Dust Cannon Technology: Sustainable and Effective Dust Control

Dust is an inevitable part of many industrial processes – be it construction work, demolition work or mining operations. However, dust is hazardous to health when inhaled. Dust cannons are a practical solution because they prevent large amounts of dust from being stirred up into the air.

Under its brand MobyDick, FRUTIGER has been developing innovative dust control systems. For that, we have teamed up with the Institute of Aerodynamics at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. In this article, you will learn how dust cannons work and where they can be used. 

How do MobyDick dust cannons work?

Our dust cannons spray fine water droplets at the source of the dust. A modern high-pressure pump and a turbine provide the necessary range and precision. The water combines with the dust particles suspended in the air which causes them to quickly sink to the ground. This way, the dust pollution for people and environment is reduced significantly.  

The spray pattern of the dust cannons depends on whether a nozzle ring or a nozzle head is used. 

• The nozzle ring distributes the water droplets over a large area. 
• The nozzle head can be used for targeted dust binding. 
• A combination of both elements offers range and accuracy at the same time. 

The following model lines are part of the MobyDick dust cannon portfolio: 

• The Standard Line Cannon Single models offer an outstanding price/quality ratio. You get all significant functions you expect from a dust cannon. The models reach spray distances of 50 to 90 meters. 
• The Standard Line Cannon Multi models give you more flexibility in terms of spray power and distance. This allows you to respond better to changing conditions. The seamlessly adjustable range varies between 30 and 90 meters. 
• The Standard Line Cannon Cart can be moved easily, thanks to its compact size and its wheels. It is best suited for smaller dust sources and sprays at distances between 10 and 30 meters. 
• If you need a solution for special dust requirements, our Taylor Made Line is perfect for you. After a thorough analysis, our experts design the dust cannon that best suits your needs.

What are the advantages of dust cannons?

The water droplets sprayed by dust cannons prevent dust particles from suspending into the air. Instead, water and dust sink to the ground. This significantly reduces the amount of dust in the air.

Dust can cause respiratory diseases in construction workers who inhale it. These include asthma, chronic bronchitis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Depending on what the dust consists of, other diseases like extrinsic allergic alveoli tis and lung cancer are possible. Using a dust cannon can prevent health consequences of these. 

In addition, less dust reaches the surrounding area, which means that fewer people and animals inhale it. Also, less dust pollutes the surrounding waters. Overall, dust cannons make a positive contribution to environmental protection and can also help to comply with legal emission limits. 

These are further advantages of the devices: 

• They improve the visibility on the working site, as there is less dust in the air. 
• They reduce downtime caused by obstructed visibility on the working site. 
• They ensure that less dust deposits on machines, thereby reducing maintenance costs. 

In which areas are dust cannons of use?

Dust cannons are useful anywhere large amounts of dust are generated and need to be controlled. The following areas are particularly noteworthy: 

• Construction sites where earthworks and excavation take place and concrete and stone are cut, ground and/or drilled 
• Demolition works as breaking down buildings releases heavy dust 
• Mining (open-pit and underground) 
• Quarrying 
• Recycling and waste management facilities 
• Steel mills 

However, the usage of dust cannons is not limited to sites where stones and/or concrete cause dust. They are also useful in agricultural sites where grains are handled, stored or transferred. In animal housing, they reduce dust coming from food and bedding. Even for festival and events taking place in dusty areas, the devices can be used.

Cannons with flexible ranges and spray patterns increase the usage options. Stationary systems are suitable for continuous operation. Mobile devices can be quickly set up at changing locations.

Why choose MobyDick dust cannons? 

All MobyDick dust cannons are exceptionally powerful and reliable. Their hot-dip galvanized frame is robust and suitable for every application. Their rust-free cone is made from composite fibre. Also, our devices are intuitive to use and extremely low maintenance.

Moreover, you benefit from our global service network. If you encounter any issues with one of our devices, you will receive immediate support.

Depending on the model and its features, a MobyDick dust cannon typically costs between £8,600 and £30,000. However, there is the possibility of renting. This gives you a powerful device for temporary use without having to invest in a new device.

MobyDick: Reliable devices for site emission control

With its brand MobyDick, FRUTIGER is the world market leader in site emission control. In addition to dust cannons, we provide devices for wheel washing and demucking.

With our wheel washing solutions, you ensure that the tyres of your construction vehicles do not pollute the roads. And with our demucking solutions, you not only clean construction machinery, but also military vehicles and rail vehicles within a few minutes. 

All our systems are designed to use water and energy responsibly. Thousands of companies around the globe trust in our innovative solutions.

If you have any questions about our portfolio, feel free to contact us via our contact form. You can also arrange a non-binding consultation.