Specifically designed for high production hauling in sound sensitive environments.
Sound suppressed machinery plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of noise in the environment. With the development of the 793C XQ, Caterpillar leads the way in the production of sound reduced off-highway trucks for operation in sound sensitive mining areas. Designed specifically for regions with stringent noise limitations, sound power levels on the 793C were reduced approximately 9 dB(A) making the sound power level on the 793C XQ less than one-eighth the sound level of the standard truck. This effectively means that eight sound reduced trucks emit the same level of sound as a single standard truck, significantly reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life.
Through the use of the Caterpillar proprietary Sonic+ sound modeling software, sound treatment options were modeled for the complete truck system. Extensive sound testing was conducted to confirm effectiveness of the model and sound treatments. Optimum sound reduction was achieved by applying sound reduction treatments to the 793C XQ engine, cooling system, exhaust system and driveline.
Caterpillar applied various sound treatment options to reduce noise on the sound suppressed 793C XQ.
The static sound power level on the sound reduced 793C XQ was measured at approximately 112 dB(A) per ISO 6393 test method compared with a static level of approximately 121 dB(A) on the standard 793C. The graph below shows the logarithmic scale of decibels and how that slight reductions in decibels can make a tremendous impact on sound levels in the environment.
Mechanical treatments are used in engine areas that emit the most sound. Valve, block, oil pan and camshaft covers are engineered to absorb sound and reduce engine noise. An engine enclosure lined with fire resistant, sound absorbing materials is used to reduce overall engine noise. Additional sound absorbing materials are used under the hood to create a sound barrier and keep engine noise from escaping into the environment.
The fan is a major noise contributor on mining trucks. And, a considerable amount of fan and engine noise can escape through the radiator. The addition of engine enclosures on the 793C XQ further increased the potential for added noise with greater cooling requirements. A sound suppressed cooling system was designed using proprietary Caterpillar software to model the effects of the engine enclosure on airflow and cooling efficiency. The result is a dual, side-by-side radiator design with two fans and a grill equipped with special sound absorbing materials.
The 793C XQ uses dual fans to increase cooling capacity while minimizing noise. The dual fans are quieter and more efficient than the single fan they replace. The smaller electronically controlled fans are driven by hydraulics instead of a belt driven direct drive system and provides variable speed control, which allows the fans to run only when necessary to maintain proper cooling. This design maximizes airflow and minimizes sound since the fans can operate at a slower rpm, which reduces blade tip noise. When conditions require less cooling, they are even quieter and conserve engine power for better hauling performance.
The specially engineered acoustic grill uses a patented grid of baffles to absorb sound from the engine and fan to keep noise from transmitting through the radiator. The grill is lightweight and modular for easy assembly, disassembly and serviceability. Formed metal channels are used to protect the sound absorbing materials from damage.
There is a direct correlation between the volume of the muffler and the sound emitted by the muffler. A high efficiency muffler, designed with more than twice the volume of the standard muffler, is used on the 793C XQ to substantially reduce exhaust sound levels. The design features dual inlets and single outlet for optimum sound reduction. The muffler is enclosed in a specially engineered sound barrier housing to further contain exhaust sound emissions. A specially designed muffler mounting with isolation mounts is used to reduce vibration.
The Cat 793C XQ sound treatment package was designed from the ground up using a complete design approach since the addition of sound treatments could increase component weight and require structural changes. Caterpillar used static and dynamic finite element analysis of the frame and structures to ensure sound treatments would not compromise structural durability of the truck during redesign of the engine, cooling system, exhaust system and driveline.
Innovative sound barrier and damping materials, added to driveline components, effectively dampen vibration and reduce traveling structural noise from the driveline.
The sound suppression system was designed with the service technician in mind. Sound treatments were engineered for easy access to daily service and maintenance points to keep the 793C XQ on the haul roads.
Snap retainers allow easy assembly, disassembly and replacement of sound suppression materials.
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