New Hemi-Anechoic Testing Chamber at the University of Derby

New Hemi-Anechoic Chamber for the University of Derby

May 25, 2017

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QuietStar recently completed a brand new hemi-anechoic testing facility for the University of Derby. Part-funded by a grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the acoustic facility is one of a number of specialist new laboratories. The facility is part of the University STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Maths) developments being rolled out across the country.

QuietStar confirmed the technical performance of the chamber directly with the University of Derby and their engineering department. Willmott Dixon was appointed main contractor for the project and placed the order for one hemi-anechoic chamber and three high performance, fire rated acoustic doorsets.

Given the requirement to segregate each of the areas from an acoustic perspective, QuietStar were approached to install acoustic doors at the site on the corner of Old Street and Central Street in Islington.

The chamber was constructed using modular acoustic panels housed within a new building structure. The two structures combined, provided a double skin to further enhance the acoustic performance. The chamber was completely isolated from the host structure using vibration mounts so as to minimise any structure-borne noise.

Given the facility will be used for precise acoustic evaluation and research and development, it needed to perform as well as possible. QuietStar was able to exceed the client brief and delivered a 100Hz cut-off hemi-anechoic chamber in accordance with ISO26101, ISO3744 and ISO3745 and background levels in accordance with BS EN 24869-1.

All four walls and the ceiling of the chamber were fitted with foam anechoic wedges. A silent ventilation system provided fresh air supplied from the host room via a labyrinth of attenuators. Such is the acoustic performance of the ventilation system, it can be used during testing if required.

Although the overall structure is larger, the space within the chamber between wedge tips provides overall dimensions of 5.5m wide x 5.7m deep and a height of 2.6m. This size of chamber is typical for university research applications however the additional height provides greater flexibility.

In addition to the test facility, the University of Derby also required 3 acoustic doors with a 55 dB performance rating. These doors were to be used on adjacent corridors to the facility to further improve the acoustic isolation. Each set of double doors needed to have a 60 minute fire rating which had proven difficult from other suppliers.

Overall, the project was a huge success. Having received the original order in April 2016, the chamber and doors had been designed, manufactured and installed by October. An independent commissioning for the hemi-anechoic chamber was carried out in November to confirm the 100Hz cut-off. The construction of the building was completed in March 2017 and will be ready for the next intake of students in September.

Speaking on behalf of QuietStar, Graham Dale, Director responsible for test facilities said: “The Derby project was a really good contract win for the QuietStar team. Our commitment to achieving the best possible performance for our clients was showcased at the STEM building. We were able to improve on the specification required by the University whilst still remaining competitive. Building a facility on a live construction site always poses a challenge, but our installation crews were able to make the process as smooth as possible.”

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