Noise Study & SoundPLAN Modeling for Industrial Compliance & Safety

3 min readFeb 27, 2025

Introduction to Noise Studies in Industrial Environments

A noise study is essential for analyzing, modeling, and simulating noise emissions in industrial plants. The study aims to:

Implement effective noise mitigation strategies to protect workers and surrounding communities.
Identify and acoustically model equipment (referred to as “sources”).
Assess noise propagation and its impact on the environment and plant personnel.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

ISO Standards for Noise Study and Modeling

To ensure accuracy and regulatory alignment, noise studies follow internationally recognized ISO standards:

Noise Study Methodology

A structured methodology ensures accurate results and compliance with industry regulations. The noise study consists of five key steps:

Data Collection

📌Identifying noise sources and their specifications.
📌Gathering operational and environmental data.

Modeling and Simulation

📌Using SoundPLAN software for noise modeling.
📌Implementing Ray Tracing Inverted (RTI) technology for accurate sound propagation simulations.
📌Factoring in terrain, structures, and environmental conditions.

Calculation

📌Utilizing ISO 9613 equations for outdoor sound propagation.
📌Generating noise isopleth maps to visualize noise distribution.
📌Evaluating designated receptor points for compliance.

Result Analysis

📌 Compare simulation results with regulatory or contractual noise limits.
📌Identifying potential mitigation actions (e.g., noise barriers, insulation, equipment modifications).

Documentation and Reporting

📌The final noise study report includes:
Introduction: Objectives and purpose of the study.
References & Abbreviations: Key standards and terminologies.
Regulatory Framework: Compliance requirements.
Methodology: Modeling and calculation techniques used.
Results & Conclusions: Findings, noise maps, and compliance verification.
Mitigation Measures: Strategies for noise reduction.
Noise Maps: Detailed representation of noise distribution.

SoundPLAN for Noise Modeling

To estimate operational noise levels, the study utilizes SoundPLAN, a globally recognized software developed by Braunstein & Berndt GmbH (Germany).

Key features of SoundPLAN:

ISO 9613-compliant outdoor sound propagation calculations.
Ray Tracing Inverted (RTI) for complex noise simulations.
Accounts for ground effects, air absorption, and environmental barriers.

Visualization of Sampled Noise Modeling Results

Plant Overview — Noise Impact Layout

Graphical representation of overall plant noise distribution.

Plant Noise — Machinery Level
Equipment-specific noise emissions at different operational levels.

Ambient Noise Map — Project Site Project area-wide noise mapping for environmental impact assessment

Conclusion

Industrial noise studies play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and worker safety. By leveraging ISO standards and advanced modeling tools like SoundPLAN, industries can accurately assess noise impacts and implement effective mitigation strategies.