NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

GES A.04

NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
















Rev Date Description Checked Approved
0 1999 Issued for Implementation


Compiled by Teknica (UK) Ltd
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
Page 2 of 18
Rev 0 1999


INDEX

SEC TITLE PAGE

1.0 SCOPE OF SPECIFICATION 4

1.1 Introduction 4
1.2 Other NOC Specifications 4
1.3 Data Sheets 4

2.0 DEFINITIONS 4

2.1 Technical 4
2.2 Contractual 5

3.0 DESIGN 6

3.1 Codes and Standards 6
3.2 Responsibilities 6
3.3 Design Procedures 7
3.4 Additions and Exceptions to API 615 7

4.0 NOISE CONTROL - GENERAL GUIDELINES 7

4.1 Equipment Emitting Continuous Noise 7
4.2 Equipment Emitting Intermittent or Fluctuating Noise 8

5.0 EQUIPMENT NOISE DATA 8

5.1 General Equipment 8
5.2 Defining Limits 9
5.3 Noise Data for Specific Equipment 9
5.4 Deviations 11

6.0 ALTERNATE SPECIAL DESIGN OR ACOUSTIC TREATMENT 11

6.1 General 11
6.2 Silencing Equipment 11
6.3 Data Requisition Sheet 12
6.4 Equipment Selection 12

7.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 13

7.1 Noise Control 13
7.2 Noise Limits 13
7.3 Specific Limits 13







GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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SEC TITLE PAGE

8.0 WORK AREA NOISE CRITERIA 13

8.1 Work Area Noise Limit 13
8.2 Emergency Conditions 14
8.3 Absolute Limit for Work Areas 14
8.4 Restricted Work Areas 14
8.5 Accommodation Areas 15
8.6 Impulsive or Narrow-Band Noise 15
8.7 Speech and Work Interference 15

9.0 NOISE CONTROL STUDY 16

9.1 Noise Limits 16
9.2 Compliance with Criteria 16

10.0 NOISE CONTROL REPORT 16

11.0 TESTING 17

11.1 Noise Data Sheets 17
11.2 Noise Test Runs 18
11.3 Remedial Action 18


12.0 GUARANTEE 18

DATA SHEETS (3)

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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1.0 SCOPE OF SPECIFICATION

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 This specification describes the technical requirements and procedures to be employed to ensure that the
noise levels affecting personnel on site are within specified limits.

1.1.2 This specification also addresses noise control of Mechanical Equipment.

1.1.3 Noise limits are applied for the purpose of minimising the risk of damage to hearing, ensuring audibility of
warning signals and announcements, allowing adequate speech, telephone and radio communications,
maintaining working efficiency, providing an acceptable sleep and recreational environment in
accommodation areas and to avoid disturbing the local community.

1.1.4 This specification will be used as a basis for the development of noise control programmes for a specific
project. The scope of work for the noise control programme is given in Section 9 - Noise Control Study.

1.1.5 This specification details how to achieve noise levels within maximum allowable limits for equipment
installed in refineries and oil and gas plants. It applies equally to design and construction of new plants and
to modification of existing plants.

1.1.6 This General Engineering Specification will form part of the contract documents.

1.2 Other NOC Specifications

Where indicated in this specification, the following additional NOC specifications shall apply:

GES A.01 Plant Layout and Spacing

GES A.03 Packaged Units Layout, Spacing and Assembly

1.3 Data Sheets

The technical data supplied by the Owner or the Vendor/Contractor for the existing equipment is given on
the Data Sheets which are included at the end of this specification. This data will form a basis for the
development of a Noise Control Study to determine the maximum noise levels allowed for the various
Vendor/Contractor supplied equipment. The Vendor/Contractor shall complete the remaining information
and return this with his proposal. Prior to shipment the Vendor/Contractor shall submit a complete set of
'As-Built' Data Sheets incorporating noise test data at the Vendor/Contractor's works.


2.0 DEFINITIONS

2.1 Technical

The technical terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

Noise

Noise can be defined as "Sound which is not desired by the listener". For industrial noise affecting the
environment the words sound and noise are therefore interchangeable.



GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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Noise Level

The term "noise level" may refer to either a sound pressure level, (SPL), or a sound power level, (PWL).

Noise Limit

A "noise limit" is a maximum allowable noise level. The unit of measure dB(A) indicates that decibels are
weighted according to the A scale. Sound levels are measured on the A scale of a standard sound level
meter at slow response.

