Noise source location passes Grundfos demo challenge

Pump manufacturer sets tough challenge to decide supplier for its acoustic array

Global pump manufacturer Grundfos has enhanced its noise source identification capabilities, with a system based on a microphone array containing 108 microphones and optical camera in the middle.

Based in Denmark, Grundfos’ state-of-the-art laboratory carries out sound measurements to ensure its pump units are quiet enough for domestic use and industrial demands - and to locate any potential causes of reliability issues.

To improve its ability to locate very small noise sources during product development, the company approached Brüel & Kjær for a solution. Grundfos set up a challenging test by using one of its well-functioning pumps and rigging it with two tiny, movable sound-sources. During the test, Brüel & Kjær demonstrated how its complete noise source location system could identify the sources’ various frequencies and levels, producing a sound map that clearly visualized the sources, all in a short space of time.

The system will enable Grundfos to identify noise sources at a wide range of distances. At medium-distances, the array uses beamforming technology, while - to pinpoint sources close up - it uses near-field holography methods.

Many conventional arrays cannot perform accurate measurements at both near and medium distances, but the unique geometry of this array makes it highly versatile.

More information about Brüel & Kjær’s noise source identification tools is available on the company’s website:
http://www.bksv.com/Products/transducers/acoustic/acoustical-arrays