The Effectiveness of Sound Absorbing Material in Reducing Noise Level from The Cone Crusherin A Stone Crushing Plant, Chonburi Province

Abstract

Noise from the Cone Crusher in a stone crushing plant affects the health of workers and causes inconvenience to nearby communities. Reducing noise using sound-absorbing materials is therefore
an essential solution. This study aimed to design and select effective noise-reducing materials, compare noise levels before and after material installation, and reduce noise levels to meet the required standards. The study tested three types of materials: rice husk foam panels, foam panels, and foam panels overlaid with rice husk foam, across a frequency range of 8–8000 Hz at distances of 1, 3, 5, and 7 meters. The results showed that rice husk foam panels reduced noise levels between 2.76–5.37 dB, performing best in the low to mid-frequency range (8–500 Hz). Foam panels reduced noise levels by 2.97 dB at 1 meter, suitable for mid to high frequencies (250–8000 Hz). Foam panels overlaid with rice husk foam achieved the highest noise reduction levels between 2.26-9.87 dB, effective across all frequencies and achieving a maximum noise reduction of 9.87 dB at close range, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. Recommendations should focus on developing and testing alternative sound absorbing materials, such as recycled or other natural materials, expanding studies to other types of factories, and assessing long-term cost-effectiveness to enhance sustainability and broader applicability.