Automated system controls dust

In the Italian Pusteria Valley, the Beton Werk-Bauschutt Excavation and Recycling Company (BWR) operates one of its many plants. It’s a challenging environment from an operational perspective due to the strong and constantly shifting winds that are typical of the region. These winds pick up dust particles created during operations and disperse them widely — including onto panels at a nearby solar farm.

In the early days of operations, the company relied on traditional, primitive dust-control methods using high volumes of water, which created pooling and mud. To overcome these issues, BWR installed two EMiControls V12s Dust Controllers — monitored and controlled using the CURT (Control Unit for Remote-controlled Turbines) management system.

Prior to implementation of the CURT system, BWR employees were required to manually turn on the V12s Dust Controllers as soon as a truck entered the site. Now, the controllers are activated by motion sensors or from the central control room.

The dust controllers provide efficient water usage by delivering an ultrafine mist to bind dust particles at their source without pooling or wetting. Valve technology allows the controllers to remotely regulate the amount of water used, with automatic discharge to maintain optimum water pressure for atomising.

The automated system is providing greater control over dust-related health risks to personnel while reducing the risk of EPA fines and minimising energy and water consumption. The system allows each dust controller to react individually or concurrently according to time, as well as atmospheric and weather conditions.

The controllers are programmed to begin operations at a particular time on hot, dry days or when there is a high level of dust expected. The company plans to set up dust sensors, currently in development, to activate the units when a specified concentration of dust is detected.

The V12s and CURT systems have solved BWR’s dust problems for staff and neighbours — especially the solar farm. Even the truck drivers are happier as they do not need to endure exposure to clouds of dust.

Tecpro Australia is the exclusive distributor in Australia and New Zealand for EMiControls products.