An acoustic enclosure provides an engineered barrier that reduces sound transmission from industrial machinery to surrounding areas.
In environments where constant mechanical noise can disrupt operations or impact nearby equipment performance, a well-designed enclosure creates controlled acoustic conditions without interfering with the function of the equipment it surrounds.
Applications span multiple sectors, each with unique requirements for noise control.
Power Generation Equipment
Turbines, generators, and related systems produce continuous, high-decibel sound levels during operation. Installing soundproof enclosures around these units limits exposure for nearby personnel and prevents vibration-related sound from carrying into adjacent work areas. Industrial-grade materials and fire-rated construction maintain both acoustic and safety performance, particularly in indoor plants and enclosed facilities.
Key considerations for these applications include:
● Access points for routine maintenance and inspection.
● Adequate ventilation to prevent overheating while containing noise.
● Integration with fire protection systems where required.
Compressors and Pumps
Compressors and high-pressure pumps produce both airborne noise and structure-borne vibration. In manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and water treatment stations, an acoustic enclosure helps maintain a safer, quieter environment without interrupting daily operations. Noise control around these machines is particularly valuable in settings where multiple units operate simultaneously.
Design features often include:
● Removable panels or modular sections for service access.
● Sound-absorbing internal linings to minimize reverberation.
● Sealed cable and piping entry points to reduce acoustic leakage.
HVAC Units
Large-scale HVAC systems serving commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings can create constant background noise that carries into workspaces. Noise enclosure installations around these units reduce sound propagation through walls, roofs, and ductwork. The design must balance acoustic performance with airflow requirements to keep systems operating within temperature limits.
Applications include:
● Rooftop HVAC units serving office towers or hospitals.
● Ground-level chillers for manufacturing plants.
● Air handling systems for cleanrooms or controlled environments.
Substation Switchgear and Transformers
Electrical substations, particularly those located near populated areas or sensitive facilities, benefit from soundproof enclosures designed to limit noise from transformers and switchgear. These enclosures must combine acoustic attenuation with fire-rated properties to address both sound and safety requirements. In many cases, solutions like Acoustic DuraBarrier can be incorporated to provide both fire separation and noise reduction.
Key considerations include:
● Resistance to environmental exposure such as moisture, dust, and temperature extremes.
● Space for cooling airflow while maintaining acoustic containment.
● Compatibility with electrical clearance and grounding requirements.
Manufacturing and Machining Areas
Metalworking, woodworking, and other machining processes generate high noise levels that can disrupt nearby operations or violate workplace noise exposure limits.
An acoustic enclosure around specific machinery isolates the source of the noise, allowing other processes to run concurrently without interference.
Design priorities for these areas may involve:
● Large entry doors for loading and unloading materials.
● Sound-absorbing wall and ceiling assemblies to prevent echo build-up.
● Durable finishes to withstand dust, oil, or chemical contact.
Additional Industrial Applications
Beyond these primary categories, noise enclosure technology applies to testing facilities, packaging equipment, and material processing systems. The common factor in all applications is the need to reduce sound transmission while maintaining accessibility and equipment performance.
By integrating acoustic materials with structural framing and access points, enclosures provide a long-term solution for noise management.
Integration with Safety and Performance Requirements
An acoustic enclosure in an industrial setting is not just a sound barrier; it must meet physical safety, fire protection, and operational access needs.
These enclosures are typically designed to accommodate:
● Fire resistance ratings appropriate to the equipment and building code requirements.
● Mechanical or electrical service routing without compromising acoustic performance.
● Compliance with local noise ordinances and occupational safety standards.
In many cases, acoustic solutions can be combined with blast protection or thermal containment when multiple hazards exist in the same space. Selecting the accurate configuration depends on the specific equipment type, noise level, and operational constraints.
Discuss with DuraSystems
Selecting and installing an acoustic enclosure for industrial applications requires careful consideration of equipment type, noise levels, safety requirements, and operational access.
Whether controlling sound from power generation units, compressors, HVAC systems, electrical transformers, or manufacturing machinery, the right design can maintain operational performance while meeting noise control objectives.
For specialized acoustic solutions that address complex industrial conditions, contact DuraSystems and receive project-specific guidance.
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