Work Area

Work area is defined as any area where personnel may reasonably be expected to work or any position
where a worker's ear may be exposed to noise in the normal course of his duty. Unless otherwise specified
this shall be taken to be any point 1.5 metres above platforms, ground level, walkways, stairways or at
equipment surface.

2.2 Contractual

The commercial terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

Owner

The oil or gas company, an associate or subsidiary, who is the end user of the equipment.

Contractor

The main Contractor responsible for the scope of work defined in the contract.

Sub-Contractor

A company awarded a contract by the Contractor to do part of the work awarded to the Contractor.

Vendor

The company supplying the equipment and material.

Inspection Authority

The organisation representing the Owner or Vendor/Contractor that verifies that the equipment has been
designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this specification and
the Purchase Order/Contract.

Inspector

A qualified individual representing the Owner, Vendor/Contractor or assigned Inspection Authority, who
verifies that the equipment has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with the
requirements of this specification and the Purchase Order/Contract.




3.0 DESIGN
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
Page 6 of 18
Rev 0 1999


3.1 Codes and Standards

3.1.1 The design shall comply with this specification and the following codes and standards:

EEMUA - Engineering and Materials Users Association

No 140: 1988 Noise Procedure Specification

No 141: 1980 Reprinted 1985 Guide to the Use of Noise Procedure Specification

No 161: 1988 Guide to the Selection and Assessment of Silencers and Acoustic
Enclosures

BSI - British Standards Institution

BS 5228 Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites
Part 1

BS 4196 Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources.
Part 0: 1981 (1986)
Part 6: 1981 (1986)

HSE - Health and Safety Executive

Noise at Work: The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

ISO - International Standards Organisation

ISO 3864: Safety Colour and Safety Signs

API - American Petroleum Institute

API 615 Sound Control of Mechanical equipment

API RP521 Guide for Pressure Relief and Depressurising Systems

ANSI - American National Standards Institute

ANSI S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters

3.1.2 Unless specified otherwise in the Purchase Order/Contract, the current editions of the codes and standards
at the time of the award shall apply.

3.1.3 In all cases, the Vendor/Contractor shall inform the Owner of any deviation from the requirements of this
specification.

3.2 Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Vendor/Contractor to ensure that the noise control incorporated in the design
is the best cost effective method of achieving the noise criteria specified. The Vendor/Contractor if
involved shall be responsible for the following tasks, otherwise it will be the Owner's responsibility:

(a) Obtain necessary information relating to the noise levels generated by the existing equipment used
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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in the plant under all expected modes of operation.

(b) Determine suitable noise limits for individual items of equipment in order to achieve the overall
noise criteria in this specification.

(c) Identify all areas where the relevant noise limits would be exceeded if standard or unsilenced
equipment were used and then select the most economic method of meeting the noise limits.

(d) Prepare a report giving sufficient data and calculations to confirm that the design meets the
requirements of this specification.

3.3 Design Procedures

(a) The Vendor/Contractor shall consider the noise emission of all plant and equipment including, but
not limited to, flares, vents, valves, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, turbo-expanders, motors,
engines and turbines, ejectors, boilers, heaters, furnaces, separators and fin-fan coolers.

Taking into account cost, operating and maintenance requirements, and safety implications, the
Vendor/Contractor shall select the most appropriate noise control measures so that the plant and
equipment meet the specified noise limits.

(b) Data on octave band noise emission from all items of plant and equipment shall be obtained by the
Vendor/Contractor or Owner if no Vendor/Contractor is involved.

(c) In calculating work area noise levels, account must be taken of all relevant factors including noise
emission from all items of equipment which contribute appreciably to sound pressure level in the
area in question, the effect of any complete or partial enclosure or screening of the noise source or
work area including allowance for transmission through windows and ventilators, the effects of
reverberation, and effects of directivity.

(d) The Vendor/Contractor shall ensure that all calculations required to carry out the noise control
design are accurate and methods used are appropriate (eg: EEMUA-140).

3.4 Additions and Exceptions to API 615

All requirements specified in this specification are additions to those of API 615 unless otherwise stated.
Paragraph numbers in this specification which do not appear in API 615 are new paragraphs.


4.0 NOISE CONTROL GENERAL GUIDELINES

4.1 Equipment Emitting Continuous Noise

The maximum value for the equipment noise limit (sound pressure level) shall be 85 dB(A). If equipment
consists of components, e.g. a driver and a driven part, the above limits applied to each component
separately will not ensure that the assembled equipment meets the work area limit. For such equipment
more stringent limits shall be specified on the data/requisition sheets for the separate components. The
permissable noise limit per component shall be based on acoustic calculations. As a guidance the following
can be used:

- a reduction of 3 dB(A) shall be made for each item of a 2-component train,
- a reduction of 5 dB(A) shall be made for each item of a 3-component train.


GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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A further reduction of 10 dB(A) of the equipment noise limit shall be made when several equipment items
or trains are to be mounted close together, i.e. when the distance between equipment surfaces is less than
the largest equipment dimension, or when equipment is located in a reverberant area.

4.2 Equipment Emitting Intermittent or Fluctuating Noise

Where the equipment emits an intermittent or fluctuating noise (e.g. depressuring, boiler blowdown, sump
pump), the equivalent continuous sound level, over the most noisy consecutive 8-hour period shall not
exceed the equipment limits specified in 4.1 above. The maximum level shall not be more than 10 dB(A)
higher than the limit for continuous noise.

For intermittent noise, the equivalent of 85 dB(A) over 8 hours are:

Table 1 Intermittent Noise

With equipment actually operating Maximum sound pressure level with
equipment operating
8 hours
4 hours
2 hours
1 hour
85 dB(A)
88 dB(A)
91 dB(A)
94 dB(A)


Provided that no significant noise (i.e. above 75 dB(A)) is emitted for the remaining time in the 8
hour period.


5.0 EQUIPMENT NOISE DATA

5.1 General Equipment

It is necessary to obtain data from the Vendors/Contractors of all potentially noisy equipment. This shall be
achieved by requesting the information in the enquiry specification or by including the associated noise control
Data Sheets with the enquiry documents. A typical Data Sheet is included as part of this specification. The
Vendor/Contractor shall also be asked for information on low noise design, or silencing options to achieve the
lowest practicable noise levels.

The noise control Data Sheets shall specify the maximum allowable noise levels for those items of equipment.
The Vendor/Contractor shall complete the Data Sheets with actual noise levels generated by the proposed
equipment, e.g.

(a) Control valves - gas service flow greater than 453 kg/h,
- liquid service flow greater than 45m
3
.

(b) Mechanical equipment - fans, blowers, compressors, turbo-expanders.

(c) Flares and vents.

(e) Pumps, Boilers, Heaters and Furnaces.

(f) Ejectors - exhausting to atmosphere with inline steam/gas flows >453 kg/h.


GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
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OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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(g) Electronic and computer equipment.

(h) Motors above 5 hp engines and turbines, solids handling equipment.

5.2 Defining Limits

Equipment noise limits should be determined using a noise study by taking into account the following:

(a) All equipment in an area which may generate noise.

(b) The allowable noise level in the area.

(c) The interactive effects of noise from adjacent items of equipment.

(d) The operating mode of the equipment, e.g. emergency, standby.

(e) The construction of the area in which the equipment is located, e.g. open/closed.

(f) The distance between the source of the noise and the nearest area which may be manned.

Thus, it is not possible to specify a general noise limit covering all items of equipment and the limitations on
individual items of equipment shall be defined by a Noise Control Study, see Section 9.

5.3 Noise Data for Specific Equipment

5.3.1 Valves

(a) The noise generated by all pressure regulating chokes and similar valves with a high differential
pressure or large flows shall be checked against the area limitations.

(b) The anticipated noise levels 1 metre downstream and 1 metre radius away from the pipework shall
be requested from the valve manufacturers. Account must be taken of the length of pipework and
vessels upstream and downstream.

(c) If the area limitation is exceeded, the use of quiet trim, drag or similar inherently quiet valves shall
be considered. If this is impracticable for process or availability reasons, acoustic insulation shall
be applied to adjacent piping. The possibility of using in-line silencers shall also be assessed for
practicality and effectiveness.

(d) All relief and emergency blowdown valves shall be checked to ensure that the emergency criteria
are not exceeded.

5.3.2 Mechanical Equipment

This includes pumps, engines, fans, etc., which may be packaged or supplied as individual items.

The noise control Data Sheets shall be used to obtain the information from the Vendors.

5.3.3 HVAC Equipment

Items of HVAC equipment which generate noise include fans, motors, chiller units, high velocity ductwork
and diffuser grills. This equipment is commonly installed in areas with the strictest noise limitation. Thus
it is essential to obtain noise data from the Vendors.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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5.3.4 Electronic and Computer Equipment

Electronic equipment and computer ancillary equipment are potential sources of noise, particularly in
narrow frequency bands. If such equipment is located in normally manned quiet areas such as control and
radio rooms, then noise limits shall be imposed and noise data obtained.

