Practical Considerations for Modeling Low Frequency Noise Propagation

Ashely Gibson, B.Sc., P. Eng
Chris Giesbrecht, B.Sc.

Abstract
Low frequency noise (LFN) generated by industrial and oilfield applications is generally recognized as having the potential to cause annoyance, particularly in rural residential locations. The recent revision of EUB directive 38 quantifies sound levels which may be symptomatic of an LFN annoyance condition and recommends that the dBC-dBA level be determined through modeling of new plants and expansions. This paper examines the reliability and limitations of current noise propagation modeling methods with respect to low frequency noise predictions. Topics of discussion include the importance and prospective availability of noise emission levels in the 16 Hz Octave Band, limitations imposed by the prediction accuracy of LFN in software modeling tools and standards, and potential supplementary analysis of noise sources which may help to anticipate a LFN problem. A case study involving dBC-dBA level predictions is presented as practical example.

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