Labs & Research Rooms Need Accurate Acoustic Solutions for Reliable Results

09/05/2025 15:17 | 0 Lượt xem

Labs and research rooms require precise and standardized acoustic solutions to ensure the highest accuracy in experimental and testing results

Maintaining a quiet and noise-controlled working environment in research and laboratory settings is a critical factor that directly affects the accuracy and quality of experiments and studies. However, many laboratories today fail to meet acoustic standards, which negatively impacts research outcomes. To address this issue, it is essential to undergo thorough noise assessments and acoustic evaluations, as well as seek expert sound absorbing and soundproofing solutions from reputable acoustic service providers.

Standard labs require professional acoustic solutions

International acoustic standards – a must for research & testing labs

Meeting international acoustic standards is key to ensuring that research and testing environments remain quiet, precise, and suitable for scientific purposes. Below are essential acoustic criteria every research lab should fulfill:

1. Background Noise Level

Common requirement: ≤ 35 dBA for standard laboratories, and ≤ 25 dBA for high-precision areas (e.g., optical labs, acoustic testing, metrology).

Applicable standards:

ISO 11690-1: Principles of noise control design in work environments
ANSI/ASA S12.60: Acoustical performance criteria for schools and laboratories

2. Reverberation Time (RT60)

Recommended range: 0.3 – 0.6 seconds, depending on room size and function

Long RT causes echo, disrupting audio clarity and measurements. Too short makes the space unnatural and impairs communication.

Applicable standards:

ISO 3382-2: Measurement of reverberation in ordinary rooms
ASTM E2235: Determining sound absorption in diffuse field conditions

3. Sound Insulation Between Rooms

Requirements:

High-performance soundproofing for walls, ceilings, floors, and doors
STC ≥ 50 (Sound Transmission Class)

Applicable standards:

ASTM E90: Laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission
ISO 16283-1: In-situ measurements of sound insulation in buildings

4. Control of HVAC and Equipment Noise

HVAC systems, pumps, compressors, etc., must be isolated to reduce vibration and airflow noise.

Use silencers, vibration isolators, and acoustic enclosures where needed.

Applicable standards:

ASHRAE Handbook: Mechanical noise control guidelines
ISO 5135: Measurement of noise from HVAC systems

5. Structural-Borne Noise and Vibration Control

For sensitive labs (e.g., laser labs, AFM, STM), use floating floors, isolation pads, or decoupled foundations.

Limit noise transfer through load-bearing elements and beams.

Standard applied: ISO 4866 – Evaluation of structural vibration in buildings

6. Additional Acoustic Criteria

Sound field uniformity: Avoid reflective zones that distort measurements.

Speech clarity (Clarity Index): Especially important in labs involving instruction or collaborative research.

NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Sound-absorbing materials should achieve NRC ≥ 0.7 in the 500–2000 Hz frequency range.

Research laboratories must meet key acoustic standards to ensure accurate outcomes

Current acoustic environment in Vietnamese laboratories

Despite growing awareness, many laboratories in Vietnam still suffer from poor acoustic design. Here are key challenges:

1. Lack of acoustic design from the outset

Most labs are built with generic architectural plans without acoustic considerations.

No adequate sound insulation between spaces

High reverberation and noise pollution across walls and floors

2. Background noise exceeding allowable limits

Many labs in schools, hospitals, and research institutes register noise levels of 45–55 dBA, far above the recommended 25–35 dBA.

Main causes: noisy HVAC systems, poorly isolated equipment like centrifuges or pumps

High noise impairs sensitive measurements, especially in electronics or molecular biology

3. Inadequate acoustic building materials

Use of uninsulated brick walls, glass doors, and concrete floors without acoustic treatment

Absence of absorptive materials on walls and ceilings results in echo and poor sound clarity

4. Lack of routine acoustic survey and evaluation

Very few facilities conduct noise survey and evaluation based on ISO or ASTM before lab operations begin

No involvement of professional acoustic consultants during construction or renovation

High-end equipment investments are undermined by acoustically unfit environments

Many laboratories in Vietnam still suffer from poor acoustic design

5. Misconception of acoustic solutions

Many projects mistakenly apply egg-crate foam or basic acoustic panels, assuming that solves everything

Foam panels alone do not soundproof and may be ineffective without proper calculation of RT and absorption curves

Lack of coordination between materials, architectural design, and acoustic engineering

The urgent solution: Survey – design – professional consultation

To resolve these problems, laboratories and research facilities must engage professional acoustic services to:

Perform precise noise assessments
Design optimal acoustic environments
Retrofit labs to meet global standards

DASM – Leading provider of acoustic survey & design services in Vietnam

DASM is a trusted and experienced organization specializing in acoustic consulting, surveying, and laboratory optimization. With a team of seasoned engineers and cutting-edge technology, DASM delivers efficient, standard-compliant acoustic solutions tailored for laboratories and research spaces.

DASM's services

Accurate acoustic surveys

DASM utilizes advanced measurement devices to assess noise levels, pinpoint noise sources, and quantify acoustic issues in labs and research spaces.

Standard-compliant acoustic design

DASM provides acoustic consulting and tailored design services to ensure labs meet international acoustic standards, ensuring a quiet and productive research environment.

Lab retrofit and acoustic optimization

For existing labs with poor acoustic conditions, DASM offers retrofitting solutions that minimize noise, enhance work efficiency, and improve research outcomes.

DASM is widely recognized as Vietnam’s top-tier acoustic service provider, trusted by research institutions and scientific enterprises.

Why choose DASM?

Expertise: Highly experienced team in acoustics and noise control engineering
Technology: Cutting-edge tools for analysis and modeling
Reliable Quality: Guaranteed performance in achieving acoustic compliance
Proven Trust: Successfully completed numerous critical projects across sectors

Looking for the best acoustic materials? Choose Remak

Remak – Leading provider of sound - absorbing & soundproofing materials in Vietnam

For high-performance soundproofing materials and sound-absorbing materials, Remak is the top choice. As a pioneer in acoustic materials research and production, Remak offers a wide range of certified solutions for all kinds of projects:

Remak Rockwool, Glasswool, Ceramic fiber

Remak® SoundOFF Barrier

Lightweight wall and floor sound insulation

Wall vibration isolator

Sonic absorbers, Egg-crate acoustic foam, and etc

Contact DASM and Remak today for expert consultation and optimized acoustic solutions to enhance your laboratory and research space acoustics!