Nexus’ real-time technology is redefining noise management

Advanced modelling plus monitoring equals the most complete picture available

Up until recently, the concept of ‘modelling’ when managing noise came with negative – or at best neutral – connotations. Technology that claimed to model noise data was merely a blunt-force implement that predicted static worst-case scenarios to determine operational noise impacts on communities. These connotations are understandable, as all that conventional modelling offered were black-and-white estimations that didn’t account for reality, resulting in high error margins and uncertainty.

It is for this reason that the current paradigm shift in thinking on noise management using modelling, has taken time to come into being for those that would benefit most from it. Most are either unaware or suspicious of the leaps and bounds made in modelling because for so long it’s been synonymous with inaccuracy and mistrust.

The only way to overcome the barriers that many have placed between themselves (or their businesses) and modelling is to demonstrate how recent advancements, coupled with the latest in noise monitoring technology, offer us a long list of benefits never before seen and perhaps never expected.

The angel is in the detail

Before extolling the benefits of the latest revolutionary integration of modelling and monitoring —Nexus— we must review the downsides of conventional technologies, in order to reinforce just how significant these benefits are.

The downsides of conventional noise management using monitoring:

• Only works with historical data, doesn’t consider the planned, present or the future.
• Measurements are geospatially confined to a single location.
• Impossible to separate the industries or mines noise from background noise, the latter for which the industry or mine is not responsible.
• Offers limited analysis capabilities, often only trading in absolutes.
• Works with limited data sets, ignores data from FMS, collision avoidance systems, and SCADA .
• Expensive systems that require re-calibration, maintenance and replacement.

The benefits of Nexus, noise management (modelling and monitoring) technology:

• Forward-looking and predictive based on meaningful data (i.e. incorporates past data, as well as present and future considerations).
• Noise predictions and monitored data combine to allow separation between industry or mine noise and background noise, as well as assisting with validation, inversion detection and continuous improvement.
• Extra layers of extensive analysis and reporting capabilities from 1000s of locations, equipment contributions, spectral analysis, comparison with planned and actual – all increasing certainty and understanding.
• Provides real-time noise contour maps, converting technical noise data into easily-understandable visual representations.
• Uses the entire range of available data sets including FMS, collision avoidance, SCADA and weather.
• Eliminates the arduous necessity of listening to hours of audio analysis during investigations.
• Cost effective, doesn’t require maintenance and offers site-based validation.