Ministry of Economic Affairs Baden-Württemberg |
::Introduction:: ::Companies:: |
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Dr. rer. nat. Udo Weis, head of safety systems and environmental protection at ABB Germany
Noise abatement is an increasingly important component of environmental protection. Due to the innovative transformation undergone by technical systems in the workplace, noise abatement technology has had to confront a whole series of new problems. In Baden-Württemberg, many companies have taken up this challenge and are offering a range of solutions specifically developed for this purpose. The importance of noise abatement has its origins in the increased awareness of just how damaging noise can be for the human organism and also in the reduced extent to which those affected are prepared to put up with the high levels of noise they are exposed to. Other aspects of environmental protection are concerned with the pollution of nature, air or water whereas noise abatement mainly relates to the harm noise can do to people.
For all aspects of noise protection in Baden-Württemberg and Germany, there are extensive regulations that presuppose a very high level of technical know-how. The first noise protection regulation prescribing binding immission levels was introduced as early as 1968. Road vehicles, for example, have to comply with noise immission limits. There are already detailed descriptions of noise protection systems for a whole series of machines and installations of various types.
Sources of noise can be classified according to their place of origin. A distinction is drawn between industrial noise, construction noies and traffic noise, for example. Even during the phase when an installation is being planned, efforts are always made to prevent noise sources from being created in the first place. Wherever possible, noise-intensive processes are replaced by low-noise alternatives. Another method is to relocate high-noise processes to less sensitive areas. Primary action is directed at the source of the noise. The development of low-noise asphalt is just one example and can considerably reduce road noise when combined with noise-dampening tyres. Noise aspects are also taken into account when aligned road routes are being planned. Moreover, secondary noise abatement measures are usually aimed at influencing sound propagation by means of sound dampening techniques or noise insulation. Encapsulation hinders sound waves from spreading, vacuum damping prevents the transmission of air-borne noise and immission-reduction measures reduce the impact of sound energy on the receiver. A third possibility is to use absorption to convert sound into another form of energy. The methods of absorption can be made to measure to match the noise spectrum in each case. In the environment technology guide, Baden-Württemberg companies present their range of environmental services in the form of innovative technologies.
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