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Acoustic insulation for a healthier work environment | Paroc Article
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Stone wool insulation material with a pair of headphones, illustrating its use in acoustic insulation.

Acoustic insulation for a healthier work environment

Written By Paroc•Date Published 2024-09-01

Risks of chronic noise exposure

There is an increasing demand to minimize the damage caused to employees by chronic noise exposure in the workplace. This noise pollution is particularly prevalent in workplaces in power plants and the process industry. Chronic noise exposure is associated with many other health problems, such as increased sensitivity to stress, heart disease and high blood pressure. Sick leave or early retirement of employees are other potential issues. As early as 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated: "Noise-induced hearing impairment is the most widespread irreversible occupational hazard in the world, and it is estimated that 120 million people worldwide have hearing difficulties."1

Why noise reduction in industrial pipelines is necessary

Workplace noise can become hazardous when there is repeated exposure to 85 A-weighted decibels (dB(A)) or more.2 In addition, employees are at greater risk of workplace accidents, as shouting warnings or drawing attention is hindered by high noise levels.

One place where exceptionally high volumes can occur is on industrial pipelines. They transport air, vapor, or high-pressure liquid at high speed, often with a continuous sound level of over 100 dB(A), and therefore require noise-reducing insulation.

Noise reduction in industrial pipelines, image

A certified way to minimize noise

For us at PAROC, it is crucial that we enable companies to take responsible measures to reduce noise, especially in environments with loud machines and pipework. We provide acoustic insulation solutions for the process industry and their applications, by combining the benefits of natural, non-combustible stone wool products in accordance with ISO 15665:20233.

PAROC pipe sections, especially when installed as multi-layer solutions, provide a good solution for the insulation of various industrial equipment. They do not require any additional support structure on horizontal pipework, which in some cases could increase noise. PAROC provides a broad range of specialized solutions for acoustic insulation and covers all classes of ISO 15665:2023 (including "Shell" class D).

PAROC provides a certified way to minimize noise, image

Why PAROC stone wool is an excellent choice for insulation solutions with acoustic requirements

Stone wool insulation can contribute to noise reduction

PAROC Acoustic Solutions combines the benefits of natural, fire-resistant stone wool with a simple way to minimize noise, in accordance with ISO 15665, which can help reduce the negative impact on employees in the workplace.

Acoustic classes A-D

ISO standards for acoustics provide guidance to assist noise control engineers in determining the required class and amount of insulation needed for a particular application.3 ISO standard 15665:2023 specifies the requirements for minimum insertion loss, meaning the measurement of noise reduction after the insulation has been applied to a pipe system. PAROC acoustic insulation products for indoor or outdoor cover Classes A,B,C, as well as “Shell”-Class D


Paroc Stone Wool insulation can contribute to noise reduction, image
1. Chepesiuk R. Environ Health Perspect. 2005; 113(1):A34–A41; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1253729/ (last visit: April 23rd, 2024).
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/preventoccunoise/understand.html (last visit: April 23rd, 2024).
3. ISO standards; https://www.iso.org/standard/28629.html (last visit: April 23rd, 2024)


Absorption coefficients of common construction materials

Material

Frequency Hz


125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

Concrete

0,02

0,02

0,02

0,04

0,05

0,05

Gypsum board, solid backing

0,03

0,03

0,02

0,03

0,04

0,05

Gypsum board on studs

0,3

0,15

0,1

0,05

0,04

0,05

Curtains

0,10

0,15

0,40

0,55

0,60

0,60

Carpet, Haircord on felt

0,10

0,15

0,25

0,30

0,30

0,30

Mineral wool 50 mm

0,20

0,65

1,00

1,00

1,00

1,00

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