When a leading national defense contractor approached Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. (CESI) for a specialized solution, the company’s expertise in creating custom enclosures with Life Science Modular (LSM) proved indispensable. CESI has built a reputation over the years for delivering innovative and reliable enclosure solutions, and this project was no different.
Reducing Sound on an Industrial Scale
The project in question involved a major contractor working on a top-secret U.S. government processing and manufacturing facility in the southern United States. This facility, sprawling across 150,000 square feet, required the installation of a series of enormous blowers on its rooftop. These blowers, essential to the facility’s operation, presented a unique challenge: they needed to be fully protected from the elements while also reducing the noise they emitted.
Bryan McManus, Sales Engineer at CESI, although not privy to the specific operations within the facility, was tasked with ensuring that the blowers were effectively enclosed. As McManus explains, “These blowers are the size of a pickup truck, and the property wanted to completely protect them. Not only did the enclosures need to be weatherproof, but they also required customized acoustical enclosures to reduce or eliminate sound within the building and in the surrounding communities.”
The sound these massive blowers emitted could reach high decibel levels, posing a potential disruption to the surrounding area. Without proper sound control, the blowers could also cause significant vibrations within the building, potentially affecting the facility’s structural integrity and the comfort of its occupants.
Acoustical Control
LSM worked with CESI to develop enclosures that not only provided weather protection but also significantly reduced noise. McManus elaborates, “We worked with LSM to help us create acoustical and weatherproof enclosures to protect these massive blowers.”
However, soundproofing was just one aspect of the challenge. The enclosures needed to be fully functional, allowing for easy access to the blowers for maintenance and inspections. This requirement led to the design of enclosures with easy-access doors and removable panels. The ability to access the blowers without compromising the integrity of the enclosure was crucial for the facility’s long-term operations.
Additionally, the enclosures had to feature a roof equipped with a forced air ventilation system to ensure that the blowers could operate efficiently without overheating. The exteriors of the enclosures were powder-coated to withstand the harsh outdoor environment, ensuring longevity and durability. Furthermore, these structures needed to meet stringent engineering standards, with P.E. analysis for wind, snow, and seismic conditions, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the solution provided.
Large Scale Solutions
The largest enclosures measured 16 feet by 9 feet and stood 8 feet tall, with a total of eight enclosures being installed over the blowers. These structures were designed not only to significantly reduce sound but also to prolong the life of the blowers by shielding them from the elements.
The project showcased CESI’s ability to deliver highly customized solutions that meet complex requirements. By partnering with LSM, CESI was able to address both the acoustical and structural challenges posed by the project, ensuring that the blowers could operate efficiently and quietly, without disturbing the surrounding community or the operations within the facility.
The success of this project underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of both the client’s needs and the technical requirements of the project. For CESI, each project is an opportunity to showcase its capabilities and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in custom enclosure solutions.
Learn More About Custom Enclosures
The custom enclosures built by CESI for the HVAC manufacturer’s blowers are a perfect example of the company’s ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the most demanding specifications. The combination of weatherproofing, acoustical control, and ease of access in these enclosures highlights CESI’s commitment to quality and its ability to adapt to the unique challenges of each project. As industries continue to evolve, CESI stands ready to provide the custom solutions that today’s projects demand.
If you want to learn more about how CESI can help you solve your enclosure challenges, contact us today.
