Keeping dust under control

Following a lengthy testing phase, three direct-drive designs, suitable for use in ports and terminals, have been certified for the US and Canada: the DustBoss DB-30, DB-45 and DB-60. They and are said to be the first atomised misting units for dust control to earn the coveted recognition.

Laura Stiverson, general manager, DCT, told GreenPort: “Closer scrutiny of ports and shipping facilities has led to greater public awareness of dust issues, while environmental regulations continue to exert pressures on these operations to better control fugitive particles.”

DCT says the equipment can help ports and terminals protect workers and nearby areas from the effects of fugitive dust, and can be a key asset in complying with tighter environmental regulations. Because the units use less water than large sprinklers or hand-held hoses, they also contribute far less runoff.

“Atomized mist technology provides a way for operators to implement more effective dust management, covering a wider area, with less manpower. The units can be precisely aimed to address specific dust-generating activities, and they can run all day unattended. Further, the larger models can cover an immense area, as much as 280,000 square feet, which would be extremely difficult using any other methods,” Ms Stiverson added.

According to DCT, the primary benefits are more effective control of airborne particles, with reduced manpower versus manual spraying. The direct drive design is also said to be durable, with low maintenance requirements, and contributes no pollutants to the surrounding environment.

Mexico’s Port of Veracruz and a Ukraine port terminal are already using the systems to keep dust at bay.

Going forward, the company told GP sees ports and the shipping sector as a key target market for dust suppression, both in the US and abroad and will continue to develop products and accessories to address the needs of these applications.