Which acoustic studies to choose for an industrial site?

In industry, acoustic studies are much more than a regulatory obligation. They are a strategic lever for limiting noise pollution, guaranteeing operator safety and preserving business compliance.

At SIM Engineering, we’ve been helping industrial sites control noise for nearly 30 years. We carry out regulatory compliance measurements and acoustic studies throughout France, in particular for Installations Classées pour la Protection de l’Environnement (ICPE), energy production, storage or transport sites, as well as any other industrial site facing stringent acoustic requirements.

 

Why carry out an industrial acoustics study?

Industrial noise can have an impact on both the external environment (neighbors, residential areas) and the internal environment (workers’ health, workstation acoustics). Depending on the type of facility, its activity and its location, several types ofindustrial acoustic studies may be required or recommended:

• Reducing noise pollution (regulatory limits, compliance with prefectoral decrees)
• Occupational risk prevention (noise exposure, hearing disorders)
• Project acceptability in the design or extension phase

The aim is always the same: to control noise at source, by limiting emissions, controlling propagation and optimizing protection.

 

SIM Engineering’s expertise in industrial acoustic studies

As an independent design office, SIM Engineering works in all industrial sectors – chemical, petrochemical, metallurgical, aeronautical, automotive, energy, rail, defense and many others – to design tailor-made solutions, adapted to each acoustic configuration.

Acoustic simulation methodology and tools

Our acoustical engineers use finite element modeling and numerical noise calculation tools to carry out precise, predictive studies:

• 3D acoustic simulation
• Vibration and vibro-acoustic analysis
• Noise propagation studies (indoor and outdoor)

We use the most powerful software on the market, ensuring reliable results for the acoustic validation of your industrial projects.

Examples of concrete applications

Here are some of the real-life use cases we’ve dealt with:

• Acoustic study of a metal fabrication workshop to limit operator exposure to over 85 dB(A)
• Assessment of radiated noise from an HVAC system in a pharmaceutical plant
• Acoustic compliance study for a site classified as an ICPE extension
• Vibro-acoustic measurement and study on a compressor

Each mission is tailored to your needs: sound diagnosis, acoustic design, site supervision, acceptance measurements…

OUR REFERENCES

 

What are the benefits of a well-conducted acoustic study?

When you call on SIM Engineering for your industrial acoustic studies, you benefit from :

• Rigorous support, from design to commissioning
• Perfect command of regulations (NF S31-010 standards, noise decree, ICPE, labor code, etc.)
• Reduced costs associated with non-compliance or poorly anticipated corrective measures
• Improved project acceptability, particularly during the administrative review phase
• Risk prevention for operators exposed to high noise levels

Focus on the different types of industrial acoustic studies

SIM Engineering offers a comprehensive range ofacoustic studies tailored to the specific needs of industrial sites. These studies are designed to meet regulatory requirements, improve worker comfort and optimize plant performance.

• Environmental impact studies: Evaluate the acoustic consequences of industrial projects on the environment, particularly in the context of ICPE regulations, to ensure compliance with current standards.
• Characterization and treatment of noise sources: Identify the main sources of noise within installations and propose technical solutions for their mitigation, thus contributing to the reduction of noise pollution.
• Worker exposure to noise and vibration: Measure employee exposure levels to noise and vibration, in compliance with European directives, to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Workshop acoustic studies: Analyze the internal acoustics of production workshops to improve sound comfort, reduce reverberation and prevent noise-related risks.
• Environmental monitoring of industrial sites: Set up monitoring systems to track noise and vibration levels in real time, enabling proactive management of nuisances.

Thanks to its multidisciplinary expertise, SIM Engineering supports its customers throughout their projects, from the diagnostic phase to the implementation of customized acoustic solutions.

