Vibration & Acoustics
In many buildings the usual location for plant and services is on a podium deck or on the roof. In such cases this equipment is often located next to a penthouse suite or executive office. Ideally “noisy bits” should be kept away from “quiet bits”. Hence the first persons to complain regarding noise issues will likely be the most influential person or premium tenants, i.e. not a desirable outcome. This means that facilities should be managed so that the acoustic environment is not allowed to deteriorate, and any changes do not increase the levels of noise.
This requires that:
- Vibration isolation systems are not allowed to sag or move out of alignment and hence bottom out;
- Solid objects are not allowed under pump inertial bases so that they carry the weight of the pump and bypass the vibration isolation mounts;
- Fan and pumps are well maintained with bearings not being allowed to become noisy;
- Shaft alignments for pump/motor connections are accurately maintained;
- Chillers, pumps and fan be services regularly in accordance with their manufactures recommendations;
- Plant room doors have any acoustic seals kept in good condition so that they maintain an effective seal (to be effective generally this requires that the door be virtually air tight);
- Any sound absorption treatments to plant room walls be maintained in good condition;
- Duct silencers be maintained in good condition and not be allowed to corrode (this can often be an issue for coastal buildings);
- Equipment be purchased not solely on the basis of cost but also with consideration of the sound power levels. Generally better engineered (and hence generally more expensive) equipment can be significantly quieter. This applies particularly to fan coil units and chillers.
