Temporal method for noise sources identification in industrial environment

In a factory hall with several noisy machines, it is often difficult to determine the noisiest sound sources which are responsible for the noise exposure levels at one particular workplace. To successfully implement noise reduction solutions adapted to the configuration of a workshop, it is necessary to have fast investigation facilities allowing, on one hand to estimate the position of the noisy sources and on the other hand to quantify, at the workplace, the relative energy contribution of each noise source. A temporal method has been developed. Its principle is based on a use of the cross-correlation functions of the signals measured on a series of 15 sensors distributed over a small array (large-scale 50 cm) located at the point of interest. This method can identify the sound sources generated by industrial machines, as well as their reflections on the walls of the hall. It is then possible to identify the machines or the areas of the hall mainly responsible for the noise level at the considered workplace.