Bausch+Lomb Waterford Ireland

Merford reduces noise from Combined Heat and Power station

Contact lens manufacturer Bausch+Lomb is rightly proud of the state of the art combined heat and power (CHP) station at its production site in Waterford in Ireland. And Merford Noise Control is rightly proud of the acoustic solution provided to reduce CHP noise to acceptable levels. The architect responsible for designing the expansion project had some special requirements.

Ben Vernie from Merford Noise Control: ‘The CHP building was designed by an architect’ . ‘Rare in the functional and cost-aware world of the industry,’ according to Vernie. The project is part of an expansion project being carried out by Bausch+Lomb at its site in Waterford (Ireland).

Design

Edina supplied the Combined Heat and Power units and commissioned Merford to propose a sound-reducing solution. The architect responsible for designing the expansion project had some special requirements. These included specifications for the aesthetics of the wall panels with fire-resistant features. These are specially selected construction products, finished according to the requirements of Bausch+Lomb. ‘There was very little scope for any modifications to the architect’s design,’ says Vernie. In terms of regulations, the Merford design had to comply with both European and British Standards. And the installation of the project was also subject to specific local codes & regulations.

Sound reduction

The noise of the installation is reduced to around 70 decibels, measured at 1 metre from the building.  Integral sound attenuators also prevent noise being emitted via the ventilation system.

Preparations

The project was delivered in July 2016. ‘This was preceded by six months of preparation and implementation,’ says Vernie. Merford also considered convenience aspects and the safety of the maintenance engineers. For that reason, paths with handrails were installed on the roof of the Combined Heat and Power station. 

Result

The result: a lightweight engine house with a functional internal and aesthetic external shell measuring 15 metres square and 7 metres high, delivered as a turnkey project. The panels and the associated steel structure have a fire-resistant finish. The room also includes a compartment for the Combined Heat and Power and a boiler, and other peripheral equipment. The Combined Heat and Power station has a high speed MWM gas engine of around 3.5 megawatts.