Acoustic Enclosure for a Horizontal Balancing Machine

An acoustic enclosure for a Horizontal Balancing Machine operated by a UK based company that provides integrated power solutions for customers in the civil and defence aerospace markets.

Scope of Works

To design, manufacture, deliver, install and commission the required acoustic enclosure, this being of approximate overall dimensions 6.2m long x 2.9m wide x 2.5m high.

Design Considerations

The enclosure to be fit for purpose in providing a safe working environment for operations and maintenance personnel (offering projectile protection to ISO 21940-23:2012 protection class C600/230).
The unit to be supplied in two pre-assembled halves for positioning about the existing balancing machinery and associated ancillary / auxiliary equipment.
When fully assembled, the enclosure to provide the desired access in the form of bi-parting electrically operated, horizontally sliding doors and canopy, giving unhindered access to both the enclosure front and roof over an area approximately 3.0m long, allowing the loading and unloading of tooling via an overhead shop crane.
The enclosure to utilise robust high level door rails, durable floor mounted door track and high quality door rollers, thus ensuring smooth running, longevity etc.
Surface mounted floor track arrangement with internal and external aluminium tread-plate ramparts, offering personnel safe passage in and out of the enclosure without encountering an unacceptable trip hazard.
Single man access door facilitate operator entry/egress and emergency exit.
Inclined vision panel arrangement to further enhance the operators overview of the balancing process.
The provision of the necessary electrical fitments to facilitate adequate high frequency lighting suitable for rotating machinery.
Integration and mechanical installation of the end users factory standard door interlock equipment.
Attenuated ventilation system capable of moving 4,000 cubic metres of air per hour, thus allowing the housed equipment to operate in a normal manner.

Acoustic Performance

Based solely on a maximum figure of 95dB(A) at 1 metre, the proposed construction rated at 25db satisfied the end users requirements.