5.3.5 Vents and Flares

Where gas may be vented or flared, the resultant noise levels must be considered. Vendors shall be
instructed, in the enquiry documents, to provide the necessary information.

Vents and flares are, of necessity, located remotely. Thus, limitations placed on the noise output must take
into account the separation distance.

5.3.6 Electric Motors

Totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motors shall be designed not to exceed a free field, no load
noise level of 80 dB(A) at a distance of one meter from the motor surface. The following
guidelines shall be used as a general criteria for design:

Speed (RPM) Size Design

3600 Below 7.5 kW Standard
1800 37 kW & Below Standard Quiet
1200 & Less 56 kW & Below Standard Quiet

All other motors shall be designed not to exceed a free field noise level of 80 dB(A) at a distance
of one meter from the motor surface.

5.3.7 Gears

Where external cooling is required, the Vendor/Contractor shall provide adequate capacity for the
gear coolers to allow complete acoustic insulation if required.

5.3.8 Fans

The maximum pressure level for induced and forced draft fans shall be 82 dB(A) per fan at one
meter in a semi-reverberant area. This level shall include intake, exhaust and casing radiated noise
for non-ducted fans.

5.3.9 Control Valves and Piping

Control valves and associated piping shall not exceed a noise level of 82 dB(A) at one metre for both
normal operating flows and pressure drops. Likewise, with 50% of normal flow condition.

5.3.10 Air Cooled Heat Exchanger

The air cooled exchanger and auxiliary equipment shall not exceed a noise level of 82 dB(A) at a position
one metre below the unit.

5.3.11 Silencers

In-line silencer unit as part of an equipment package, shall have a maximum sound pressure level for the
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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entire package including the silencer in any mode of equipment operation not exceeding 82 dB(A) in a
semi-reverberant acoustical environment. This sound pressure level requirement must be met at a distance
of 1 metre from any major bounding equipment surface.

Process or steam vent silencers shall have a maximum sound pressure level not exceeding 90 dB(A) at a
distance of three meters from the silencer body and vent.

5.3.12 Other Equipment

The maximum sound pressure level of any equipment item, including its drive and ancillary equipment,
shall not exceed 82 dB(A) (ANSI S1.4 - Latest Edition) in semi-reverberant acoustic environment. This
maximum permissible sound pressure level shall not be exceeded in any mode of equipment operation.
Generally, the sound pressure level requirement must be met at a distance of one metre from any major
bounding equipment surface where operators or maintenance personnel may frequent.

5.4 Deviations

The Vendor/Contractor must clearly define and report to the Owner all deviation from this specification.
The absence of such a report shall be construed as indicating complete compliance with the specification
and referenced codes and standards.


6.0 ALTERNATE SPECIAL DESIGN OR ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

6.1 General Principles

Wherever noise or vibration reduction is required, the first consideration shall be to treat the source of the
noise or vibration. If control at source is impracticable or insufficient to meet the noise or vibration limits,
then treatment for the transmission paths and/or the receiving areas shall be considered.

All acoustically absorbent and damping materials shall be non combustible.

6.2 Silencing Equipment

6.2.1 Silencers, including vent and in-line silencers, shall comply with EEMUA 161 and the appropriate
codes and standards for mechanical design. The design of silencers shall ensure that any internal
parts that may inadvertently break loose do not partly or completely block the silencer outlet or
damage downstream equipment (e.g. compressors, pumps etc.)

6.2.2 Acoustic enclosures may be either of the 'close fitting' or 'walk-in' (large) type. Large enclosures
shall be designed in such a way that operating/maintenance personnel can conduct their work
without being hampered in their movements.

The design of enclosures shall comply with EEMUA 161. In addition to the acoustic requirements, all
operational process and safety aspects including access, ventilation, hazard area classification and fire
protection and detection must be considered.

Where weight and hazardous areas present problems and only a small noise reduction is required, then
lightweight and partially open enclosures should be used.

6.2.3 Large enclosures shall also be subdivided in such a way that personnel servicing the equipment during
partial shutdown are not exposed to excessive noise generated by other equipment that may also be in the
enclosure. This can be achieved for example by a separating wall between two independent trains of
equipment.
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NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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6.2.4 Silencers and/or acoustic enclosures may be included in the tenders for noisy process equipment shall be
agreed upon between the Vendor/Contractor and the Owner. The Owner may choose to order silencing
equipment separately from the process equipment.

