A factory has an ambient noise level of 100 dBA. You are asked to provide advice

Question

A factory has an ambient noise level of 100 dBA. You are asked to provide advice on cost-effective ways of reducing the noise exposure of the staff. The three nosiest machines have SPLs as follows:

Management is reluctant to spend more than $15,000 on the whole project, but could be persuaded to spend up to $3000 more if there were “significant advantages.” What would you advise them to do? (Make sure to explain your reasons.)

Machine SPL (dBA) Cost of Retrofitting to Cost of Soundproof Enclosure Reduce Noise by 20 dBA Reducing Noise by 5 dBA 6000 9500 110 6500 10O 450O 95 5000 2OOO

Explanation / Answer

We suggest them to use retrofitting process for reduction of noise in 1st and 2nd machine. That will cause totally 6500+9500 = $16000. The Management has can spend up to $3000 more so the rest of the money is $2000 [15000+3000=18000, 18000-16000 =$2000]. This $2000 is now usable to soundproof enclosure of 3rd machine.

After reduction mechanism in 1st machine the total Sound Pressure Level(SPl) =110-20 = 90

After reduction mechanism in 2nd machine the total Sound Pressure Level(SPl) =100-20 = 80

After reduction mechanism in 3rd machine the total Sound Pressure Level(SPl) =95-05 = 90

The average spl production is now = (90+80+95)/3 = 265/3 = 88.33 dB

The = 88.33 dB noise is significantly less, 11.67dB, (from the 100 dB SPl level) after implementation of noise reduction programme. This is under budget and easy bearable at ambient distance.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.