(BAT) Reference Document for the Production of Chlor-alkali ...

Chapter 4
Achieved environmental benefits
The achieved environmental benefit of this technique is a reduction of noise emissions.
Environmental performance and operational data
{Please TWG provide information.}
Cross-media effects
In the case of existing plants, some raw materials and energy are consumed for the relocation of
equipment or production units.
Technical considerations relevant to applicability
The technique is applicable to new plants. The relocation of equipment and production units in
existing plants is subject to space availability.
Economics
Optimising the layout of noisy equipment and of the whole plant/site is probably the most cost
effective means of reducing noise emissions. In the case of existing plants, relocation may lead
to excessive costs.
Driving force for implementation
The driving force for implementation of this technique is environmental legislation.
Example plants
Zachem in Bydgoszcz (Poland), chlorine capacity 71.5 kt/yr.
Reference literature
[ 57, EIPPCB 2011 ], [ 152, COM 2011 ], [ 153, COM 2010 ], [ 154, COM 2006 ], [ 155, COM
2001 ], [ 156, UK Environment Agency 2004 ]
4.3.8.3 Primary techniques: reducing noise at source
Description
Primary techniques aim at reducing noise at source. These include management, operational and
maintenance techniques as well as low-noise equipment and buildings.
Technical Description
Primary techniques to reduce noise emissions at source include [ 57, EIPPCB 2011 ], [ 156, UK
Environment Agency 2004 ]:
1. noise-reduction programme as part of the EMS that may include the following steps:
a) listing of all major sound sources and determination of their sound pressure
levels, made by segments of octave and including analysis of impulses;
b) determination of the affected areas such as housing areas;
c) computer-based calculation of the noise propagation (modelling of the site and
its surroundings) including checks of the real noise level in neighbouring areas
by direct measurements;
d) ranking of the noise sources according to their relevance for individually
affected areas (separately for day and nighttime);
e) evaluation of noise abatement techniques with regard to their relevance for the
noise level in affected areas and estimated costs;
f) identification of the most cost-effective combination of techniques that ensures
compliance with the legal requirements such as noise zoning;
g) implementation of the strategy and monitoring of noise emissions.
2. operational and management techniques in buildings containing noisy equipment:
a) improved inspection and maintenance of equipment to prevent failures (e.g. in
blowers and bearings);
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
254 December 2011 TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft_1