Noise / Sound Level Measurement

A sound level meter is a measuring instrument used to assess noise or sound levels by measuring sound pressure. Often referred to as a sound pressure level (SPL) meter, decibel (dB) meter, noise meter or noise dosimeter, a Sound Level Meter overview - Leq sound level metersound level meter uses a microphone to capture sound. The sound is then evaluated within the sound level meter and acoustic measurement values are shown on the display of the sound level meter. The most common unit of acoustic measurement for sound is the decibel (dB); however, some sound level meter devices also determine the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) and other acoustic parameters. With a portable sound level meter, industrial hygiene and workplace safety professionals can measure sound levels in multiple locations to ensure environmental conditions fall within recommended exposure limits (RELs). Some sound level meter devices can be permanently installed for continuous monitoring of sound levels at a work or job site.

Air Velocity Measurement

In air conditioning, heating and ventilating work, it is helpful to understand the techniques used to determine air velocity. In this field, air velocity (distance traveled per unit of time) is usually expressed in feet per minute (FPM). By multiplying air velocity by the cross section area of a duct, you can determine the air volume flowing past a point in the duct per unit of time. Volume flow is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Velocity or volume measurements can often be used with engineering handbook or design information to reveal proper or improper performance of an airflow system. The same principles used to determine velocity are also valuable in working with pneumatic conveying, flue gas flow and process gas systems. However, in these fields the common units of velocity and volume are sometimes different from those used in air conditioning work.

Oxygen Measurement

Every species on our planet depends on water and oxygen. For aquatic species, adequate dissolved oxygen is of prime importance to their continued survival. Since dissolved oxygen levels are directly related to good water quality, the two are highly interdependent. Many factors can affect DO levels, and an understanding of these levels in order to make informed decisions concerning wastewater treatment operations, hypoxic zones, aquaculture facilities or large-scale ecosystems is essentia.