Investigation on the Changing Characteristics of Flow-Induced Noise in a Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in engineering for a variety of applications.A known drawback of these devices is the high-level noise generated during operations,which can affect their stability and adversely influence the entire working environment.By combining the Powell vortex sound theory,numerical simulations and experimental measurements,this research explores the trends of variation and the corresponding underlying mechanisms for the flow-induced noise at various locations and under different operating conditions.It is shown that the total sound source intensity(TSSI)and total sound pressure level(TSPL)in the impeller,in the region between the inlet to the outlet and along the circumferential extension of the volute,are much higher than those at pump inlet and outlet.Additionally,under various rotational speeds with the design flow rate(Condition 1),the TSSI and TSPL at pump inlet and outlet are higher than those obtained with the opening of the valve kept unchanged(Condition 2);vice versa when these two parameters are evaluated at various locations in the impeller and the volute under the Condition 2,they exceed the equivalent values obtained for the other Condition 1.

Evaluation of occupational noise pollution and attitudes of exposed workers in two metal industries

The purpose of the present study was to determined noise levels and to show the annoyance reaction, hearing loss, hearing impairment by the workers due to the occupational noise exposure according to Iran development of Environment （IDE） and also awareness about effects of noise and use of hearing protective devices （HPD） in the two manufacturing electronic equipment （metal） industries. The present study was carried out among industrial workers and included a sample of lao workers, site 1 （n = 52） and site 2 （n = 78） from two metal industries located in south eastern Iran province of Kerman. In order to attend the objectives of the current study, noise levels evaluation was determined throughout all different work stations in both industries. The results of the study revealed that noise levels in 75% of the stations are higher than limits used for assessment of noise for community response. The result of the study indicated that noise levels in the workplace are （66%） very high, （28%） high and only 6% low. Workers having higher education are much aware of the health impact due to occupational noise. Chi-square analysis indicated that the difference in educational background and not wearing HPD was significant and also a significant relationship was also observed between the impact of occupational noise on the health and education status. This research has clearly demonstrated that the workers in both the metal industries included in this study are at high risk of developing noise induced hearing loss and other associated ailments due to excessive occupational exposure to noise. There is a need to develop and apply a well-defined, comprehensive and enforceable training programs and noise regulation. The study revealed that the workers having higher education （9-12 grades） are much aware of the health impact due to occupational noise exposure. There is a need to establish a hearing conservation programs in both industries, the components of such program include noise assessment, use of hearing protection devices, audiometric and increasing awareness among the workers about the adverse effects of noise.