VEC Reduces Noise in Electron Microscopy Lab by 75%
Introduction
In a laboratory environment, noise can be a significant problem that affects personnel comfort and instrument efficiency. Recently, a customer had a chase for an electron microscopy lab that was becoming increasingly problematic due to the noise generated by the support equipment. The noise was disruptive for personnel in the chase, and noise passed through the walls and under the doors, creating a disturbance in adjacent spaces, including the electron microscopy laboratory. To address this issue, the customer approached VEC to install acoustic abatement in the chase, and the results were impressive.
Background
The customer had a chase for an electron microscopy lab that supports several modern electron microscopes. As the lab filled with instruments, the noise from the support equipment became increasingly disruptive. The noise passed through the walls and under the doors, disturbing adjacent spaces, including the electron microscopy laboratory. In addition, the customer hired VEC to install acoustic abatement in the chase to lower the noise level and reduce the sound transmission into adjacent spaces, including the electron microscopy laboratory.
Work Completed
VEC conducted a thorough analysis of the laboratory’s noise levels and developed a customized solution to address the issue, which included the following installations:
- Pinta – Sonex One in the chase with a high NRC value to absorb the equipment noise and reduce reverberation and, therefore, the noise level in the equipment chase.
- Pinta – Sonex One panel with a composite layer on the wall between the equipment chase and the electron microscopy lab to reduce reverberation and prevent noise transmission between the chase and the electron microscopy laboratory.
- Sound barrier for the cable pass-throughs or “mouse holes” between the equipment chase and the electron microscopy laboratory.
- Automatic door skirt between the chase and an outside hallway.
Installation Images
Results
After completing the work, VEC conducted another analysis of the noise levels to determine the solution's effectiveness. Here are the results:
- 43% Chase Noise Reduction – making it more comfortable for users to be in the chase.
- 75% Electron Microscopy Lab Noise Reduction – facilitating better operations of the instruments.
- 53% Hallway Noise Reduction – eliminating the annoying equipment noise for people walking by the equipment chase.
Measurement Data in Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Conclusion
Noise can be a significant problem in a laboratory environment, affecting personnel comfort and instrument efficiency. VEC’s customized solution effectively reduced noise generated from the electron microscopy lab chase by approximately 75% in the adjacent laboratory. As a result, the customer can now operate their laboratory in a more comfortable environment, resulting in better efficiency of their electron microscopes. In addition, VEC’s noise reduction expertise and commitment to developing customized solutions for their clients have made them a trusted partner in the industry.
