Quieting a Computer Server Room
Almost every company has to have a computer server room. These rooms are host to lots of computers and servers that all require fans to keep their systems cooled, and all of these fans running at one time create excessive ambient noise.
Application Introduction
Taco Metals, Inc. in Miami had this very same problem, when they contacted Acoustical Solutions. They had a small room approximately 10' x 12' with 4 racks full of IBM equipment.
At the time the company had 10 servers plus a number of computers in this small space. Like most computer / office environments the room's walls (drywall) and floor (commercial-grade carpeting) were hard and reflective.
Taco Metals also had a typical drop tile ceiling in place that incorporated the use of "standard" grade ceiling tiles.
To make matters worse they have one full-time employee working in this space surrounded by all of the excessive ambient noise levels.
Treatment Provided
Knowing there must be a solution to this common problem, Nick Martin, MIS Manager for Taco Metals, Inc., found Acoustical Solutions' website and called their toll-free number for advice.
Fortunately, the solution was a straightforward and simple fix.
First, the recommendation was made to use Sonex Classic Colortec acoustical foam sheets, which are made of Class A fire rated foam, on the wall behind the racks and in between the racks.
This aspect of the treatment was meant to pick up the first reflection of sound coming off the fans and keep the sound from bouncing or reverberating off that back wall.
The second product suggested was Sonex Contour Ceiling Tiles, which are another class A fire rated foam product.
Quantitative Results
The problem with "standard" office type ceiling tiles is that they offer low sound absorption values. The acoustical ceiling tiles Acoustical Solutions suggested, however, have a NRC (Noise Reduction Co-Efficient) between .70 - 1.00 depending on the model.
What that co-efficient relates to is a percentage of the sound waves (70% - 100%) that come in contact with those tiles will be absorbed and not reflected back into the room.
That percentage is 2 -3 times higher than those of "standard" acoustical ceiling tiles.
The day the Sonex Contour Ceiling tiles and acoustical foam panels arrived Nick Martin had them installed in his server room and sent Acoustical Solutions the following statement.
"We received the ceiling tiles today and they are already in place and WOW what a difference in the computer room. The ceiling tiles are doing the job, thanks for all your help. I will HIGHLY recommend you and your company in the future". Thanks, Nick Martin, MIS Manager, Taco Metals Inc.
For more information on this application, contact Kevin Mclver.
