The impact of low frequencies in industry: a strategic challenge for noise reduction and plant reliability

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the impact of low frequencies
3. Industrial acoustic studies and simulation
4. Industrial silencers and acoustic equipment
5. Safety, compliance and performance
6. Groupe Boët’s global approach
7. Conclusion

Introduction

In industry, the most critical noise sources are not always audible. Low frequencies, often imperceptible to the human ear, generate powerful vibratory effects capable of affecting the integrity of equipment. They penetrate structures, excite mechanical natural frequencies and provoke high-impact resonance phenomena.

In demanding sectors such as energy, nuclear power and data centers, mastering the treatment of noise and the attenuation of low frequencies is becoming a strategic lever for industrial performance and risk management.

Understanding the impact of low frequencies on industrial equipment

Reciprocating compressors, screw compressors, internal combustion engines or booster compressors generate intense pressure pulsations.

These low-frequency noise emissions lead to critical structural vibrations (AIV/FIV) and accelerated material fatigue.

Noise reduction is not just a matter of acoustic comfort. It directly contributes to the reliability, safety and regulatory compliance of installations.

Inadequate acoustic management exposes operators to major mechanical risks, particularly on high-pressure networks and dynamic equipment subject to severe transient regimes.

Industrial acoustic studies: anticipating vibratory phenomena

Controlling low frequencies starts with in-depth industrial acoustic studies. The aim is to identify sound emission sources, analyze frequency spectra and model fluid/structure interaction.

Advanced numerical simulation

• Modeling with ANSYS Acoustics and NEART
• AIV (Acoustic Induced Vibrations) analysis
• FIV (Flow Induced Vibrations) studies

These acoustic analyses for industry enable noise reduction to be integrated right from the design phase, thus avoiding costly corrections during operation.

Industrial silencers and low-frequency noise control devices

When it comes to low frequencies, standard solutions quickly show their limitations. The answer lies in specifically designed acoustic equipment.

Optimized low-frequency acoustic silencers

Groupe BOËT designs reactive industrial silencers with performance from 20 Hz:

• Compressor silencer and air compressor silencer
• Blower silencer (suction and discharge)
• Engine silencers and engine exhaust silencers
• Acoustic attenuators for high-energy installations

These noise reduction systems are designed to provide targeted noise attenuation without compromising process performance.

Depending on site constraints, solutions can incorporate additional devices: quarter-wave resonators, Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD), Acoustic enclosures, etc.

This global approach ensures a reduction in noise emissions in line with regulatory and standards requirements.

Security, compliance and business continuity

Low-frequency control contributes to the acoustic protection of installations, the reduction of noise pollution on site, noise abatement in compliance with standards (API, ASME, Eurocode), and improved comfort and noise safety for teams.

Groupe Boët’s industrial acoustic solutions are certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 19443, and comply with EN 15085, ASME, RCC-M, CODAP and CODETI codes.

More than a simple noise abatement treatment, this is a noise control strategy integrated into the overall performance of the industrial site.

A holistic approach to industrial noise reduction

Groupe Boët deploys a comprehensive methodology:

1. Acoustic study and vibration analysis
2. Predictive simulation
3. Custom acoustic equipment design
4. Validation and field measurements

This systemic approach guarantees sustainable acoustic reduction, adapted to the most demanding industrial environments.

Mastering low frequencies is not a matter of empiricism. It can be modeled, sized and validated.

Conclusion: securing your installations through advanced control of noise processing

Low frequencies represent a major industrial risk when not controlled. Their impact on mechanical fatigue and equipment reliability calls for advanced acoustic expertise and specially designed devices.

Groupe Boët helps manufacturers implement high-performance industrial acoustic solutions, including industrial silencers, acoustic enclosures, acoustic panels and advanced industrial acoustic studies.

Would you like to secure your installations and reduce noise emissions over the long term?
Contact the Groupe BOËT experts for a personalized analysis of your acoustic problems.