Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels®
(New "Hurricane" Version tested to withstand
270 MPH / 434 KPH wind load)
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.
Click on Image to see Gallery
"" 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 product. Encased by all welded aluminum also prohibits vermin problems. Acoustiblok's outdoor sound panels are washable with a hose, very durable, long lasting and usable in hundreds of areas and applications. The panel has an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 1.00 (highest level possible), Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories test results.
Extreme dust conditons can disable conventional sound absorbing systems. The Industrial & Hurricane model All Weather Sound Panels® are available with an acoustically transparent stainless steel dust filter (as much as 5 to 10 microns), 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. Acoustiblok Panels are
extremely durable and are currently in use by the United States Army in the Middle East.
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 .
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 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 beneficial for difficult sound proofing*.
Easily movable, they need not be permanent and may be stored in harsh environments without harm from the elements.
These entirely welded panels use only the highest in quality material and craftsmanship. Strain hardened 0.040" (1.016mm) corrosion resistant perforated aluminum front is resistant to abuse and sharp objects. New heavy duty frames have 18 flush eyelets free from any protrusions or screw heads thus allowing flush stacking and storage: Easily stack 50 panels in only 10 feet of height.
An optional Panel Carriage™ allows easy mounting and mobility in industrial environments.
Other Applications
Here are just a few of the many applications of the Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels:
- Highway Road Noise
- Mass Transit
- Railroad Yards
- Residential Air Conditioner / Heat Pumps
- Gymnasiums
- Offshore Drilling Rigs
- Marine Vessels
- Auditoriums
- Industrial Machinery Areas
- Schools
- Hospitals
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- Stadiums
- Churches
- Kitchens
- Kennels
- Engine Noise
- Transportation Barriers
- Engine Test Cells
- Shooting Ranges
- Zoos
- Recording Studios
- Racetracks
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- Power Plants
- Subways
- Mining Operations
- Airports
- Community Noise Control
- Correctional Facilities
- Childcare Centers
- Swimming Pool Areas
- Construction Sites
- Commercial Vehicles
- Restaurants
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Hurricane Version
[PDF]
The all new "Hurricane" Model All Weather Sound Panel 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 panel 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:
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Wind Velocity Tested to withstand over 270 MPH (188 lb/ft2),
per TAS202 test by Hurricane Engineering & Testing of Maimi Florida.
(435 kph, 918 kg/m2) A category 5
hurricane is 155 mph, and an F5 tornado is 260 mph.
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UL Std 723 fire tested: Flame spread zero, smoke developed zero
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Extreme durability in harsh environments
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Acoustically transparent dust filter available where needed - Middle
Eastern desert areas, mining and industrial applications, etc.
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Strain hardened 0.040" (1.016mm) corrosion resistant perforated
aluminum front is far more durable for abuse and sharp objects
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Strain hardened 0.032" (0.813mm) corrosion resistant solid aluminum
back still results in great STC but now also allows for a needed fire
rating and a increased durability
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Tempered 0.125" (3.175mm) corrosion resistant aluminum frame
provides added strength and rigidity
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New heavy duty frames have 18 flush eyelets free from any
protrusions or screw heads thus allowing flush stacking and
storage: Easily stack 50 panels in only 10 feet of height
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Panels may be easily mounted on walls or between H-beams. If temporary
use is required, they are easily tied together with stainless
steel cable ties
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Custom Aluminum T-Beams and extruded corner beams available from Acoustiblok provide an exact fit for vertical mounting applications
Overall dimensions 2" x 48" x 96" (51mm x 1.219m x 2.438m),
weight 104 lbs (47kg) -
[PDF] for full dimensions & tolerances.
Acoustiblok "HURRICANE" Sound Panels used to silence oil pumping
station in west Texas. (See above.) Civilization approached this remote oil
pumping station at the same time that the need for 24/7 operations
became a must. Acoustiblok was called upon to "QUIET" this
intersection of industry and civilization. Eighteen panels erected
in just two days from receipt to project completion.
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 minimal 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.
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Great for permanent or temporary use, store them anywhere.
Installation is very economical as they easily attach to a standard chain link fence or "tap con" screwed into existing masonry through the integral welded 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.
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Outdoor HVAC / Chiller noise
SCHOOL AC CHILLER NOISE POLLUTION PROBLEM
REDUCED BY ACOUSTIBLOK ALL WEATHER SOUND PANELS®
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 provided a fast cost-effective solution for the Ida Stewart Elementary School, whose students - and nearby neighbors - now enjoy a quieter environment.
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Pre-Installation Readings
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Post-Installation Readings
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Difference |
Loca
tion
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N.C.
|
Lmtg
Band
(Hz)
|
Lmtg
Band
dB
|
SPL
(dB)
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N.C.
|
Lmtg
Band
(Hz)
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Lmtg
Band
dB
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SPL
(dB)
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N.C.
