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It's hard to imagine that one person could hold up
the expansion plans of a $3 billion corporation. But
that's exactly what happened to the Tennessee Gas division
of Tenneco.
 Tennessee
Gas Pipeline's mainline compressor station 254 is in
the small town of Nassau, New York, located just south
of Albany. The station houses five 1400 horsepower compressors.
These compressors make it possible for natural gas to
flow to thousands of homes throughout New York and New
England.
Because of the noise they generated, the compressors
were causing serious problems for Tennessee Gas with
their next-door neighbor and subsequently Nassau's town
fathers. Compressor station 254 sits on a 40-acre lot
and is bordered on one side by a private residence.
The homeowner's complaints to the local government and
press created an adverse public relations climate for
Tennessee Gas. With major expansion planned and the
taste of bad press growing more sour every day, Tennessee
Gas decided to investigate the noise problem and figure
out what could be done to remedy the situation.
 Independent
testing showed that compressor station 254 was generating
sound levels up to 60 dB(A)
at the boundary line. Further testing revealed that
the dominant noise sources were low frequency,
which are always more difficult to attenuate than high
frequency
noise. To comply with local and state ordinances and
clear the way for future expansion, Tennessee Gas set
out to find a company that could reduce the noise level
at the property line from 60 dB(A)
to 50 dB(A)
by treating the building, rather than individual compressors.
Their reasoning was that employees must have unrestricted
access to the compressors and clear visibility throughout
the building.
After considering and quickly dismissing a foam product
because of its expense and inability to meet the Class
1 fire rating, Tennessee Gas searched for an acoustical
solution. It was recommended to line the walls and ceiling
with a sound
absorption/barrier composite, they decided on the
AudioSeal™
Combination Blanket (ABSC-25). The composite, made
up of quilted fiberglass and a 1 lb./sq.ft. barrier,
would do double duty for Tennessee Gas by absorbing
airborne sound waves and increasing the transmission
loss ability of the building. Using a Velcro® attached
noise barrier batten would prevent leaks at the seams
of the panels.
After testing and the development of a new time and
money-saving installation technique, more than 800 panels
were made to line the interior of the 40' x 179' x 28'
high building.
Post-installation testing showed that the Audioseal
Combination Blankets (ABSC-25) performed better
than promised. The noise level at the property line
was reduced from 60dB(A) to 45dB(A). 5dB(A) lower than
what was specified. And while noise levels within the
building were not as critical, Tennessee Gas officials
were pleased the employees could now hold a conversation
without shouting. In addition, Tennessee Gas found that
the light colored fabric facing used dramatically improved
the lighting inside the building
Town officials quickly expressed their pleasure with
the decrease in noise. And the neighbor who shares the
property line called Tennessee Gas Pipeline officials
to thank them. He even said he would alert the local
media to encourage a positive article on the company
and Tennessee Gas Pipeline officials are confident they
will not hear a lot of noise from the local government
when they move ahead with expansion plans.
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