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Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™^{Pat Pend}

Road noise is not just blocked but now absorbed
and no longer just reflected to the other side!

Panels control machinery noise in offshore oil platforms
& other industrial environments

Remedial noise suppression at pumping station

Portable diesel generator noise suppression

Panels bring existing chiller noise levels down to EPC requirements at schools

Panels reduce noise of mass transit system in Washington D.C.

 

For years, acoustical sound absorbing panels have been used successfully to control problems with noise and sound in all types of indoor environments. They reduce tension, make music sound better, allow people to speak and hear better and provide a safer work environment.

But, because they are all made of fragile indoor materials, they can in no way withstand any other environment but the clean climate controlled indoors. The panels will rot, support mold, change color in U.V. light, and as the edges are hardened with sodium silicate (a water soluble salt crystallized), they are not washable or capable of exposure to moisture or water.

Extreme dust conditons quickly disable conventional sound absorbing systems. The Industrial & Hurricane model All Weather Sound Panels™ are available with an acoustically transparent dust filter, which solves this problem for the mining industry, outdoor use in desert areas of the Middle East, and other applications where dust is a concern.

Now however, "Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels ™" are engineered specifically to withstand the most rigorous outdoor and industrial environments. Water, moisture, humid salt air or salt water, dirt, dust, constant ultraviolet light, chlorine air, grease, corrosion, and most harsh chemicals are not a problem for this wonderful product. Acoustiblok's outdoor sound panels are washable with a hose. Very durable, long lasting and usable in hundreds of areas and applications. Both sides are covered (unlike "interior only" one sided sound panels). The panel has an incredible NRC of 1.00 (Noise Reduction Coefficient), actual Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories test results.

In addition, these panels are not just "sound absorbing" but also "sound blocking". This allows one to not only absorb sound but also stop the sound from penetrating through the panel, a very meaningful advantage over conventional "sound absorbing" panels which stop sound reflections but are poor sound barriers. The panels have an extraordinarily high STC of 30 (Sound Transmission Class), as the panels contain large amounts of the Acoustiblok® material.

The most difficult sound blocking problems are the low frequencies (30 to 100 HZ). The annoying bass in music is predominately 40 to 80 HZ. Conventional sound barriers do dramatically less & less sound blocking below 100 HZ. However because of the " Acoustiblok®" barrier material built into each of the "All weather panels" they actually increase in sound blocking from 100 HZ down (see test results) and are amazingly beneficial for difficult sound proofing *.

These panels are rigid (18 gauge stainless steel frames) and self-supporting. They can be used like building blocks to permanently or temporarily enclose a noise source, i.e., chillers and machinery. (Allow for required cooling). These indoor / outdoor sound panels are also available at the same price without the "Acoustiblok" sound blocking material on the back side of them, thus allowing sound absorption both sides of the panel if only sound absorption is required. Truly a fantastic product! Easily movable, they need not be permanent and may be stored in harsh environments without harm from the elements. These panels use only the highest in quality material and craftsmanship. Tested to 690 psi, the acoustically transparent cover is so tough, it is virtually impossible to tear or rip. All eyelets are quality threaded solid brass, inserted in strong 18 gauge stainless steel welded frames. All materials used are waterproof.

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Other Applications

Here are just a few of the many applications of the "Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™ Pat Pend:

Highway Road Noise	Stadiums
Railroad Yards	Churches
Noisy Air Conditioner Compressors and Fans	Kitchens
Gymnasiums	Kennels
Marine Vessels	Engine Noise
Auditoriums	Transportation Barriers
Industrial Machinery Areas	Engine Test Cells
Power Plants	Shooting Ranges
Subways	Zoos
Mining Operations	Recording Studios
Airports	Commercial Vehicles
Community Noise Control	Schools
Correctional Facilities	Hospitals
Childcare Centers	Racetracks
Swimming Pool Areas	Restaurants
Construction Sites	Night Clubs

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Hurricane Version Just released - January 2008

The all new "Hurricane" Model All Weather Sound Panel ™Pat Pend is just about as rugged as the oil rigs they were first used on. When the north wind came a-blowing and oil rig roughnecks were working 24/7 it was evident we needed a panel even more rugged and durable than the standard All Weather Sound Panel.

