Prioritization of Noise Control in Different units of an Oil Refinery Using Noise Control Priority Index and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: This study aimed to prioritize noise control in different units of an oil refinery using noise control priority index (NCPI) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Methods: This analytical study was conducted based on a descriptive cross-sectional method in the oil storage tanks and transportation unit of an oil refinery, in three stages, 2019. In the first stage, the environmental sound was measured based on the standard of ISO 91612. In the second stage, the values of the NCPI index in different units were calculated using three variables, namely the number of exposed workers, the duration of exposure, and the weighting factor on the sound pressure level. In the third stage, noise control strategies were prioritized using the TOPSIS method. Results: The highest and lowest sound emissions were observed in the NTA (New Transportation Area) unit (98 dB) and spherical tanks (84 dB), respectively. Among the 10 studied units, the NTA unit with 12 workers had the highest priority of noise control (NCPI=1.25). The results of the TOPSIS method showed that the most ideal method to control noise exposure in the NTA unit was controlling time exposure with the final weight of 0.722. Conclusion: Based on the results, the employment of the two methods, namely NCPI and TOPSIS, would make it possible to determine the appropriate prioritization in different units and implement the solutions for technical and managerial noise control in order of priority. The model used in this study can also be applied in other similar industries involved with noise pollution.

Keywords

• ncpi
• noise control
• oil refinery
• prioritization