Grundfos - industrial soundproofing

Project Overview

Grundfos, a renowned Danish company, specializes in equipment and solutions for the water, wastewater, and industrial sectors. In one of their workshops in Serbia, dedicated to manufacturing metal parts for water meters, noise levels were recorded above 82 dB(A). Although this is below the maximum permissible level of 85 dB(A), the factory's management noticed a troubling increase in repetitive mistakes among operators, leading to higher production waste. After a thorough investigation, it was concluded that high noise levels were affecting employee concentration and productivity.

Challenge

The management sought effective soundproofing solutions to address the issue. Initially, they approached a leading German company that proposed building barriers by opening doors around the machines. However, this classic solution would complicate workflow and leave operators exposed to high sound pressure levels. Next, they consulted Slovenian acoustics experts, who were also unable to provide a satisfactory solution, prompting the management to consider abandoning the noise reduction project entirely.

Scope of Work

• Conducting sound level measurements and localizing noise sources.
• Designing a tailored soundproofing solution that could effectively reduce noise without disrupting operations.
• Implementing precise sound-insulating elements directly onto the machines.
• Ensuring compliance with fire safety requirements.

Solution

In a final attempt, the management engaged DECIBEL, in collaboration with the Faculty of Electronics in Niš, Serbia. DECIBEL engineers conducted thorough calculations and simulations, resulting in an effective noise reduction solution of 8 dB at a cost significantly lower than the initial budget. The innovative soundproofing elements were designed to not obstruct workflow while providing visibility into the machines' operations.

Result

After implementing the soundproofing measures, subsequent measurements indicated an average sound level reduction of 7.6 dB. Over a two-month monitoring period, the factory reported a remarkable 38% decrease in operator errors, along with a reduction in absenteeism due to work-related issues.

Industry Insight

The manufacturing industry often grapples with noise pollution, which can significantly impact employee well-being and productivity. Effective soundproofing not only enhances the work environment but also contributes to improved operational efficiency and quality assurance. Implementing appropriate noise control measures is crucial for maintaining a healthy workplace and reducing operational costs.

If you're facing similar challenges in your production environment, don’t hesitate to contact DECIBEL for customized soundproofing solutions tailored to your needs.