07-12: Sound Measurement from Field Erected Cooling Towers

The CTI Test Code for Measurement of Sound from Water Cooling Towers, ATC-128 (2005), defines two types of sound emissions tests for large cooling towers. The objective of the first test method is to quantify the sound level or personnel exposure levels in the working environment of the cooling tower. The objective of the second test method is intended to measure the total sound power emitted by the cooling tower by near field measurements. These near field measurements can then be subsequently projected to calculate sound power at far field points. This paper addresses both types of tests and present data from a recent field test and explains the challenges associated with the successful execution of a field test program.