 

Regulatory compliance and anticipation of normative constraints

In a context where acoustic regulations are becoming increasingly strict, particularly for industrial sites classified as ICPE, acoustic studies enable us to anticipate the requirements of environmental authorities and secure the appraisal of dossiers. At SIM Engineering, we maintain a constant technical and regulatory watch to guarantee our customers full compliance with current standards (Code de l’environnement, decree of January 23 1997, NF S31-010 and ISO 9613 standards). Thanks to our mastery of numerical acoustic simulation tools, we can identify sensitive points at an early stage and propose appropriate corrective solutions, whether at source, in the propagation path or in the reception zone.

 

Acoustic studies integrated into industrial design

Our services are often provided upstream of projects, right from the infrastructure or equipment design phase. Early integration of 3D acoustic modeling not only reduces the costs of late modifications, but also optimizes overall system performance. SIM Engineering adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, combiningacoustic analysis with structural calculations, vibration studies and thermal phenomena. This synergy enhances both industrial performance and acoustic comfort. This global positioning enables us to provide effective support for complex, multi-site projects, or projects that are part of an innovation strategy.

 

Integrating acoustic studies into an overall HSE / QHSE strategy

Industrial acoustics should not be treated as an isolated subject, but as an essential link in an HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) or QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment) approach. At SIM Engineering, we systematically integrate our acoustic studies into a broader approach to environmental performance and industrial risk management.

Limiting noise in the industrial environment means preventing hearing disorders, reducing operator fatigue, and improving day-to-day working conditions. It is also a factor of regulatory compliance, particularly for ICPE sites or companies committed to ISO 14001 or ISO 45001 certification. In addition, reducing the noise nuisance perceived by local residents contributes to the social acceptability of industrial facilities, a strategic issue in development or expansion projects.

By integrating acoustics into the company’s QHSE policy, SIM Engineering helps its customers to manage projects that are more responsible, better accepted and fully compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Why put your trust in SIM Engineering?

With nearly 30 years’ experience in acoustic engineering and numerical simulation, SIM Engineering is the reference partner for your acoustic studies on industrial sites.

• Independent design office
• Multidisciplinary team (acousticians, calculation engineers, regulatory experts)
• Confidentiality, responsiveness, quality of analysis
• Prestigious references in French and international industry

We don’t offer standard solutions: each study is tailor-made, based on in-depth technical analysis and advanced simulation tools.

 

Do you need an acoustic study? Let’s discuss your project

Contact our team to discuss your needs, constraints and deadlines. Whether you’re in the design or renovation phase, or faced with a specific acoustic problem, SIM Engineering is at your side to offer you reliable, high-performance solutions.

Request a free pre-study with our acousticians today!

 

FAQ – Industrial acoustic studies

1. Is an acoustic study mandatory for an ICPE site?

Yes, regulations often require that an ICPE acoustic study be carried out to demonstrate that the site complies with the noise thresholds set by the decree of January 23, 1997. This is generally required at the permit application stage, or in the event of significant modifications to the facility.

2. What is the difference between a noise impact study and acoustic mapping?

Thenoise impact assessment evaluates the effects of noise generated by an industrial activity on the environment. It is often included in a regulatory dossier. 3D sound mapping, on the other hand, visualizes the propagation of noise on a site or in its vicinity, using digital acoustic simulation tools.

3. What types of noise are measured during an industrial acoustic survey?

Measurements cover airborne noise, vibrations, impulse noise and structure-borne noise. They can concern both the external environment (nuisance for local residents) and the interior of buildings (exposure of workers to noise).

4. When should an acoustic study be carried out for an industrial project?

Ideally, it should be included in the design phase, so that the necessary acoustic treatments can be provided. It can also be carried out during the operating phase, to check compliance or in the event of noise-related complaints.

5. Can SIM Engineering intervene on specific issues such as HVAC equipment noise or industrial motors?

Absolutely, thanks to our expertise in finite element modeling and aero-acoustic simulation, we can carry out targeted studies for any type of noise-generating equipment: motors, fans, compressors, production lines, etc.