While still providing the maximum 1.00 NRC sound absorption and the high STC rating provided by the internal Acoustiblok® material, the advantages of the "Hurricane" model include:

Overall dimensions 2" x 48" x 96" (51mm x 1.219m x 2.438m), weight 104 lbs (47kg) - see specification drawing [PDF] for full dimensions & tolerances.

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Road Noise Applications

As communities become more dense and traffic noise increases, there is a real need for reducing the noise level in residential areas. There are a few outdoor methods currently available, but they're very expensive and permanent fixtures. Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Absorbing Panels™ have extreme advantages over all other methods.

While concrete walls can be a sound barrier for the initial sound wave it does nothing to absorb the sound. Virtually all the sound is reflected off it and the sound will continue to bounce off all other non-absorbing material, i.e., cars, tractor trailers, walls, building, signs, even trees. Thus the solid barrier does a very poor job of eliminating road noise to the community.

This problem can be rectified by incorporating the Acoustiblok Panels on each side of the road, covering as much area as possible. The panels are impervious to exhaust emissions, dirt, water, snow, and U.V. sunlight. Various colors are also available.

Great for permanent or temporary use, store them anywhere. They are washable. The surface fabric is virtually indestructible (bursting strength 690 PSI), and they will not support a flame. Installation is very economical as they easily attach to a standard chain link fence or "tap con" screwed into existing masonry through the brass eyelets. For high wind requirements the panels may be dropped into vertical 3" steel I beam posts. 3" aluminum or galvanized steel I-beam can usually be acquired for less than $2 per ft. You will really be amazed at how effective, versatile and easy to use these outdoor sound panels are. Not to mention the savings as they can be easily moved from place to place without skilled labor or special tools. Email us with your specific problems

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Outdoor HVAC / Chiller noise

The Ida Stewart Elementary School in Bradenton, Florida, faced a challenge common at schools throughout the U.S.: replacing older, water cooled air conditioning chiller units with more efficient air cooled chillers resulted in dramatic increases in noise.

Upgrading the air conditioning chillers was a decision based on economic necessity, but it also increased the noise pollution on school grounds and in the neighborhood - as well as placed Ida Stewart Elementary in violation of noise pollution regulations.

The school first tried a conventional noise abatement method which provided a limited, and inadequate, reduction in the noise from the new chillers: a 10 foot concrete block wall was built to surround the chillers, forming a square with one wall being a 25 foot high exterior school wall.

Although a concrete block wall does provide some noise relief, while allowing air flow, it also allows a substantial amount of noise to escape. A rigid concrete block wall structure reflects sound off the walls in all directions until it escapes from the open top of the structure. At that point, the escaped sound reflects off the adjacent walls, trees, and other buildings.

Managers at the Ida Stewart Elementary School were dissatisfied with the results of the concrete block wall structure, especially since the chillers were positioned outside classrooms and were in close proximity to the children's play area.

Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™ were installed between 3" aluminum I-beams around the chiller unit, positioned 3' from the chiller and 10" off the ground. The 4' x 8' panels were easily secured with stainless steel bolts. One panel was installed as a gate, with stainless steel hinges, to allow access to the chiller for servicing and repairs.

As the test results (below) show, Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™ reduced noise levels by an amazing 18 - 40 decibels (dB). Noise Criteria (NC) levels, the measurement of noise relative to human hearing, were reduced by 70% - 93%.

Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™ are engineered to withstand the most rigorous outdoor and industrial environments. The cover fabric is durable, UV tolerant and easily cleaned with soap and water.

Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™ provided a cost-effective solution for the Ida Stewart Elementary School, whose students - and nearby neighbors - now enjoy a quieter environment.