6.2.5 Noise emission of certain silencing equipment (e.g. silencers on vent stacks, acoustic insulation on pipes) is
not always the responsibility of any particular equipment Vendor. It shall be ensured, by the Owner, that
such silencing equipment is incorporated in the design and complies with EEMUA 161.

6.2.6 Acoustic insulation for pipes, vessels and equipment shall comply with EEMUA 161.

6.2.7 It shall be ensured that sound absorbing materials or constructions are incorporated in the design of
potentially reverberant spaces. The minimum absorption coefficient, averaged over walls and ceiling, shall
be 0.2 for frequencies above 200 Hz.

6.2.8 For some equipment, calculations or measurements may indicate that the noise limits will be exceeded but
with a margin of uncertainty extending down to levels below the limit (i.e. there is a possibility that the
limits may be met). For such equipment the application of noise control measures shall not be postponed
until actual noise levels have been obtained after start-up, unless specifically agreed with the Owner.

6.2.9 Silencers to suppress commissioning noise only may be of a movable type.

6.2.10 Silencers to reduce noise in transient operations such as start-up, shutdown, etc. shall be permanent.

6.3 Data Requisition Sheet

6.3.1 Equipment noise limitation sheets shall be prepared for all relevant items of equipment or an
equipment train, if such a train will be provided by a single Vendor/Contractor, specifying the
limits as required. If the components of a train will be provided by different Vendors/Contractors,
separate equipment noise limitation sheets shall be prepared by the Package Vendor/Contractor.

6.3.2 It shall be ensured that the Vendor/Contractor is made aware of the obligation to state noise guarantees for
the equipment to be provided, for any of the conditions of operation for which the equipment may be
expected to be used.

6.3.3. The equipment noise limitation sheets shall be returned with the tender, to give the following information:

a) Unsilenced sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the
equipment.

(b) Sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the equipment
together with details of any silencing measures that may be necessary to meet the specified noise
limits.

(c) If the specified limits cannot be met, the minimum attainable sound pressure and sound power
dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value shall be given.

6.4 Equipment Selection

It shall be ensured that Vendors/Contractors have provided in their tenders all the information required in
accordance with this specification.

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OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
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Bid comparison shall be made including the cost of all the options required to meet the specified noise
limits. Where a choice can be made of equipment of low noise emission by design and equipment with
'path-treatment', the estimated extra cost in operation and maintenance that may result from path treatment
should be capitalised and taken into account in the ultimate selection. Generally preference shall be given
to equipment of low noise emission by design.

For equipment emitting fluctuating or intermittent noise, temporary excursions above the equipment noise
limit may be permissible. If such excursions can be avoided by selecting a less noisy and otherwise
acceptable alternative then this shall be preferred. Where a higher extra expenditure would seem justified,
the Owner shall be consulted.


7.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Noise Control

Noise control is an essential part of any plant in order that the installation as a whole meets the noise
criteria set with regard to:

- to conserve the hearing of personnel,
- to reduce speech and work interference,
- to provide quiet accommodation for personnel,
- to prevent annoyance to the neighbouring community.

7.2 Noise Limits

Noise limits for each item of equipment shall be derived from the general noise limits, as applicable for the
equipment in its specific position in the plant. They are commonly referred to as 'Equipment Noise Limits'.
Procedures for deriving equipment noise limits are specified in Section 5.2.

Each potential noise source shall be subject to the requirements of this specification.

7.3 Specified Limits

The specified limits shall be met for the design operating conditions of the plant and for other operating
conditions which occur occasionally, such as start-up, shutdown, regeneration and maintenance. The only
requirement for emergency situations, i.e. any conditions other than just described, which can be foreseen
or predicted (e.g. emergency relief or depressurisation) is that the absolute limit shall not be exceeded.

During construction, noise levels should not exceed the limits applicable for operation of the completed
plant.


8.0 WORK AREA NOISE CRITERIA

8.1 Work Area Noise Limit

(a) Work area noise limitations shall be based on hearing damage risk considerations referenced in
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989.



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OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
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(b) Noise limits shall generally apply at a minimum distance of 1 metre from operational equipment.
If personnel are normally required to work closer than 1 metre to equipment then the limits shall
also apply at these locations.

