The Austrian oil company OMV utilised a planned retrofit of a 24 cell cooling tower to achieve a significant noise reduction by replacing the fans and drive trains. At first, a comparative performance and sound test was done between a super-quiet fan and a classic straight bladed fan. The results from this test showed the potential to reduce noise overall and justified the required investment. Introduction of a super quiet fan makes the selection of the gearbox and the E-motor more critical, as will be further explained. Conclusive sound measurements after the retrofit confirmed a noise reduction of 15 dB(A) for the fan unit. The noise impact by the tower at the nearest housing close to the refinery fence has reduced by 10 dB(A).
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