Technology-driven noise reduction, green operations: A detailed explanation of the comprehensive noise control solution and its significance at compressor stations

September-30th-2025

With the rapid development of my country's long-distance natural gas pipeline network, noise generated by compressor stations, as core power hubs, is a growing concern. This article systematically explains professional solutions for compressor station noise control from four perspectives: noise source analysis, legal and regulatory requirements, comprehensive control technologies, and the significance of control. This article highlights the company's environmental and social responsibilities.

1. Tracing the Source: Analysis of the Main Noise Sources at Compressor Stations

The prerequisite for effective control is to accurately identify the noise source. The noise in the compressor station is characterized by multiple sound sources, high intensity, and complex spectrum. It can be mainly divided into the following categories:

Power equipment noise: This is the main noise source, including the strong mechanical noise, combustion noise and airflow noise generated by the operation of gas turbines or gas engines, as well as compressors (groups). It has high sound pressure levels and is mainly medium and low frequency, with long transmission distances and strong penetration.

Aerodynamic noise: This is primarily concentrated in the intake and exhaust systems. High-speed airflow passing through the intake filter, exhaust duct, and exhaust vent generates jet noise exceeding 110-130 decibels, a primary cause of excessive noise levels at station boundaries.

Pipeline and valve noise: When high-speed, high-pressure natural gas flows in the pipeline and passes through the throttle valve and pressure regulating valve, it will generate strong turbulent noise and vibration, which will radiate outward through the pipeline wall.

Cooling system noise: The operation of auxiliary cooling equipment such as large fans and pumps will generate broadband aerodynamic noise and mechanical noise.

II. Compliance First: Legal and Regulatory Basis for Noise Control

Noise control is not only a technical issue, but also a mandatory responsibility required by law. my country has strict standards for this:

"Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China": Clearly stipulates that industrial enterprises should take effective measures to ensure that their boundary noise emissions comply with national standards.

"Environmental Noise Emission Standards for Industrial Enterprises" (GB 12348-2008) : Based on the functional zoning of the area where the compressor station is located (such as industrial area, residential area, etc.), strict factory boundary noise emission limits are stipulated during the day and at night.

"Noise Environment Quality Standard" (GB 3096-2008): puts forward requirements for the sound environment quality of sensitive points around stations (such as villages and schools).

Compliance is the bottom line. An excellent noise control plan should ensure that both factory boundary noise and sensitive point noise meet standards under long-term stable operation of the station.

3. System governance: multi-dimensional noise control technology

Based on the principles of "source reduction, transmission route control, and sensitive point protection", we provide a one-stop comprehensive management solution:

1. Source control (the most fundamental and effective measure)

Equipment selection and optimization: Prioritize low-noise, low-vibration gas turbines and compressors. For existing equipment, noise energy can be reduced at the source by optimizing operating parameters and improving muffler structures.

2. Transmission pathway control (most commonly used engineering measures)

Noise barriers/enclosures: Use soundproof enclosures or build soundproof buildings around major noisy equipment (such as compressor plants) to confine the noise. For open-air air intakes and exhaust vents or equipment that cannot be enclosed, install sound-absorbing barriers to effectively block the linear propagation of noise.

Noise reduction technology:

Intake and exhaust silencers: To address airflow noise, high-efficiency resistance or porous diffusion silencers are designed and installed, which can significantly reduce intake and exhaust noise by more than 15-30 decibels.

Venting silencer: The noise is extremely loud during emergency venting, so a special ultra-high-power venting silencer must be equipped.

Vibration reduction and damping treatment: Install vibration absorbers on the equipment foundation to block the propagation of solid-borne sound; stick damping materials on pipes and covers to suppress structural vibration radiation noise.

3. Personal protection and greening to reduce noise

Patrol personnel who must enter high-noise areas should be equipped with noise-proof earplugs and earmuffs.

Reasonable green belt design is carried out around the station and within the factory area, and the sound absorption effect of trees is used as an auxiliary noise reduction measure.

IV. Beyond Compliance: The Far-Reaching Significance of Noise Control

The value of successful noise control goes far beyond meeting regulatory requirements:

Fulfilling environmental responsibilities and building a harmonious society: Effectively reducing interference with the lives of surrounding residents, improving community relations, and establishing a responsible corporate image are the keys to achieving harmonious coexistence between the company and the surrounding environment.

Ensure employee health and improve production efficiency: Create a working environment that meets occupational health standards for front-line employees who stick to their posts for a long time, reduce the risk of occupational hearing damage, and help improve employee sense of belonging and work efficiency.

Promote green and low-carbon development and contribute to sustainable development: Noise control is an important part of green station construction, and together with energy conservation, emission reduction and ecological protection, it constitutes a solid foundation for the company's sustainable development strategy.

Compressor station noise control is a comprehensive system engineering project involving multiple disciplines, including acoustics, mechanics, and civil engineering. Sanyuan Environment, with nearly 20 years of experience in noise control, can provide clients with comprehensive solutions from noise testing and assessment, solution design, manufacturing, and installation. We are committed to using cutting-edge technologies to minimize the environmental impact of our operations, contributing to achieving the environmental goals of "Green Waters and Lush Mountains" and ensuring the safe, green, and efficient operation of energy pipelines.