As we approach the drier, warmer summer months, it can be expected to see higher levels of dust across the country, whether in quarries, construction sites, or even on road surfaces. When not kept in check, high volumes of dust can potentially pose health and safety risks for anyone exposed to it.
What is the purpose of dust suppression?
To understand the different options available for a dust suppression system, it’s helpful to first understand what a dust suppression system is.
Dust Suppression systems are one of they key tools in combating dust on sites and this is through the application of water or chemicals to the desired area, in order to prevent the dust particles from being carried into the air.
The other method of use is to spray the water and chemical mixture into the air above the desired area and this will bring dust particles back down towards the ground, keeping them there.
Dust suppression is typically done by two means; wet suppression or dry suppression.
What is a wet suppression system?
The purpose of a wet suppression system is to increase the weight of each dust particle in order to reduce the likelihood of the dust becoming airborne. This moisture creates larger, much heavier groups of dust particles, making it increasingly difficult for air movement to lift and carry the dust particles away.
To achieve this affect, water must be applied through a number of appropriately sized spray nozzles at the specific location wherein the desired area expands and takes in air. Any dust particles that could become airborne come into contact with the water sprayed, keeping dust at bay.
What is a dry suppression system?
A dry suppression system is commonly presented as an ultra-fine-fog suppression system, and acts in the same way as a fabric filter; dust particles will be unable to pass through the filter without coming into contact with a droplet. This method reduces the surface tension of the water droplets, while increasing the number of droplets in an area.
This system often works best wherein the ‘fog’ is able to be generated above the problem area, and should be set up in such a way that the desired area is able to be shrouded, therefore eliminating the risk of dissipation due to environmental conditions.
Our fan assisted range of dust suppressions systems can also be aimed, turned on and off, and oscillated at the touch of a button, making them easy to use and effective on site.
In some circumstances, several dry suppression systems may be required.
Are there other options?
As mentioned, there are a small number of variants on how to suppress dust on sites, including spinning discs, rain guns, water spray nozzle systems, and fog cannons.
With over 45 years of experience in plant hire and sales, and as specialists in dust suppression, we pride ourselves with a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the industry. For more information on dust suppression equipment, or our wider services, get in contact with us today.