Sound Attenuating Enclosure Composite Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical equipment used in oil and gas operations, such as hydraulic fracturing, emits excessive sound that exceeds regulatory limits, posing safety risks and nuisances to personnel, wildlife, and communities, and existing solutions fail to effectively attenuate these noise levels during operations.
Innovation Solution
A sound attenuating enclosure system comprising composite panels with multiple layers, including a frame, outer and inner skins, and foam layers, designed to surround and reduce the noise emitted by sound-producing equipment, and can be configured for use on trailers for transportation and installation at operation sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sound attenuating enclosure is implemented, then sound emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple composite panels that can be assembled together to form the complete structure. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized components, making the overall system easier to manufacture, transport, and assemble while achieving effective sound attenuation through the combined effect of multiple panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure uses composite panels constructed from multiple layers including outer skin, insulation layer, inner skin, and damping material. This composite structure achieves superior sound attenuation performance compared to single-material constructions, effectively reducing sound emissions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through material optimization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If composite panels with multiple layers are used, then sound attenuation performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite structure is segmented into distinct functional layers (outer skin, insulation, inner skin, damping material) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter optimization of each layer thickness and material properties to achieve the desired sound attenuation performance. By adjusting parameters such as insulation layer thickness or damping material density, the sound attenuation can be enhanced without fundamentally changing the manufacturing approach, maintaining ease of production.
3Ease of operation
If the enclosure is made transportable on trailers, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into multiple standardized panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables the enclosure to be broken down for transport on trailers and quickly reassembled at the operational site, improving transportability without requiring a completely separate transport system.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite panel design serves multiple functions: it provides sound attenuation, structural support, and ease of assembly/disassembly for transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving improved ease of operation through trailer transportability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces sound emissions from mechanical equipment, allowing safe operation within regulatory limits and minimizing disruptions to nearby communities and wildlife, while being transportable and adaptable for various equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a foam layer disposed between the outer skin and the inner skin and between at least a pair of the frame members
Implementation Method 2
an outer skin secured to the outer side of the frame, an inner skin secured to the inner side of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include a sound attenuating enclosure defining an interior space, formed by a plurality of composite panels. In some embodiments the composite panels include a frame having a plurality of elongate frame members coupled to one another. The frame defines an inner side facing toward the interior space and an outer side facing away from the interior space. Additionally, some embodiments may include an outer skin secured to the outer side of the frame, an inner skin secured to the inner side of the frame, and a foam layer disposed between the outer skin and the inner skin and between at least a pair of the frame members.