Research Facilities
Phoenix Noise & Vibration works with architects and structural engineers to design research facilities, including clean rooms, hospitals, and laboratories, capable of controling noise and vibration transmission into sensitive spaces and isolate vibration sensitive equipment from the structure. Noise and vibration sources can include footfall, mechanical equipment, roadway and railway traffic, etc.
Modern biomedical research facilities increasingly include vibration sensitive instrumentation such as fluorescent and electron microscopes, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, high powered table top microscopes, and microtomes. Hospitals require low vibration levels to properly operate MRI's, surgical microscopes, and other imaging devices. What was once relegated to the basement (where vibration levels are low) is now being placed on upper floors due to space limitations, convenience, and a pleasant work environment.
Building designs for research facilities and hospitals must consider noise and vibration impact upon such instrumentation. Through the use of computer modeling, we can aid architects and structural engineers in the design process to evaluate the response of the building structure to various force inputs and develop mitigation designs to achieve vibration specifications for particular instrumentation and the overall building.
For existing facilities, Phoenix Noise & Vibration can conduct vibration measurement surveys to determine current vibration levels in a building structure. This is especially helpful in determining the feasibility of a room for housing particular vibration sensitive equipment. We can also develop remedial designs for rooms which do not meet stated vibration specifications.
-Russ Cramer, P.E., Suburban Hospital