Noise is ubiquitous in society. When it comes to noisy machines like pumps and motors, understanding how international standards apply and should be applied can be challenging. With that in mind, it’s essential to maintain Australian and international standards for noise level testing of machines and mechanical equipment. The pump’s casing can radiate the noise emitted by a pump unit, the driving system, the piping system, and all the connected structures. On-site reverberation effects or the radiation of extraneous sources can significantly increase the perceived noise.
What does that mean? Essentially, noise levels are difficult to measure effectively in a pump room. There’s little to no indication as to whether the noise is coming from the pump, its driver, valves, pipework, or the echo within the room.
This is why the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European Standards (EN, from the German Europäische Norm) came together to publish a pump noise test standard. The standard applies to pumps and pumping equipment and provides clarity for pump manufacturers and purchasers.
The ISO describes methods for determining the noise emitted by pump units or pumps. They make the point that noise emission is expressed in terms of the sound power levels of the machine(s) and the emission sound press level at the workstation in question.
It also points out that there are many stakeholders to account for when measuring the level of machinery safety. That’s why, after five years, the ISO is now offering the opportunity to provide feedback on this ISO.
ISO 20361:2019 – Liquid pumps and pump units – Noise test code – Grades 2 and 3 of accuracy
The introduction of ISO 20361:2019 addresses the challenges of properly measuring noise levels. It points out that the noise emitted by a pump can come from the casing, drive system, pipe system, or any combination of them. The surrounding structure can also increase the effects of reverberation and the impact of noise radiating out of other machines.
That’s why ISO recommends that manufacturers and purchasers know the noise of the:
- Pumping system, including the piping
- Pump unit, including driver and transmission elements
- Pump, excluding driver, transmission and piping elements
They should also account for the noise emitted when the installation includes efficient soundproofing.
Pump Industry Australia and Standards Australia are working together to collect your feedback. They want to know if ISO 20361:2019 should be:
- Confirmed
- Reviewed or amended
- Withdrawn
All feedback should be sent to the Executive Officer – Standards at Pump Industry Australia at secretary@pumps.org.au
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