Dust suppression at recycling plant

Finer droplets generated by CAY cluster nozzles

Traditional methods of dust suppression proved ineffective for a building material recycling plant. Tecpro Australia collaborated with Jeff Hill Plumbing to create a solution that surpassed the site operator’s environmental obligations.

Dust suppression is a critically important consideration in many types of industries including construction, mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Without appropriate measures in place, dust particles can pose serious respiratory health risks to people in the vicinity. Airborne dust also creates significant pollution problems in neighbouring areas.

A building material recycling plant in Sydney had tried several traditional methods of dust suppression but found them unsatisfactory. Existing nozzles were often ineffectively located and the water droplets produced were too big to suppress dust particles.

A new solution was required to prevent dust being carried by the wind onto adjoining properties. Tecpro Australia engineers worked with Jeff Hill of Jeff Hill Plumbing, and suggested the installation of low-flow, CAY cluster nozzles on the site. CAY cluster nozzles were recommended because they produce a mass of very fine water droplets. And while the nozzles contain an in-built filter, Tecpro suggested improvements to the water filtration system to further enhance reliability and effectiveness.

The nozzles were deployed at conveyor drop-off points and on the primary crusher drop chute. Installed in a single line, they form a highly effective screen of mist.

Cobra Head deflection fan nozzles were also installed to wash conveyor belts and to wet the product, where it was possible and practical to do so.

Dust disturbance in vehicle movement areas had been suppressed using water carts. This option was, however, expensive, and it also created site safety problems. To reduce dependence on water carts, a Skipper water cannon was deployed. It can be set to sweep and wet a selected arc, and with a throw length of 35 m, it only needs to be turned on for very short periods to suppress dust over a large area.

The introduction of the CAY and Cobra Head nozzles and Skipper water cannon significantly improved dust suppression on site, well exceeding the site operator’s obligations.