	Pre-Installation Readings				Post-Installation Readings				Difference
Loca tion	N.C.	Lmtg Band (Hz)	Lmtg Band dB	SPL (dB)	N.C.	Lmtg Band (Hz)	Lmtg Band dB	SPL (dB)	N.C.	SPL (dB)
1	52	1000	53.7	85.6	38	63	39.0	45.0	-14	-40.6
2	52	1000	54.2	86.1	47	250	49.1	62.4	-5.0	-23.7
4	46	1000	49.2	72.0	40	500	41.1	47.7	-6.0	24.3
5	49	1000	49.8	62.3	39	63	39.0	44.5	-10.2	-17.8
6	46	1000	50.0	64.1	39	250	40.8	46.0	-7.0	-18.1
7	53	500	49.1	72.0	41	63	43.6	46.3	-12.0	-25.7
8	50	1000	49.2	71.2	38	63	42.7	46.3	-12.0	-24.9
9	49	1000	49.7	70.1	42	500	45.1	50.9	-7.0	-19.2
10	47	1000	49.3	65.6	40	250	42.1	47.1	-7.0	-18.5
11	53	250	53.7	76.4	44	250	46.1	51.1	-9.0	-25.3
12	53	250	55.1	69.2	45	250	47.1	51.7	-8.0	-17.5
13	54	250	56.9	69.2	44	250	45.5	51.0	-10.0	-18.2
14	50	250	57.1	70.1	44	250	45.0	50.1	-6.0	-20.0
15	52	500	53.2	83.5	44	250	44.9	51.2	-8.0	-32.3
16	55	1000	54.3	71.8	43	250	45.0	49.1	-12.0	-22.7
22	53	250	59.0	76.8	42	63	43.0	48.6	-11.0	-28.2
24	56	63	51.0	63.7	38	2000	41.2	45.4	-18.0	-18.3

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT WITH SITE MAP HERE

The chiller unit is approximately 50 feet from the school's property line, and is enclosed by a 10 foot concrete block wall that is adjacent to the 25 foot exterior wall of the school. Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™ were installed inside the concrete block wall, surrounding the chiller, maintaining a distance of 3 feet from the chillers.

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Retirement Center AC Chiller Noise

This is a typical example of reducing noise problems from a chiller.

A retirement center had to reduce the chiller noise, both for the surrounding tenants and to comply to the EPC noise code limits.

Rather than move the chillers at great expense --which was their other option -- the owners followed our reccomendations and installed the Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Absorbing Panels™ on the outer side of the chiller area. We also suggested covering the adjacent reflective wall surface for maximum sound reduction; but even the outer side only installation resulted in more than the needed noise reduction.

The report below indicates the exact reductions acquired from the panel installation:

	Pre-Install		Post-Install	Difference
LOCA TION	LMTG BAND (Hz)	SPL (Db)	SPL (Db)	SPL (Db)
1	500	73	52.2	-20.8
2	500	74	51.8	-22.2
3	500	73	52.3	-20.7
4	500	69	52.1	-16.9
5	500	85	53.2	-31.8

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT HERE

Installation is simple and functional using 3" aluminum I-beams and sliding panels down between them. This of course allows for easy removal if needed.

Indeed a simple inexpensive solution to what could have been an astronomical expense.

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Other HVAC Examples

Attaching panels to existing walls will also absorb noise. The closer to the unit and the higher the better.

The panels may be hung by their eyelets or screwed directly through the eyelets, i.e. TAPCON®.

Boxing in the unit (leaving adequate spaces for cooling air flow) will result in an immediate sound level reduction. The amount is relative to how high above the noise the panels are and any other reflective areas which should also be covered.

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Residential air conditioning / heat pump noise

No more waking up every time the unit kicks on or losing rental tenants because of the noise. Higher density building means more complaints about the noise, but it can be resolved.

Noise reductions are easily reduced by installing panels on the open sides. A PVC fence (or any fence) may be used to attach the panels to (on the inside) leaving a space at the bottom between panels and ground for cool air intake, if required.

The higher you can go, the better, and of course cover the surrounding walls as well. Always ensure air intake at the bottom of the fence to allow fresh cool air for the condensers which blow vertical and take in air from the sides. Also, do not block the air flow from the exhaust fan. Colors available.

