Acoustical Pipe Laggings for Reducing Turbocompressor and Flow Generated Noise

A significant source of noise at pipeline facilities is piping radiated noise. Although the noise generation is due to the internal geometries and flow conditions of the rotating equipment or due to the orifices or valves, the acoustical radiator is the piping. Piping and compressor casings on numerous gas turbine driven turbocompressor packages as well as piping at meter stations and regulator stations have been treated using acoustical laggings, as a retrofit as well as during design. However very little information exists in the industry regarding the acoustical performance of site installed acoustical lagging systems. With the advent of innovative testing techniques, installed lagging system Insertion Losses have been obtained, and significant experience has been gained regarding material selection and system performance. As opposed to the massive panels typically used for acoustical enclosures on turbocompressor packages, acoustical laggings utilize lightweight and often removable materials. This paper discusses material properties that enhance the performance of acoustical lagging systems, considerations regarding corrosion prevention and removability, the importance of proper installation techniques, and field testing procedures to determine installed performance of acoustical lagging systems.