Acoustic trauma caused by disconnection of a compressed air line (Focus on IFA´s work Nr. 0453)

Flexible compressed air lines are often used to power pneumatic machinery and tools. Depending on the pressure in the lines and their cross-section, they may contain considerable volumes of compressed air. This poses a risk: In one accident reported to the social accident insurance, the compressed air expanded abruptly. The end of the line was flung through the air and a loud burst of sound occurred. The responsible accident insurance institution tasked the IFA with determining the possible occurring peak sound pressure levels. This Sheet 453 in the series “Focus on IFA’s work” describes the simulation of the accident at the IFA, the calculations and measurements - and of course the findings.