Abstract
Work stations in each of seven potato packinghouses and seven dry-grading plants, located in the Red River Valley, were surveyed for sound levels. Nine equipment categories were established in packinghouses and four in dry-grading plants for preliminary sound level determinations. In general, sound levels in packinghouses were acceptable; however, some dry-grading-plant equipment exhibited noise levels above suggested limits and required remedial attention. Follow up studies were then conducted in a representative dry-grading plant. Simple, practical noise-reduction practices such as proper maintenance of equipment were undertaken, and the noise in the plant was substantially reduced by these practices. Further separation from the noise created during the operations of the powered bulk scoop was provided with simple, easily fabricated barriers.
Resumen
Un relevamiento de niveles de ruido en diversos puestos de trabajo fue realizado en siete plantas de clasificación seca y siete plantas de envasamiento de papa situadas en el Red River Valley. Para la determinatión preliminar del nivel del ruido se establecieron categorías basadas en el equipo usado, correspondiendo 9 a las plantas de envasamiento y 4 a las de clasificación seca.
En general los niveles de ruido en las plantas de envasamiento fueron acetables; sin embargo, algunas maquinarias usadas en las plantas de clasificación seca eran más ruidosas que los límites de sonido recomendados, requiriendo correcciones. Los estudios se continuaron en plantas de clasificación seca consideradas representativas. El nivel de ruido se redujo substancialmente con la adopción de medidas correctivas simples, tales como el adecuado mantenimiento de la maquinaria. Una reducción adicional del ruido se logró disminuyendo la influencia del motor del tractor-elevador usado en el manipuleo de papa a granel con el uso de barreras de simple construcción.
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The author wishes to express his appreciation to the firms that made their facilities available for the study reported here and to the Agricultural Engineering Department and the Speech and Hearing Center, both of North Dakota State University, for providing the sound measuring equipment.
A laboratory cooperatively operated by the North Central Region, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; and the Red River Valley Potato Growers’ Association.
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Orr, P.H. Noise levels in potato packinghouses and dry-grading plants. American Potato Journal 52, 249–262 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02852987
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02852987