment near the fence) as well as the entire unit (all
equipment combined at a longer distance).
Emission regulations will normally have different day and night requirements. Since most
units operate around the clock, the more restrictive requirement should be followed.
In the absence of local regulations, the emission limits from the IFC General EHS should be
used:
Table 1.7.1 IFC Noise Level Guidelines

One Hour LAeq, dB(A) *)

Receptor Daytime Nighttime

07:00-22:00 22:00-07:00

Residential; institutional; educational 55 45

Industrial; commercial 70 70

*) The IFC Noise Level Guidelines state:

Noise impacts should not exceed the levels presented in Table 1.7.1 or result in a
maximum increase in background levels of 3 dB at the nearest receptor location offsite.
The 3 dB clause should not be applied since this would permit a higher noise level
emitted by the facility if the background noise level LA90 exceeds 45 dB(A). As an
example, a 47 dB(A) background noise level would allow the facility to emit noise
corresponding to 47 dB(A) at the sensitive receptor, resulting in a resulting in a LA90 of
50 dB(A) at that receptor. The 1 hour average LAeq would then typically be 55-60
dB(A).
For complex facilities, it is recommended to use of a noise model to determine the
effect of facility sound power, layout, weather, and terrain on the sound pressure at the
location of the sensitive receptors.

A.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
The ALARP process starts by assuming purchase of standard design hardware.
If a "quiet" design is proposed by a Supplier, the Supplier should provide a basis for the
effectiveness of that design. This may include data on similar equipment or design
calculations. The Contractor is expected to review this justification and comment on its
validity. Contractor review of acoustical treatment should include a cost-benefit review.
Additional discussion of selection of acoustical treatments is included in (A7), Guidelines for
Noise Treatment Selection.

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A.5 NOISE SOURCES

Practicable measures are discussed per equipment type and list options that are offered by
several manufacturers or have been applied in several facilities.
Eliminate: Eliminating equipment noise generally requires modifying the process (pumping
rd
in a liquid phase rather than in a vapour phase) or using a 3 party for the supply of
materials or take-off of (by) products. These options are therefore not described.
Isolate: with respect to sensitive receptors usually involves relocating equipment. Whereas
this may be practicable with respect to environmental effects, this may not address
exposure of workforce. It can be used to match groups of workers so that noisy equipment
is not located near low noise work areas such as offices or accommodation.
Procedural Controls: are generally beyond the scope of process equipment selection
options.
Hearing Protection is outside the scope of this informative.
A.5.1 Air cooled heat exchangers
Eliminate: Water cooling.
Replace: Induced draft, limit the tip speed, increase blade surface, improve blade curvature
and reduce air cooler pressure drop.
Engineering Controls: variable speed drives.
A.5.2 Axial and centrifugal compressors
Engineering Controls: piping acoustic insulation up and downstream and recycle, silencers,
sound barrier, acoustic insulation blanket, enclosure.
Comment: These machines often generate substantial flow noise which is radiated from the
case and through the piping. Noise data should be required for the casing as well as at the
suction, discharge, and interstage nozzles. Treatment of the casing is normally possible
only by the use of an enclosure. Nozzles and associated piping are treated by acoustical
piping insulation. Casing generated noise often only affects a small area around the
compressor. For this reason, the high noise area may be tolerated and the enclosures not
specified very often. Gearbox noise can be contributing and may be replaced by a low
noise version.
A.5.3 Reciprocating compressors
Replace: rotating compressor.
Engineering Controls: piping acoustic insulation up and downstream and recycle, silencers,
sound barrier, acoustic insulation blanket, enclosure.
A.5.4 Motors
Replace: High Efficiency National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Frame
Motors.
Engineering Controls: low noise air cooler, enclosure (including silencing of the air cooling
where required), water cooling.

