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Building an oversized curtain enclosure to reduce and
absorb noise has never been a problem. Building an oversized
curtain system without a lot of support columns has
always been a challenge. A 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
x 3/16" thick heavy-duty steel frame that easily
supports large enclosures was developed. A ten-foot
square curtain enclosure only requires four corner posts
instead of the usual support columns installed at five-foot
intervals.
 A
local steel fabricator is very pleased with the results.
According to the shop's engineer, the product grinder
was the most noise offensive piece of equipment in the
company's entire operation. Noise levels exceeded 100
dB(A). Because
the unit was relatively small (3' x 4' x 6'), we knew
we could easily reduce the noise level with a curtain
enclosure. However, the steel pieces moving in and out
of the roll shop are so big that a full10' x 10' access
area was required.
Acoustical Solution’s heavy-duty frame system
and AudioSeal™
Combination blankets solved the problem. Even at
a height of 10 feet, the enclosure only required four
corner posts and no middle post. Even large fork trucks
have easy access and the pre-drilled and tapped frame
made it quick to assemble and easy to install. The structure
was rugged enough to accommodate a partial roof over
the grinder. Because only a partial roof was used, there
was no need to consider ventilation, lighting or sprinkler
systems.
AudioSeal™
Combination Blankets feature a heavy duty, reinforced
loaded vinyl noise barrier exterior and a two-inch thick
quilted fiberglass sound absorption interior. The panels
were installed on sliding double tracks on two sides
for quick and easy access. The remaining two sides were
attached directly to the frame thus saving the cost
of track and rollers. The result? An overall noise reduction
of 17 dB(A).
In addition to significantly reducing noise levels,
the curtains are durable enough to withstand the punishment
we know they'll get in that busy area. Virtually any
large area can now be enclosed without compromising
access.
The next time you're confronted with a large, noisy
piece of equipment that looks impossible to enclose
with acoustical curtains, don't hesitate. Think heavy
duty.
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