For the containment of generator sets

or other powered equipment.

The concept of adapting the standard road transport ISO container system for use in housing noisy equipment such as diesel generator sets, is one that is now well established. This product can be applied to a variety of requirements where robustness, ease of transportation as a one-piece system, good weather protection and a neat external appearance are required.

Where special sized containers are required, it is a simple matter to stretch or shrink the container dimensions to meet exact requirements, although the ISO description cannot then strictly be used.

(The principal difference between a canopy and a container is the presence of the load bearing floor in the container.)

Acoustic Treatment

The chart shows three typical ranges of acoustic performance which can be attained with an acoustic container.

In general, a 500kW engine will produce a noise level of 110dBA at one metre distance, without any acoustic treatment. This could drop to 95dBA for small engines or up to 115dBA for large engines. (Petrol or gas powered engines tend to be quieter.) This is generally too noisy for comfortable use and acoustic treatment is normally necessary.

Noise levels reduce with increasing distance and the chart shows the reductions that can be expected. The end customer will either expect you to suggest a suitable noise level, dependant on the actual site conditions, how close the neighbours are (who have every legal right to sue the operator for nuisance if they choose) and the best orientation to direct hot air and exhaust fumes away from sensitive areas - or will set his own limits required.

As a guide, where business or residential neighbours are likely to be affected by noise from the generator set, a local authority would suggest a limit of 45dBA at the boundary of the property for daytime - or 35dBA for nightime operation.

Where precise noise limits are set, the equipment must be designed correctly. Our engineers will be pleased to assist with individual requirements.

Ventilation Requirements

The cooling air requirements for each generator set must be determined before accurate sizing can take place. This mostly involves obtaining information from the engine's radiator manufacturer, where they will be able to advise airflow volume and additional fan pressure (ie pressure available over and above the requirements of the radiator alone), with regard to the operating ambient temperatures. This additional pressure is what enables the radiator fan to overcome the resistance caused by the attenuation equipment, dampers, weatherlouvres, mesh guards, etc.

The selection of attenuation must be designed correctly to avoid any possibility of overheating.

Constructional Specification

The standard ISO container comprises a box section steel framework with specially designed and positioned integral corner castings to enable both lifting and fixing to a skeletal vehicle or trailer.

The standard ISO double leaf cargo doors are often deleted to facilitate the location of attenuation equipment. The walls and roof comprise a 1.6mm thick profiled steel skin fully welded into position between the frame members and, where required, an internal acoustic lining is applied which has a perforated steel facing over the heavy density acoustic infill.

The steel floor is supported from steel cross-members which are designed to suit the load to be carried. Apertures are cut into the wall, roof or floor panels to accommodate access doors, cable or pipe penetrations, weatherlouvres, etc. These can be fully treated for weather protection, and a range of IP standards can be achieved.

When the ISO container is not suited to the application, alternative sized containers can be offered, where the ISO corner castings become unnecessary due to the non-standard sizes.

Container Dimensions

The following three standard sizes of ISO container are generally used:

20ft Standard - 6058mm long

30ft Standard - 9100mm long

40ft Standard - 12100mm long

all by 2438mm wide

Alternative overall heights are available, as required, although the standard is 8ft 6in or 2590mm.

Applications

Portable Generator Set Installations - Mobile Workshops - Control Rooms - Offices - Stores - Mobile Recording Studios - Telecommunications

For further information please contact CES at

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