(c) The noise level in any work area shall not exceed the values in the table below:

Table 1 - Hearing Conservation Noise Limits

Octave Band
Centre
Frequency (Hz)
63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k Overall
Level
dB(A)
SPL Limits (dB) 102 92 85 79 76 75 75 77 85

(d) To achieve these limits it will be necessary to reduce the noise contributed by individual sources to
below these levels. In particular the noise limits for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air
conditioning) systems should be at least 5 dB(A) below the total permissible noise level for each
area.

(e) Under no circumstances shall the unprotected ear be exposed to sound pressure levels in excess of
135 dB (linear).

(f) Noise limitations shall be met in full at all locations where personnel may have unrestricted access.

8.2 Emergency Conditions

Under emergency conditions the maximum permissible noise levels may be relaxed. These conditions are
defined as "when extraordinary measures are taken to alleviate a potentially dangerous situation" and
include the operation of relief or blowdown valves.

Emergency conditions do not include start-up, routine venting or the use of standby plant.

Under emergency conditions a maximum SPL of 135 dB (linear) shall apply at any place which personnel
may visit occasionally that is not a work area or restricted work area.

8.3 Absolute Limit for Work Areas

The sound pressure level anywhere in the work area or restricted work area shall not exceed 115 dB(A) in
any situation, including emergency conditions such as blowing of safety/relief valves.

8.4 Restricted Work Areas

(a) If the work area noise limit cannot be achieved in certain areas, then these shall be treated as
"restricted" and appropriate warning notices posted instructing personnel entering these areas to
wear suitable ear protectors.

Permanent warning signs to indicate the mandatory use of ear protectors shall be erected at the
boundaries of restricted areas. The signs should be of the type given in ISO 3864.

(b) The existence and extent for any noise restricted areas shall be shown on drawings which include
details of the highest anticipated sound pressure level and precautionary measures.

These drawings shall form part of the Noise and Vibration Control Study referenced in clause
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Section 9.

(c) If it is unavoidable that the work area limit will be exceeded around particular equipment, action
shall be taken to limit the area involved as far as possible; this may include the erection of an
acoustic enclosure.

(d) Written permission shall be obtained from the Owner to designate an area as a restricted area.
Owner's permission may include a maximum allowable sound pressure level for the area under
consideration. Such a restricted area limit may be between 85 and 115 dB(A). However, attempts
shall be made to reduce the level below 90 dB(A).

8.5 Accommodation Areas

The sound pressure level shall not exceed 40 dB(A) inside personnel accommodation such as bedrooms,
private cabins, etc. Noise that is not related to equipment but is produced by users of the various areas need
not be considered.

8.6 Impulsive or Narrow-Band Noise

(a) Further restrictions shall apply if the noise contains narrow-band or impulsive components as
defined in EEMUA 140 and this shall be taken into account when specifying equipment noise
limits. Impulsive or narrow-band equipment noise limit shall be reduced by 5 dB(A) from specific
limits for broad band steady noise.

(b) For environmental noise, any narrow-band or impulsive component shall be sufficiently below the
broad-band noise from the plant so that it is no longer audible (see Appendix E of EEMUA 140).
If this is not possible, the Owner's advice shall be obtained.

8.7 Speech and Work Interference

The following noise limits shall apply in order to reduce speech and work interference from equipment to
acceptable proportions.

Table 2. Speech and Work Interference - Noise Limits

Area description Maximum allowable sound
pressure level dB(A)
Areas in workshops and machinery buildings where
communication is required
Workshops for light maintenance

70
Workshop offices
Control rooms, not continuously manned
Computer rooms

60
Control rooms, continuously manned
Open plan offices
Social rooms, changing rooms, wash places and toilets

50
Offices and conference rooms 45




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9.0 NOISE CONTROL STUDY

9.1 Noise Limits

In order to specify noise limits for the various items of equipment, it is necessary for a Noise Control Study
to be undertaken. The objective of the study is to implement the Noise Control Philosophy as follows:

(a) Specify maximum allowable noise levels for all areas of installation.

(b) Predict noise levels in these areas using the best available data and allocate noise specifications to
all items of equipment in the various areas by calculating cumulative noise level of all operating
equipment, whose estimated noise levels are provided by the Vendors/Contractors.

(c) Complete the noise control Data Sheets to specify maximum noise levels to equipment Vendors.

(d) Obtain equipment mounting vibration data from Vendors/Contractors.

(e) Check natural frequencies of major machinery substructures to ensure no coincidences with
fundamental input frequencies.

(f) Consider paths for structure borne sound and predict the resulting noise levels where this may be
significant.

(g) Refine predicted noise levels as Vendor/Contractor information becomes available.