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A.5.5 Furnaces and Boilers

Isolate: In view of the large radiating areas, the directivity of the noise can set a preferred
orientation and location of this equipment.
Replace: Low noise burners, low noise fans, refractory instead of insulation blankets.
Engineering Controls: acoustic insulation, silencing of both air inlet and exhaust stack,
sound barrier, enclosure of the entire Furnace/Boiler.
Comment: The combustion noise is generated by the burners. Noise data should be
obtained at both maximum and normal firing rates. If there is a substantial difference, this
matter should be discussed with the Principal’s noise specialist before determining the
required noise treatment. ISO 3740 series, ISO 11200 series or ISO 9614 may be used to
specify noise measurements if a complete furnace or boiler may be tested at the Supplier
shop. If this is not the case, individual burner data should be used to determine overall
noise. In making this calculation, the spatial distribution of the burners should be
considered. If a package unit is being purchased, additional noise sources, e.g., fans
should also be included in the noise review. The design shall consider the acoustic
interactions of the enclosure, piping and ducting to prevent resonance in the burner noise
spectrum.
A.5.6 Hydraulic Drives
Isolate: locate the pump and motor inside the oil sump.
Engineering Controls: Acoustic insulation.
A.5.7 Pumps
Replace: low speed (<3600 rpm) pump. Spare pumps on auto-start, not hot standby.
Engineering Controls: Acoustic insulation.
Comment: Pumps have noise requirements related to their drivers because in most cases
the driver produces more noise than the pump itself and, the pump- motor combination is
treated as a single noise source. The only exception to this is for high speed pumps, i.e.,
greater than 3600 rpm. These pumps normally have an integral gearbox which may
produce substantial noise.
A.5.8 Solids Separation, Size Reduction, and Vibratory Devices
Engineering Controls: Noise barriers, enclosures.
Comment: These items are often high noise generators. It is difficult to obtain "quiet"
designs. Enclosures may be necessary. It is also advisable to review the location of this
equipment. It may be possible to locate many of them together in a single room. While this
may cause high noise in that one room, it maintains a lower level in other parts of the
facility.
A.5.9 Gears
Replace: low noise gearbox.
Engineering Controls: Enclosure, acoustic insulation.
Comment: Gears are usually difficult to treat without enclosures. This may introduce a
problem since convection and radiation from the gearbox surface is often used as part of
the heat rejection from the box. If an enclosure is used, the sizing of the lube oil coolers
must be reviewed for adequacy.

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A.5.10 Control Valves

Replace: low noise valve trim, orifices/diffusers in series with the valve.
Engineering Controls: Acoustical insulation, heavier wall pipe.
Comment:
Noise calculations shall be made for control valves as per industry standards. These
calculations are based on a location 1 m (3.3 ft.) downstream and 1 m (3.3 ft.) from the
surface of the attached piping. These calculations should include conditions of maximum
and minimum flow and the attenuation due to the pipe wall and any thermal insulation
which is specified for the line. The calculated results should be included on the control
valve data sheet.
Where orifices/diffusor and/or multicage low noise valve trim are used as a noise control
device, the noise predictions shall also be reported at 1/2 maximum flow rate and maximum
flow rate.
If an orifice/diffuser is used as a noise control device, it will normally cause a noise
reduction over some flow range but may actually increase the noise emission at others. The
worst operating point for a diffuser is about 1/2 design flow rate. For this reason, if an
orifice/ diffuser is considered as a noise control device, the noise level should be calculated
at 1/2 flow as well.
Compressor recycle valves should be evaluated for noise levels at nominal flows and at
maximum flows. Recycle piping will also radiate noise, in the case of a closed recycle
valve, and should be included in this evaluation. No compressor will operate normally for
extended periods at full recycle; therefore’ if full recycle occurs for short periods during
start-ups, hearing protection may be used.
Feed gas valves are often a problem since they are sized for maximum flow at minimum
pressure drop. Valve sizing normally considers minimum feed gas pressure upstream and
maximum required burner supply pressure. These valves should be reviewed at a "normal"
feed gas pressure and a "normal" required burner pressure. This condition may indicate a
pressure drop across the valve several times higher than the standard design conditions.
When valve noise reaches a level of about 115 dBA, there may be sufficient acoustical
power available to cause damage to mechanical components.

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A.5.11 Atmospheric vents or intakes

Replace: low pressure drop flow control, low-noise flow control: multi-stage orifice.
Isolate: relocate the vent/intake to a less harmful position, orient the outlet away from the
most sensitive receptor.
Engineering Controls: Silencer.
Comment:
Atmospheric vents are normally associated with valves controlling the flow to the
atmosphere; see (A5.10) on controlling noise for valves. A review of all such vents
(excluding pressure relief valves) should be made to determine the noise which will be
produced in normal and foreseeable operating conditions. Often, it is the fence line criteria
which will be the most stringent sound pressure level requirement for a vent.
Vent noise is normally governed by the flow rate and by the pressure drop across the
controlling valve. Attenuation by long piping between valve and vent outlet should be
considered. Vent flow noise is relevant for high exit velocities (> 0.2 Mach) may become
governing with long vent piping.
In addition to the silencer, the noise generated by the valve may be reduced using a "quiet"
valve design or by using restriction orifices downstream of the valve. The use of the orifices
is often a good procedure, particularly on high pressure vents. The orifice is able to lower
the valve generated noise by lowering the valve pressure drop. If the orifices are placed
close to the vent stack, the line size may be reduced since the gas density will be increased
between the valve and the orifice. In any use of orifices to reduce valve noise, the overall
system noise level must be evaluated over the potential flow range to account for
decreased effectiveness of the orifice at reduced flow rates.
o o
The noise from vents is directional and highest at a cone of 30 – 45 from the vent outlet
o
with the flow axis and lowest at 180 . The directivity may be considered for determining
o
noise levels using values + 8 dB within the 45 cone from the vent and 0 dB in the
o
horizontal direction and - 8 dB in the 45 cone below the vent.
Atmospheric intakes on compressors and blowers may produce high noise levels. The data
on these intakes should be provided by the equipment manufacturers. If these intakes
produce levels which exceed the TRIGGER LEVEL in the operating unit or which exceed
the fence line requirements, silencers should be specified for the intake.
In recommending a silencer for an intake, an evaluation should be made of the cost of the
silencer pressure drop. The cost of the pressure drop in terms of compressor/blower
horsepower should be evaluated versus the silencer costs. A more expensive, lower
pressure drop silencer may be justified on the basis of the horsepower cost. This analysis
must be performed.

