7 Types of Dust Suppression Equipment and Which One Is Ideal for Specific Applications

Australia’s dry climate makes dust a particularly commonplace issue, particularly in mining, construction, and adjacent industries or tasks. Failing to control dust results not just in an unpleasant work environment but one that is exceedingly unsafe for both workers and equipment. Indeed, dust suppression goes beyond mere worker comfort and has proven positive implications for health, efficiency, and worksite safety.

Fortunately, modern dust suppression systems directly address dust issues by controlling harmful airborne particles at their source. When installed correctly, they can greatly reduce airborne particulate matter, safeguarding worker health and minimising respiratory issues. They also improve visibility on work sites, reducing accidents and improving operational efficiency. Lastly, dust suppression systems prevent dust build-up on machinery over time, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

Some dust suppression system benefits are much less obvious. For instance, Environment Protection Australia (EPA) and other regulators may implement rules related to dust emissions, requiring the installation of these systems to avoid fines. Thus, effective dust suppression also helps reduce facility and equipment maintenance downtimes, enabling continuous operation.

Suppression systems come in a variety of configurations to match different challenges. Below, we explore the various types of dust suppression equipment, highlighting their unique benefits and typical applications. See if these solutions match your current dust management challenges:

1. Standpipe Systems

Standpipe systems deliver water through a network of pipes to key locations where it is needed, usually for dust and fire suppression but also for any application where a consistent flow of water is needed. These systems are reliable and highly customisable for a variety of worksite needs while also being scalable to enable better coverage as a project grows. Being very simple systems, they require little maintenance and can be used in virtually any work environment.

2. Single Tank Sprinkler System

A single tank sprinkler system uses water from a single reservoir to spray dust-prone areas effectively. They’re an efficient solution for water-poor areas in the outback as well as for sites that don’t have access to a regular water supply. These systems require minimal space as well, making them ideal for sites with limited room for equipment as well as for standalone operations like remote stockpiles or construction zones.

3. Double Tank Sprinkler System

Similar to single tank systems, the double tank sprinkler system features dual reservoirs for increased capacity and extended operation. The additional tank allows for prolonged dust suppression without frequent refilling, making them more efficient in certain situations. They don’t take up significantly more space than single tank systems as well, and their higher capacity makes them ideal for mining and other operations that require consistent dust suppression.

4. Sprinkler Stand

Sprinkler stands deliver targeted water sprays through elevated nozzles. Unlike the previously mentioned systems, they’re generally designed to be easy to move so that they can be targeted at whichever area needs dust suppression. Sprinkler stands are commonly used in construction sites, quarries, and material storage yards.

5. Dust Suppression Tower

Dust suppression towers are similar to sprinkler stands but offer greater coverage. They’re also portable and often feature advanced water-saving spray technology to control dust over expansive areas without excessive water consumption. They can be the right solution for keeping down dust on very high stockpiles and for very large worksites that need targeted dust suppression.

6. Overhead Dust Suppression Systems

Overhead systems deliver water from above using strategically placed nozzles along ceilings or high structures.  Mounting the nozzles up high keeps them from using up space on the ground and avoids interfering with operations. These systems are typically used for consistent dust control and fire suppression in factories or material processing lines.

These kinds of systems are often found in enclosed spaces, such as warehouses and factories. That said, they can also be used in some open-air stockpiles and in installations like rail and truck depots.

7. Conveyor Dust Suppression System

These are designed specifically for conveyor belts, suppressing dust at points of the conveyor system where the material is most likely to kick up dust. The good thing is that dust suppression systems can be retrofitted into most existing conveyor systems without major modifications and to target very specific areas. Additionally, conveyor dust suppression systems can be designed for indoor and outdoor use and are now increasingly employed in mining sites, ports, and industrial processing facilities.

Tailored Dust Suppression Solutions for Safer Work Environments

Selecting the right dust suppression equipment for the job results in a safer, more efficient, and more pleasant worksite. Still, whether you require large-scale solutions like dust suppression towers or targeted systems like conveyor dust suppression depends on the context. The availability of onsite water resources or frequent water deliveries through lorries is also a major factor in whether a specific solution or combination of systems is needed.

Regardless, there are providers out there that can cover any dust suppression or liquid management needs you have. Exploring the benefits and recommended applications of each solution can help you pick the right fix to your dust problems, efficiently keeping dust down while conserving limited water resources.