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Sound Advice

Suppress your fleet's noise footprint

Mine sites require 24-hour operation to maximise profit, so being noise compliant reduces both the risk of fines and downtime caused by non-compliant assets. Strict noise restrictions apply to mining operations near residential areas. In the evening, noise regulations are stricter¹. Mines risk fines for noise violations, such as a Hunter Valley mine fined $15,000 for exceeding the night noise limit². Also worth mentioning is that none of the machines on this site had noise reduction equipment³.

Noise mitigation for mining machines

Mine sites will engage an acoustic solution provider to comply with in-service sound power targets. It is also essential to consider the acoustic strategy and maintenance access. Here are the main steps to asset noise compliance:

  1. Scope of works
    Mine site defines sound targets (eg. 123 dBL) and asset-related outcomes (eg. maintenance access).
  2. Acoustic supplier engagement
    Vendor selection, consultation, and package adoption (eg. suppression exhaust, attenuators).
  3. Design phase
    Unattenuated sound testing⁴, acoustic modelling, engineering, and 3D CAD.
  4. Manufacturing phase
    Fabrication and speciality parts ordering from suppliers (eg. acoustic foam and engine fans).
  5. Prototype phase
    Trial install, sound testing⁴, revision as required, re-engineering, re-install and sound testing.
  6. Fleet rollout
    Compliance, fleet implementation, and ongoing testing.

Fleet noise mitigation – questions to ask

If you’re looking for an acoustic partner, here are a few questions you should ask:

Capabilities for sound

  • What suppression and attenuation wins have you had?
  • How do you maximise maintenance access?
  • Does external fire suppression have access to your acoustic engine bays?
  • In what ways have you improved access for maintenance workers?

Supply and installation

  • How do you manage an end-to-end project?
  • Are your systems manufactured in-house?
  • How long should our crew allow for installation?

Ongoing support

  • After installation, do you provide on-site support?
  • Where do you get spare parts? What is the lead time?

Mining asset noise regulations

For noise compliance, mine sites typically align with test standards. A few common standards are listed below. There may also be site-specific noise specifications.

 

¹ Environmental management – noise regulations (NSW EPA)

² Noise limit breach for Hunter Valley coal mine (NSW EPA)

³ Noise policy for industry (NSW EPA)

Industry noise assessment and management.

  • E3 Extractive industry proposed for quiet rural area
    • Determine existing noise levels – measure noise levels for daytime, evening and night-time
    • Predict and measure level of noise and determine impact – steps include noise modelling and noise mitigation on haul trucks
    • Monitor performance

Earth-moving machinery test standards

  • Australian Standards
    • AS 2012.1-1990 – Sound power, stationary test
  • ISO Standards
    • ISO 3744-2010 – specifies methods for determining SPL
    • ISO 6393:2008(E) – SPL stationary tests
    • ISO 6395:2008(E) – SPL dynamic tests

QGN 22 Management of noise in mines (Qld Gov) 

 

Management of noise in mining operations (WA Dept Mines) 

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Maybe you want to upgrade your fleet to reduce downtime. We’ve got dedicated Business Development Managers to help you meet your onsite goals. Get in touch to learn more and ask about our site-specific parts catalogues.

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