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A.5.12 Piping Systems

Replace: relocate source or destination, reduce flow velocities
Engineering controls: acoustical and vibration insulation
Comments:
Simple flow through piping systems does not, of itself, generally present a noise problem
unless there is cavitation present or vapour flows at near sonic velocities. However, the
equipment to which the piping is connected can product noise, e.g., compressors, turbines,
and control valves. The piping is then capable of transmitting this noise over large areas of
the facility and can represent a larger sound power than the equipment itself.
The Contractor is responsible for identifying those lines which will emit noise exceeding the
TRIGGER LEVEL. This requires input from the suppliers of the attached noise producing
equipment. In order to predict which lines will emit the noise, the insertion loss due to piping
insulation must be considered.
For lines which are predicted to emit noise levels exceeding the TRIGGER LEVEL, the
contractors will prepare a cost analysis of acoustical treatment which will reduce this noise
emission to below the TRIGGER LEVEL. This analysis should consider the potential
application of in-line silencers and/or acoustical insulation.
Where acoustical insulation is recommended, the analysis must include the extent of the
line which must be insulated and must include vibration insulation.
If an in-line silencer is recommended, the analysis should include the costs associated with
the silencer pressure drop and required power increase for the compressor/blower. In large
capacity compressors, this increase can make the inline silencer uneconomical. The in-line
silencer should be located as close to the noise source as possible, e.g., compressor
flange. This may result in either a bottom entry/exit or side entry/exit silencer. If the silencer
is not close-coupled to the noise source, the need for acoustical insulation between the
noise source and the silencer inlet should be evaluated.

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A.6 ACOUSTICAL TREATMENTS

The Contractor or Principal review and comment on the acoustical treatments
recommended by the equipment Suppliers. In some cases, these treatments may involve
general noise control treatments, e.g., barriers, enclosures, and acoustical piping insulation.
A.6.1 Barriers
Acoustical barriers or "walls" have the capability of screening an area from a noise source.
In some cases, this may represent a viable treatment. However, it should be recognized
that sound will refract over a wall and hence the barrier attenuation decreases with distance
from the barrier. For this reason, if a barrier is to be recommended, the evaluation should
include a spatial description of the barrier performance. That is, a noise contour must be
calculated for the vicinity of the barrier to describe the performance.
In addition, the attenuation achieved by the barrier can be no greater than the transmission
loss of the barrier material.
One of the principal area where barriers can be effective is in shielding the fence line from
noise emissions. In this case, tankage, cooling towers, the body of furnaces, and/or
buildings can provide significant acoustical relief. If possible, the siting of this equipment
may be specified early in a project development to help eliminate potential fence line
problems. And, when considering the required sound pressure levels of equipment as
governed by fence line requirements, the attenuation due to these barriers should be
included.
Barriers may also be used to screen high traffic areas from noise sources, e.g., instrument
locations, control room doors, office windows, etc.
Acoustical curtains, normally loaded vinyl, may be used as barriers in some cases, e.g., to
sectionalise areas in a workshop. These curtains are hung from tracks in a manner similar
to shower curtains.
A.6.2 Enclosures
Acoustical enclosures are often specified to provide attenuation for equipment which does
not offer a low noise replacement. They may also be used to retrofit existing equipment.
The use of acoustical enclosures can cause a problem to operations and maintenance,
since the equipment is now inside a box and not readily accessible. For some cases, e.g.,
screw compressors, an enclosure may be the only viable noise treatment.
Acoustical enclosures provided for equipment shall include provisions to permit necessary
access for operation and maintenance. When an enclosure is recommended, the impact on
operations and maintenance activities must be considered in the design. The enclosure
may require doors and/or windows to permit visual inspection or access to
controls/instrumentation in the enclosure. It may also be necessary to increase the length of
lines associated with peripheral equipment, e.g., lube systems, so that they extend outside
the enclosure.
Where ventilation of an enclosure is necessary, the ventilating equipment must meet area
classification requirements. Heat build-up or gas accumulation may occur inside an
enclosure causing the need for a ventilation system. This system must be properly ducted
so that an escape path for the noise is not available. Fans used for the ventilation system
must meet the area classification.
Where close-fitting enclosures (acoustic insulation blankets) are specified, adequate heat
removal from the enclosed equipment must be insured. Close-fitting enclosures are
sometimes used on equipment. These are essentially, "second skins" which are placed
directly on the equipment. A mineral wool or fibreglass layer is placed on the equipment
and a dense weather jacket or mastic is applied over that. This treatment can be very
effective. However, there is no capability for ventilation. Since many equipment items rely
on convection and radiation from the case for heat removal, they will require larger oil
coolers to keep heat levels down.

