The Noise Chamber Episode 3 of the Discovering the Power of Perkins Series

Quiet, please, as Peter goes into the Noise Chamber at Perkins Engines with expert Chris Hill to see how its engineering team monitors and tests levels so they can develop quieter engines.

Designed to purely pick out engine noise using a sophisticated array of specialist microphones, each of its three chambers can test the whole array of engines made at the Peterborough facility.

Inside the chamber, Peter visited was an engine typically found in mini excavators. These often work in confined spaces near residents or commercial premises where sound pollution can be an issue.

Chris: “Currently, there is no legislation relating to the sound of an engine, but they are one of the main noise sources for any machine. So to support manufacturers, we work hard to make our engines as quiet as possible throughout the design phase.

“Having these testing facilities also helps us to develop and test noise dampening solutions and show customers the impact this can have. We can also optimise engines and fuel management for quieter operation.”

Peter added: “When it came to doing my testing featured in this video with a classic music box, I discovered how metal can radiate noise and why dampening is so important.

“It was great to experience the strange feeling of being in a noise chamber and to understand just how important it can be to develop quieter equipment onsite.”