SOUND ABATEMENT TECHNOLOGIES

There are three main sound mitigation techniques that have been used by Dale in the Barnett Shale. These techniques include using:

• Drawworks Brake Shroud
• Sound Blankets on the Rig Floor
• Perimeter Sound Wall

The sound blankets on the rig floor are 12’ high and cover the distance from the rig floor to the ground. The perimeter sound blanket wall is installed around the drillsite location and typically stands between 16’ – 32’ tall. The blankets are manufactured and designed using state-of-the-art acoustical composite materials to provide optimum sound control for both blocking and absorbing unwanted sound. The blankets are fabricated from poly-vinyl-chloride coated outer shells and have an inner composite construction including two layers of acoustical absorber material with an X-5 septum barrier.

Employing the three sound control techniques in drilling operations, Dale Operating has demonstrated that it can successfully maintain the pre-drilling ambient sound levels at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rig.