Case Study: Effective Dust Suppression During the Demolition of a Hospital Bed Tower

Introduction 

Dust emissions pose a significant challenge during demolition projects, particularly in densely populated areas. An efficient dust control cannon is crucial in such situations to safeguard residents, staff, and visitors from harmful fine dust particles. A construction company recently relied on the formidable MobyDick dust control systems for the dismantling of a 12-storey hospital bed tower in a busy urban setting. The demolition occurred under challenging conditions, with the hospital remaining operational and the need to consider regular helicopter flights. Hence, dependable dust suppression was paramount.

Challenge 

This complex demolition project presented several challenges that necessitated the use of a highly adaptable dust control system:

1. Dust Control in a Sensitive Environment: Ongoing hospital operations made effective dust suppression essential to protect patients, staff, and visitors from fine dust.
2. Regular Helicopter Traffic: Air movements from helicopter take-offs and landings increased the risk of uncontrolled dust dispersion.
3. Constrained Space: The urban location required a compact and flexibly deployable dust control cannon.
4. Phased Demolition: The demolition work was conducted floor by floor, requiring a versatile dust suppression solution.
5. Minimisation of Ground-Level Dust: It was crucial to keep dust at bay while processing demolition materials.

To address these challenges, the construction firm implemented a combination of two MobyDick dust control cannons, each with distinct strengths.

Application on Upper Floors – MobyDick Cannon Cart

 For dust suppression on the upper levels, the MobyDick Cannon Cart was deployed.

• Optimal Throw Distance: Capable of reaching approximately 30 metres, the cannon effectively bound dust at its origin.
• Maximum Flexibility: Due to its compact build and light weight, the dust control cannon could be positioned flexibly on the currently highest floor.
• Effective Support for Demolition Excavators: While two demolition excavators worked downwards floor by floor, the Cannon Cart provided continuous dust suppression.

Dust Minimisation at Ground Level – MobyDick Cannon Single 50 

Additionally, a MobyDick Cannon Single 50 was utilised at ground level.

• Targeted Dust Binding: This unit substantially reduced dust emissions, thereby minimising the environmental impact.
• Protection for Residents, Patients, and Staff: Effective dust control prevented health risks and maintained stable air quality.

Results and Benefits

• Effective Dust Binding in Challenging Conditions: The combination of the Cannon Cart on the upper floors and the Cannon Single 50 at ground level facilitated reliable dust suppression.
• Maximum Flexibility: The compact design of the Cannon Cart allowed it to be situated directly at the demolition site, minimising dust production at the source.
• Protection of Individuals and the Environment: Patients, hospital staff, visitors, and nearby residents were shielded from hazardous fine dust.
• Minimisation of Dust Spread Despite Helicopter Operations: Targeted dust control strategies prevented the dispersion of dust stirred up by helicopter activities.

Conclusion

 The successful dust suppression during the demolition of the hospital bed tower illustrates that a strategic combination of MobyDick dust control cannons offers an efficient and adaptable solution for demanding demolition operations. Employing the Cannon Cart as a mobile, easily positionable solution on the upper floors, and the Cannon Single 50 for dust control at ground level, significantly reduced the dust load. This ensured a seamless construction process and protected the surrounding area from harmful dust.