Mining Publication: Noise and Vibration Reduction of a Vibrating Screen

Workers in coal prep plants, where vibrating screens are significant noise sources, are often exposed to sound levels exceeding 90 dB(A). NIOSH, a major coal company, and a vibrating screen manufacturer conducted a cooperative study of vibrating screen noise. Rubber isolators reduced sound levels by 1 dB. Urethane screen panels did not reduce sound levels in this case. Drive noise was determined to be the dominant noise source on the screen. Damped side plates reduced vibration levels on the screen sides by 1 to 7 dB(A). Detailed results of the study are presented.