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Industrial Applications

Exorbitant noise levels cause many problems in industry today. Tension, inability to communicate or concentrate, reduced productivity, even loss of hearing are just a few. It is a serious problem, and one, that can become expensive if O.S.H.A. wants to exert its authority regarding noise levels in the workplace.

Reducing noise is in the interest of labor and management. For many years, (inside climate controlled clean work places) industry has used and realized the benefits of the sound absorbing panels. These panels, however, are not in any way capable of withstanding industrial environments. And while there are "sound blocking " quilts and other "acoustical blocking" products for industrial use, they do very little actual absorbing of the sound energy, thus the sound continues to reflect or bounce around the air until it eventually (after much annoyance) decays. "Sound blocking" is different from "sound absorbing" but these panels do both very well.

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Pumping Stations

Where once the whine from pumps may not have been a problem, neighborhoods are encroaching, complaining, and realizing what the EPC will do for them at no charge. As the pumps require service access and, many times, air cooling, it has been very difficult to resolve the problem.

Now however, many municipalities are using Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™, not only blocking noise, but absorbing the noise rather than reflecting it as solid barriers do, with an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 1.00, the highest achievable.

Acoustiblok panels are typically mounted between 3" aluminum I-beams, commonly available in 25' lengths, and may be easily removed for service access.

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Power Plants

As most are now aware, OSHA is more aggressively enforcing noise limits in the power generating industry. While one may build permanant enclosures around equipment, accessing it for service and providing air flow is very difficult.

Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Absorbing Panels™ however, are easily configured within 3" aliminum I-beams or 2" angle iron cage like structures, easy to build, change, lift up, or add on to.

The NRC of Acoustiblok panels is virtually perfect (NRC 1.00). There are two versions of panels -- one with STC of 30, the other with STC of 32. The unique thing about the All Weather Panel, is that they do very well under 100 Hz, where most noise abatement rolls off drastically.

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Pool And Gymnasium

These panels are perfect for noisy pool areas where high moisture causes mold and chlorine causes deterioration and color changes in the typical cloth panels. They can be hung vertically from the ceiling as baffles (both sides are covered and absorbing), or attached by several methods on walls where echoes and sound reflections are causing high noise levels. You will be amazed at the drop in tension people experience when the noise level is significantly reduced. Gymnasiums using the washable "Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Absorbing Panels™" will be substantially more useable for many functions that require more audibility, i.e., sports events, assembly meetings, and music presentations. Chlorinated water, dirt, soiling, dust, water, U.V. light are not a problem for this amazing product. Even food will wash off.

Another advantage of this unique all weather, lightweight panel is their ease of mobility, allowing you to move them where needed without skilled labor.

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Marine Applications

These panels are ideal for engine rooms, generator areas, floor boards and other noise prone areas.

Hot, humid salt air is not a problem for the "Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels™" Lightweight and easily removable, they allow quick access to covered areas.

Most marine engine room noise occurs in the lower frequencies and conventional noise absorbing products do little in actually blocking sound. "Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Absorbing Panels™" however not only do very significant sound blocking in midrange frequencies but also do even more as the frequency of noise is lower (see test results from 100 Hz).

It is important to remember that this panel both blocks and absorbs sound. The "STC" is "30" and the "NRC" is "1.00" (See test results). A new fire tolerant "sound absorbing only" panel is available which uses non flammable parts. Light reflective in appearance for dark engine rooms and sound absorbing on both sides. NO fabric covers, all stainless steel! Call us for details.

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Rail Lines / Mass Transit

Recently, Acoustiblok® All Weather Sound Panels™ were successfully used to resolve a noise problem on a new rail line running through a community in Washington, DC. The company building the rail line is L.G.S., a joint venture of Lane Construction, Granite Construction, and Slattery and Skanska, Inc.

The panels were easily attached through stainless steel U-bolts to an existing railing, eliminating the need for a very expensive permanant concrete barrier. In addition, the concrete barrier would reflect the sound back, hitting the higher part of the train and then reflecting over the top of the wall into the community. Thus the value in the absorption of the sound, and not just the blocking.

