Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS method as a technique for prioritizing noise control solutions

There are various solutions for noise control. One of the important issues is the choice of the most appropriate solution based on criteria. The aim of this study was to prioritize the noise control solutions using a fuzzy AHPâ–“TOPSIS method in the distillation unit of a refinery. At first, the sound pressure level was measured at the distillation unit and the main noise sources were identified. Then, ten control solutions and five prioritization criteria including efficiency, cost, safety, executive capability and non-interference in the process were selected according to the opinions of experts. In the next step, twenty experts were asked to compare criteria and solutions. Finally, criteria were weighted using the Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and solutions were prioritized using technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method. Criteria based on the importance in the noise control included efficiency (normal weight of 0.265), cost (normal weight of 0.234), safety (normal weight of 0.226), executive capability (normal weight of 0.202), and non-interference in the process (normal weight of 0.070). The personal enclosure (coefficient closeness index of 0.1475) and modification or change of process (coefficient closeness index of 0.0595) had the highest and lowest priorities at the noise control, respectively. Regarding criteria and operational conditions in the refinery, the use of a personal enclosure was selected as the first solution at the noise control. Fuzzy AHPâ–“TOPSIS method can also be used to prioritize control solutions in other industries.