Compaction technology leader Bomag has introduced a solution to largely eliminate the production of dust particles by its large milling machines during road construction.
The system works by electrostatically charging dust particles as they pass along the machines conveyor belt, causing them to clump together and form flakes that are then harmlessly ejected.
Developed in collaboration with Dutch company Environmental Nano Solutions, the new technology cut dust emissions by more than 80% in tests carried out at Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany.
The equipment is mounted in a small housing on the machine’s conveyor belt, with an electrode placed nearby, and particles are charged as they pass through the system’s electrical field.
Jonathan Stringham, manager of milling at Bomag, notes: “This new development considerably reduces the burden of road recycling – for construction plant operators as well as for residents.”
He added: “Bomag is the only manufacturer to offer this solution. It brings us a great deal closer to our goal of the sustainable construction site.”
In future, Bomag says it will offer this particulate technology on all of its milling machines with working widths of more than one metre.
The technology will be interesting development for the Gulf countries where strict limits on dust emissions, as the dry conditions allow light material to be easily suspended by the wind and dispersed over wide areas, including residential zones, and cause to health problems.