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Installation Methods

• Between 3" Aluminum I-beams (as shown)
• Wire tying together through eyelets with nylon or stainless steel ties (non over-head suspension)
• Hanging from eyelets on edges (use appropriate strength cable) as a baffle
• Screwed through eyelet holes in edges to wall (non-rusting screwing recommended)
• As they are rigid, panels can be self- supporting to enclose noise. (allow for cooling of equipment if required)

• Connected edge to edge with steel ties (as shown)
• Use all eyelets when mounting or suspending.
• If screwing to exterior wall, use non-corroding screws. When tying panels together (non-overhead suspended), use strongest nylon wire tie possible, stainless steel tie, non-corroding cable, or tie wire of appropriate strength.

One side of the panel is sound absorbing and one side non-sound absorbing. The side with the black "acoustiblok" material under the fabric is the non-sound absorbing side. Talk into the panel (approx. 3" away from face) to ensure which side is which. The "sound absorbing" side should face the noise source you are trying to absorb or block.

Overhead Suspension should be with very adequate cable or wire as during worst wet conditions panel could weigh over 100 lbs.

Suspending panels from other panels should not be done without supporting with appropriate cables from lower units back up to top ceiling or bar joists.

Air Flow:  Always ensure adequate flow if enclosing machinery that develops heat. Air will not easily flow through a panel.

Direct outdoor sunlight:  The panel will sustain direct sunlight. However, the "Acoustiblok" sound barrier material under the fabric (on one side only) may expand approximately. 1/4 (linear) over the 8', sometimes causing less than taunt look on the fabric. This usually contracts after cooling, and causes no change in audio performance.

NOTE:  We are continuously testing this product and it is designed for all weather conditions. However, in extreme weather conditions there is a possibility of cosmetic blemishes occurring with the product. These cosmetic blemishes will not affect the acoustical properties in the product.

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STANDARD PANEL SPECIFICATIONS
Click here to download PDF drawing showing all panel dimensions
NRC (Noise reduction coefficient)	1.00 (Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories)*
STC (Sound Transmission Class)	30 (Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories)*
R Value	8.9
Weight	88 LBS (39.9 kg)
Frame Construction	18 ga. Stainless Steel, Welded
* per Riverbank Acoustical Laboratory in compliance with ASTM designations E90-02, E 413087, and other pertinent standards.
Tensile Strength (cover fabric)
ASTM D 5034 Grab Method (lb)	389 LBS warp, 252 LBS fill
Mullen Bursting Strength	542 PSI
Bond Strength (CS 248-64)	46 LBS
ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATION
Click here to download PDF file with architectural specifications & acoustic data.
Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels ™ A high STC & NRC sound panel capable of outdoor exposure in full sunlight & weather 4' x 8' x 2.425", welded 18 gauge 304 stainless steel frame, threaded solid brass eyelets I.D. 0.320 in., STC of 30, NRC of 1.0, weight 88 lbs (39.9 kg). Cover fabric washable & UV tolerant, tensile strength of 389 LB., bursting 542 PSI.
HIGH STC PANEL SPECIFICATIONS
Click here to download PDF drawing showing all panel dimensions
NRC (Noise reduction coefficient)	1.00 (Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories)*
STC (Sound Transmission Class)	32 (Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories)*
R Value	8.9
Weight	120 LBS (54.4 kg)
Frame Construction	18 ga. Stainless Steel, Welded
* per Riverbank Acoustical Laboratory in compliance with ASTM designations E90-02, E 413087, and other pertinent standards.
ACOUSTICAL PROPERTIES (STANDARD PANEL)

 

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Available Colors / Appearance

Standard panel color is Almond.

Add 20% for optional colors, on orders under 101 panels.

Variations in Appearance/Color:

*As the mesh covering is porous there is a certain amount of yellowish material under it that will show through the mesh. Most apparent when viewing directly, not as much from an angle. Ask us for a sample if this is critical.

*As we are using a more environmentally friendly adhesive, small tan dots (freckles) may appear on panel after exposure. This will not affect performance. Temperature variations may cause some expansion of fabric appearing as minor ripples in surface, not affecting performance.