Acoustic measurements and product testing

Here at Merford UK we take pride in our rigorous scientific approach to solving acoustic problems. With our help you will be able to quantify the acoustic parameters of your products and solutions, enabling you to meet strict noise legislation, and to understand the underlying mechanisms that cause noise problems in the first place, improving the acoustic design of your product.

We have access to world-leading laboratory facilities including:

  • Full-anechoic chambers
  • Hemi-anechoic chambers
  • Reverberation rooms
  • Horizontal transmission loss suites
  • Environmental Chambers

We are happy to help you solve it

No matter how unusual your problem may seem

These facilities combined with our wide range of specialist measurement equipment also enables us to perform a variety of official tests in accordance with relevant industry standards. Additionally, we are experienced in independent product testing using specialised test rigs that can be designed to accommodate your products' needs.

Our methods cover both sound pressure and sound intensity measurement techniques, allowing Merford UK to undertake robust analysis not only in laboratory conditions but also in-situ or in the field. We can recommend the most suitable approach and methods for your requirements.

Transmission loss

Transmission loss or Sound Reduction Index, R dB, is a measure of the effectiveness of a wall, floor, door or other barrier in restricting the passage of sound. The transmission loss varies with frequency and the loss is usually greater at higher frequencies. The higher the transmission loss of a wall, the better it functions as a barrier to unwanted noise.

We can characterise the sound insulation performance of your products and solutions.

Absoption coefficient

Sound absorbers are used to dissipate sound energy and to minimise reflections. Sound energy is dissipated by simultaneous actions of viscous and thermal mechanisms. The absorption coefficient α is a common quantity used for measuring the sound absorption of a material and is known to be the function of the frequency of the incident wave.

We can characterise the sound absorption qualities of your products and solutions.

Sound power level

Sound power level is the acoustic energy emitted by a source which produces a sound pressure level at a specified distance. It is best to quantify a source in terms of the sound power level emitted because this does not change, whereas the resultant sound pressure level will depend upon how and where it is measured, which means that quantifying a source by the sound pressure level produced may leave considerable uncertainty in the actual sound energy of the source.

We can characterise the sound power level of your products.

Standardises test methods

BS EN ISO 10140:2010 – Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements – resulting in a report with a single value of overall Sound Reduction Index (Rw) and presenting sound insulation values in 1/3rd octave bands from 50 Hz – 5 kHz.

Recommended test for acoustic panels, walls, doors, partitions, windows etc.

BS EN ISO 354:2003 – Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room – resulting in a report with a single value of weighted sound absorption coefficient and sound absorption coefficient values in 1/3rd octave bands from 50 Hz – 5 kHz.

Recommended test for acoustic panels, absorbers, wall or ceiling treatments etc.

BS EN ISO 3744:2010 – Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure – Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane – resulting in a report with a single value of sound power level Lw and sound power levels represented in 1/3rd octave bands between 50 Hz-10 kHz

Recommended test for household appliances, machines, devices etc.

BS EN ISO 9614:1996 – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound intensity measurements by scanning – resulting in a report with a single value of sound power level Lw and sound power levels represented in 1/3rd octave bands between 50 Hz-10 kHz.

Recommended test for in-situ devices, machines and components etc.