DATA ACQUISITION Noise Down
Factory noise monitoring system using multiple sensors gathers data to ensure HSE conformance.
Wireless Monitor Keeps the
❱ ❱ Wireless noise monitoring is contributing to workplace health in some of the
most hazardous industries including petrochemicals and metal processing
❱ ❱ Sensors throughout the workplace are connected to a central point where software can analyse the noise distribution throughout the working environment at different times of the day
employs wireless technology and explosion-proof sensors. Even in plants where noise levels change drastically over time, noise mapping can be applied to plan work schedules that will ensure workers do not exceed specified limits for the number of hours worked in a noisy environment.
Y
PROCESS PLANT NOISE In process plants, there are many different noise sources and noisy work environments require measures such as limited working hours and the use of earplugs so that workers do not suffer hearing loss. Handheld sound level meters are being brought into plants to regularly measure noise levels at different locations, but actual noise levels can vary significantly between the points in time when these manual readings are made, depending on factors such as the status of the plant equipment and the time of day. To facilitate protective measures such as the creation of appropriate working schedules, there is the need for a system that can continuously gather and analyse data in real time using readings from multiple locations throughout the plant. In response to this need, in 2016 Yokogawa began working with Equinor ASA of Norway, one of the world’s largest offshore oil and gas companies, to jointly develop an online system that monitors workplace noise levels in real time. With Yokogawa’s field wireless technology and Equinor’s extensive
okogawa Electric has developed a wireless noise surveillance system that monitors and maps plant noise levels in real time, and is releasing this as part of its OpreX Measurement line-up. This online plant noise surveillance system
plant operations knowledge, the companies were able to successfully develop this wireless noise surveillance system.
WIRELESS MONITORING The principal components of this system are the WN100 wireless noise meter and the WN30 noise mapping software. Compliant with the ISA100 Wireless network protocol, WN100 sensors can be installed at many locations throughout a plant to measure noise levels and transmit this data in real time to servers via gateway devices. From this data, the WN30 software can then construct a noise map in real time and superimpose this onto an actual map of the plant. Via an Ethernet connection, computers in the central control room and other key locations can then display these graphics in a web browser. By viewing noise maps before heading to the workplace,
workers can find out in real time what the noise levels will be at that location so that they can take necessary precautions such as bringing earplugs or ear defenders that are designed for the anticipated sound levels, and estimating how long they can stay in that location without experiencing hearing loss. The monitoring output can also be used for workplace planning. Occupational safety-related laws and guidelines in each country help to prevent hearing loss by limiting the number of hours personnel can be exposed to specific noise levels. Noise maps can be used to design appropriate work schedules. Compared to conventional wired systems, this system is
better suited for applications where sensors must be installed over a wide area in often difficult-to-wire locations. Installation costs are lower, even with systems that have many sensors.
DAQ, Sensors & Instrumentation Vol 2 No. 2 /// 5
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