(h) Identify any areas where the allowable noise levels are exceeded and evaluate methods of acoustic
attenuation.

(i) Justify that the design incorporates the best practical means of noise control.

(j) Specify additional acoustic treatment reduction measures, where necessary.

The study may be extended to include equipment noise acceptance tests.

9.2 Compliance with Criteria

Surveys to ensure compliance with the noise criteria will be carried out on the installation when
commissioning is completed by the Vendor/Contractor and the plant is fully operational. The methods of
carrying out these surveys will be in accordance with the procedures specified by the Certifying Authority.


10.0 NOISE CONTROL REPORT

The Noise Control Report shall be prepared by the Vendor/Contractor in accordance with the following
format:

1. Summary showing to what extent:

- the acoustic design of the plant has been completed;
- guaranteed noise data has been obtained from Vendors;
- the specified noise limits have been met.

2. Specified limits - quote the original requirements and make any comments necessary.

GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
Page 17 of 18
Rev 0 1999

3. Vendor/Contractor noise data

- tables of octave band sound power, sound pressure and overall levels of all potentially
noisy equipment per plant unit. The origin of the data shall be indicated (guarantee from
Vendor/Contractor, estimate from Vendor/Contractor, test data from Vendor/Contractor,
estimate from Vendor/Contractor, etc.),
- the results of 'noise' test runs,
- a list of control valves with a noise level above 80 dB(A) with an indication where low-
noise control valves will be applied.

4. Noise control measures

- a list of silencers and acoustic enclosures,
- the detail and extent for any acoustic insulation.

5. Calculations

- in-plant noise contour maps, showing contours of 75, 80 and 85 dB(A) and higher where
applicable,
- evaluation of the sound power level of the plant, even in the case that no plant sound
power limit is required,
- separate evaluation of plant pipe noise,
- calculations of expected noise levels inside buildings and shelters.

6. Restricted Areas

7. Outstanding Items


11.0 TESTING

11.1 Noise Data Sheets

11.1.1 The noise limitations placed on an item of equipment should be specified in the noise Data Sheets. The
total noise emitted from an item of equipment should be expressed as either (a) the radiated sound power
level or (b) the maximum sound pressure level at 1.0 metre.

11.1.2 Equipment noise limitation sheets should be prepared for all relevant items of equipment or an equipment
train. If the components of a train will be provided by different vendors, separate equipment noise
limitation sheets shall be prepared.

11.1.3 The equipment noise limitation sheet should be returned with the tender, with its guarantee section
completed by the Vendors/Contractors to give the following information:

(a) Unsilenced sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the
equipment.

(b) Sound pressure and sound power dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value of the equipment
together with details of any silencing measures that may be necessary to meet the specified noise
limits.




GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA AND NOISE CONTROL
OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
GES A.04
Page 18 of 18
Rev 0 1999

(c) If the specified limits cannot be met, the minimum attainable sound pressure and sound power
dB(A) levels in octave bands and overall value shall be given.

All noise levels quoted shall have an upper tolerance of 0 dB.

11.2 Noise Test Run

The Owner shall decide which equipment should have a noise test run at the Vendor/Contractor's works.
Where acceptance of individual equipment items is conditional on satisfactory conclusion of noise test runs
at the Vendor/Contractor's works, the test run should reflect the in-situ arrangement and a suitable test
procedure shall be agreed.

The test includes preparation of an in-plant noise contour plot, showing contours of 75 dB(A) and higher,
with incremental steps of 5 dB(A).

Where a sound power limit applies to the project, a suitable test procedure should be agreed between the
Vendor/Contractor and the Owner.

11.3 Remedial Action

Corrective action should be taken in actual sound levels or levels calculated from measurements made in
the acceptance test exceed the specified limit. The corrective measures shall have the Owner's approval.


12.0 GUARANTEE

(a) The Vendor/Contractor shall submit a written guarantee to meet the noise level requirements in
accordance with this specification.

(b) The Noise Level Guarantee shall be supported with the completed Noise Data Sheets for the
equipment and shall be subject to the Owner's test and verification in the semi-reverberant field
conditions.

(c) Any remedial work performed either by the Owner or the Vendor/Contractor as a result of the
latter's failure to meet the guaranteed noise levels shall be at the Vendor/Contractor's expense.















