Environmental Impact Assessment of Pump Noise

Noise and vibration present increasing environmental problems to society. Noise and vibration are hazards to human when they occur at high levels, or continue for a long time. High noise levels can cause hearing loss, headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, loss of concentration, heart disease...etc. There are many researches addressed effect of pumping stations' noise and vibration on performance, efficiency, reliability, and maintenance cost. Vibration and noise are a result of machine faults. This paper focuses on impact of noise produced from pumping stations on the most important element in the pumping system, human. The objective of the research is to enhance environmental conditions for the pumping stations' workers and avoid human damage. Noise level and noise spectrographs were recorded and analyzed for three main pumping stations: El-Serw, Old El-Max, and New El-Max Pumping Stations. Contour maps of noise distribution were to determine locations of high noise level and to assist in designing comfort and safe places for workers inside the station. Noise level ranges from 92 dB to 100 dB at different locations inside El-Serw P.S. and allowable exposure time at these locations ranges from 5 to 2 hours daily according to Egyptian environmental law for noise. Where, noise level ranges from 94.5 dB to 106 dB inside New El-Max P.S. with allowable exposure time ranges from 4 to 1 hour. On the other hand, noise level ranges from 92 dB to 104 dB inside Old El-Max P.S., where allowable exposure time ranges from 5 to 1 hour. Audiogram tests done for four workers show hearing loss ranges from moderate hearing loss to severe mixed hearing loss (90%). Hearing loss level ranges from 30 to 80 dB for the different workers. Audiogram test should be done periodically and the workers should be trained, awared of safe and dangerous locations, and supplied by ear protection. Sources of high noise in the tested stations are diagnosed due to minor mechanical problem as well as hydraulic pump problem. Regular maintenance and lubrication of the pump units improve dynamic performance and reduce noise to acceptable levels maintaining reliable and safe operation for both human and pumping stations.