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Noise levels inside an enclosure are generally higher than levels without the enclosure
because of reverberation. This should be considered in the enclosure design review.
Extreme care must be taken to assure that enclosures are sealed and that the sealing is
maintainable. Small amounts of open area will minimize the effectiveness of the enclosure.
This sealing should include gasketing around any penetrations of the enclosure walls.
A.6.3 Acoustical piping insulation
Acoustical piping insulation may be used as to treat noisy piping caused by compressors,
turbines, or control valves. Acoustical piping insulation should be designed and engineered
as per DEP 31.46.00.31-Gen. If the desired insertion loss cannot be achieved with the
specified acoustical insulation classes, special insulation systems may be specified with
Principal approval (e.g., closed cell elastomeres for cryogenic systems).
The insulation may be more cost effective than in-line silencers or "quiet" control valves.
However, in long-lived plants, if the lines which are insulated must be serviced, the
insulation may be ruined and will have to be replaced at added cost.
In certain cases where it is known that a line must be serviced often, an acoustical blanket
may be the best choice. These blankets, which are similar to thermal blankets have a lead
layer next to the cover. They are generally tiewired in place so that they are easily
removable.
A.6.4 Specifying silencers
Silencers are specified using the DEP 31.10.00.95-Gen. data sheet. The
Contractor/Principal may provide the operating conditions and any required construction
and materials. Care should be taken that the silencer not be over-specified, e.g., corrosion
allowances and special painting requirements are usually not necessary.
All discharge silencers handling flammable products or gases at a temperature exceeding
185 °C (366 °F) shall have pressure retaining components designed in accordance with
ASME Piping Code B31.3. If a silencer has a tail pipe, the entire silencer could be
considered a pressure retaining element. A diffuser is considered a pressure retaining
element; when applied in silencers for RV’s it is not allowed to design the diffuser as a
noise reduction device as that functionality requires a flow restriction that may foul or block
otherwise and result in an unrevealed dangerous failure.
Suction and discharge silencers require low point drains. Condensation and/or rain can
cause substantial amounts of water to accumulate in the silencer and may cause structural
damage to the supports. These drains should also be connected to some system which will
remove the liquids.
The location of the nearest workplace and the fence-line relative to the silencer should be
provided.

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A.7 GUIDELINES FOR NOISE TREATMENT SELECTION

Application of DEP 31.10.00.31-Gen. will enable the Contractor and Principal to gather data
on potential noise sources. However, except for the case of control valves and
vents/suctions, there are no hard and fast rules presented for the selection of acoustical
treatment or the required level of attenuation that is ALARP. Since most noise regulations
are facility performance standards rather than individual equipment performance standards,
substantial engineering judgment is necessary on how to best realise ALARP.
The general philosophy is to select equipment and noise reduction measures which will
provide a facility which will not have large areas with noise levels exceeding the TRIGGER
LEVEL (normally 85 dBA). High noise areas are expected to exist in the immediate vicinity
of large sources where treatment is very difficult, e.g., on compressor decks or in the
immediate vicinity of floor fired heaters.
2 2
Only very small areas -typically 1 m (10 ft ) should be permitted to exceed TRIGGER
LEVEL + 5 dB. If a situation is encountered with equipment producing these high noise
levels, enclosure will probably be necessary (e.g., for environmental noise control).
It should be realised that guaranteed noise levels have an uncertainty margin. In isolated
cases it can be selected to defer the selection of acoustical treatment until after the unit is
in operation and the actual noise level or sound power determined in the final noise survey
(e.g., acoustical insulation or piping). Deferring treatment can result in increased costs as
preparations may be required to allow a retrofit. Examples are increased pipe clearances,
clearance for vibration insulation, equipment clearances for installation of barriers or
enclosures. If treatment is deferred, this should be detailed in the design data. Normally,
the Shell noise specialist will visit the facility after start-up to review the deferred treatment
areas in order to determine the need for follow-up work.

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