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SPL (dB)
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1
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52
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1000
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53.7
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85.6
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38
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63
|
39.0
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45.0
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-14
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-40.6
|
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2
|
52
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1000
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54.2
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86.1
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47
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250
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49.1
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62.4
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-5.0
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-23.7
|
|
4
|
46
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1000
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49.2
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72.0
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40
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500
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41.1
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47.7
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-6.0
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24.3
|
|
5
|
49
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1000
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49.8
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62.3
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39
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63
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39.0
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44.5
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-10.2
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-17.8
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|
6
|
46
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1000
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50.0
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64.1
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39
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250
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40.8
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46.0
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-7.0
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-18.1
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|
7
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53
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500
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49.1
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72.0
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41
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63
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43.6
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46.3
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-12.0
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-25.7
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8
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50
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1000
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49.2
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71.2
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38
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63
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42.7
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46.3
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-12.0
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-24.9
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9
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49
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1000
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49.7
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70.1
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42
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500
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45.1
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50.9
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-7.0
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-19.2
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10
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47
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1000
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49.3
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65.6
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40
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250
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42.1
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47.1
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-7.0
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-18.5
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11
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53
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250
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53.7
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76.4
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44
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250
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46.1
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51.1
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-9.0
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-25.3
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12
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53
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250
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55.1
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69.2
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45
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250
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47.1
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51.7
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-8.0
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-17.5
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|
13
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54
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250
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56.9
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69.2
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44
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250
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45.5
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51.0
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-10.0
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-18.2
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|
14
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50
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250
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57.1
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70.1
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44
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250
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45.0
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50.1
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-6.0
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-20.0
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15
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52
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500
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53.2
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83.5
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44
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250
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44.9
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51.2
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-8.0
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-32.3
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16
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55
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1000
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54.3
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71.8
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43
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250
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45.0
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49.1
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-12.0
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-22.7
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22
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53
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250
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59.0
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76.8
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42
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63
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43.0
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48.6
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-11.0
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-28.2
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24
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56
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63
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51.0
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63.7
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38
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2000
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41.2
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45.4
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-18.0
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-18.3
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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:
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Pre-Install
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Post-Install
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Difference
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LOCA
TION
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LMTG BAND
(Hz)
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SPL
(Db)
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SPL
(Db)
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SPL
(Db)
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1
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500
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73
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52.2
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-20.8
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2
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500
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74
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51.8
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-22.2
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3
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500
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73
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52.3
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-20.7
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4
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500
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69
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52.1
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-16.9
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5
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500
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85
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53.2
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-31.8
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VIEW THE FULL REPORT
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.
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.
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. Our panels are paintable.
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 OSHA wants to exert its authority regarding noise levels in the workplace.
Reducing noise is in the interest of labor and management. 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.
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 of the machinery.
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.
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. (Also )
Another advantage of this unique all weather,
lightweight panel is their ease of mobility, allowing you to
move them where needed without skilled labor.
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 welded aluminum construction! Call us for details.
Rail Lines / Mass Transit
Aproximately 8 years ago, 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. As of this year (2012) the panels are still in fine condition.
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
- As they are rigid, panels can be self-
supporting to enclose noise. (allow for cooling of equipment if
required)
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Connected edge to edge with steel ties (as shown)
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Use all eyelets when mounting or suspending.
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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.
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.
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HURRICANE PANEL SPECIFICATIONS
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| NRC (Noise reduction coefficient) |
1.00 (Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories)*
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STC (Sound Transmission Class)
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29 (Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories)*
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Gross dimensions
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Up to 48"(1.22m) x 144"(3.66m) x 2.423"(6.15cm), + 0.125"(3mm) custom sizes available on special order.
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| Weight |
104 lbs [47.6 kg] Dry |
| Frame Construction |
0.125"(3mm) welded corrosion resistant 6063-T5 aluminum, mill finish, eyelets: 0.375"(9.5mm) (18 ea.)
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Front Face
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0.040(1mm) corrosion resistant 5052-H32 aluminum alloy, 3/32"(2.4mm) round holes staggered on 5/32"(3.9mm) centers
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| Back face |
0.032(0.80mm) corrosion resistant 5052-H32 aluminum alloy, mill finish.
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* per Riverbank Acoustical Laboratory in compliance with ASTM designations E90-02, E 413087, and other pertinent standards.
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ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATIONS
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Acoustiblok All Weather Sound Panels
A high STC & NRC sound panel capable of outdoor exposure in full
UV and weather. Acoustic ratings: STC 29 and NRC 1.0. Corrosion
resistant; 6063-T5 welded frame and 5052-H32 facing, aluminum
alloys. UL 723 Class A fire rated, flame spread 0, smoke
developed 0. Static Wind Load Tested to 271 mph (188 psf) [436
km/h (917 kg/m2)].
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ACOUSTICAL PROPERTIES (STANDARD PANEL)
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