S:\NOC9077\ADMIN\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\GESA04RF
DATA SHEET No.
NOISE CONTROL DATA
P.O./CONTRACT No.
CLIENT
PLANT LOCATION SHEET 1 of 3
SERVICE ITEM No. No. of UNITS
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SOUND

1 Job No. Item No. Purchase Order/Contract No.
2 Requisition Order No. Inquiry No. Date Revision
3 Applicable to: Proposals Purchase As-Built
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42 Description of Acoustic Treatment
43
44 Description of Special Design
45
Revision No./Date
Prepared by/Date
Authorised by/Date
Purpose
(C) 1999 NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION. The information on this sheet may be used only for the purpose for which it is supplied by NOC.
K:\nocspecs\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\DA0401R0.xls Sheet1
Acoustic
Treatment
Special
Gas Turbine
Steam Turbine
Other
Design
Normal
Design
With
Equipment Type
Rotary Compressor
Mounted By
Gear
Centrifugal Compressor
Reciprocating Compressor
Provided By Description
Motor
Pump
Maximum
MAXIMUM SOUND LEVELS dB(A)
Vendor/Contractor's Estimated Vendor/Contractor's Guaranteed
Complete Train
Owner's
Equipment Item Requirement
Driven Equipment
Driver
Gear
Other
Normal
Design
Special
Maximum
With
Acoustic
Treatment Design
Number
Required
Item
Number
DATA SHEET No.
NOISE CONTROL DATA
P.O./CONTRACT No.
CLIENT
PLANT LOCATION SHEET 2 of 3
SERVICE ITEM No. No. of UNITS
NOISE DATA BY OWNER

1 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT NOISE LEVEL
2 Equipment noise limits shall not exceed the values in this table
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 NOTES
21 1. Impulsive or narrow band noise shall be limited to 5dB less than the specified values in the octave bands
22 in which noise occurs.
23 2. Noise limits apply through the operating range.
24
25
26
27 NOISE REDUCTION FEATURES INCLUDED IN SUPPLY
28 Description of Special Design:-
29
30
31 Description of Acoustic Treatment
32
33
34 Description of any modifications to standard design
35
36
37 Description of anti-vibration mounts/flexible supports included.
38
39
40 NOISE TEST INFORMATION
41 Basis of measurement procedures is BS 4196 / EEMUA 140 / Others (specify)
42
43 Description of operating conditions during test and corrections applied to measured noise levels :-
44
45
Revision No./Date
Prepared by/Date
Authorised by/Date
Purpose
(C) 1999 NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION. The information on this sheet may be used only for the purpose for which it is supplied by NOC.
K:\nocspecs\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\DA0401R0.xls Sheet2
INFORMATION FROM VENDOR/CONTRACTOR
63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k dB(A)
OCTAVE BAND CENTRE FREQUENCY Hz EQUIPMENT ITEMS OVERALL
31.5
NOISE LIMITS SOUND POWER LEVEL OR
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL) AT 1M FROM SOURCE *
* (delete whichever not applicable)
DATA SHEET No.
NOISE CONTROL DATA
P.O./CONTRACT No.
CLIENT
PLANT LOCATION SHEET 3 of 3
SERVICE ITEM No. No. of UNITS
NOISE DATA FROM VENDOR/CONTRACTOR

1 EQUIPMENT SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL
2 Highest noise levels from installed equipment operating within design parameters
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 Standard Equipment
10
11
12
13
14 Equipment with Noise Controls
15
16
17
18
19
20 Does noise include impulsive or narrow band components ? Yes/No
21 If yes, then indicate the bands in which these components occur by * in the table
22
23
24 EQUIPMENT SOUND POWER LEVEL
25 Highest noise levels from installed equipment operating within design parameters
26
27
28
29
30
31
32 Standard Equipment
33
34
35
36
37 Equipment with Noise Controls
38
39
40
41
42
43 Source of noise data: Direct measurement / extrapolation from other equipment data.
44
45
Revision No./Date
Prepared by/Date
Authorised by/Date
Purpose
(C) 1999 NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION. The information on this sheet may be used only for the purpose for which it is supplied by NOC.
K:\nocspecs\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-04\DA0401R0.xls Sheet3
NOISE DATA
2k 4k
MAXIMUM SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL) AT 1M FROM SOURCE *
dB(A) 8k 125 250 500 1k
OVERALL
NOISE DATA SOUND POWER LEVEL (PWL)
EQUIPMENT ITEMS OCTAVE BAND CENTRE FREQUENCY Hz OVERALL
OCTAVE BAND CENTRE FREQUENCY Hz EQUIPMENT ITEMS
31.5 63
31.5 63 125 250 8k dB(A) 500 1k 2k 4k