Dust suppression misting systems use pressurised pumps and nozzles to ‘atomise’ water into a spray of fine droplets or mist. These systems target and suppress dust at source by creating a damp layer on the surface of a stockpile, wagon, or conveyor. This layer prevents dust particles from becoming airborne, thereby improving air quality, health, hygiene, and sanitation on site.
The effectiveness of a misting system depends heavily on its operating pressure and the type of dust particles present. The question we will address in this article is what pressure does your system require to obtain the results you need on your site.
The rule of thumb is that the higher the pressure, the smaller the droplets produced – smaller or finer droplets are more efficient at capturing airborne particles, thus improving dust suppression. However, fine mist sprayers usually have a small coverage range, and the mist is highly vulnerable to being dispersed by wind and drafts.
For this reason, some operators use lower pressure misting systems for more general dust control over large areas, combined with strategically placed high-pressure systems for intensive suppression in high-risk areas.
Applications
1. High-Pressure For Fine Mist:
High pressure misting systems operate at around 70 bars, producing droplets between 1 and 30 µm in diameter. This fine mist effectively captures and neutralises airborne dust particles in high concentration areas and prevents them from dispersing.
Use a high-pressure misting system at high polluting areas, such as quarry crushers, loading bays, and conveyors, and in confined areas. High-pressure systems are also often necessary to capture fine dust particulates – these may be too small to be captured by the large water droplets produced by low pressure systems.
High-pressure systems are usually versatile enough to be adjusted to suit various industrial applications, giving you a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to dust suppression.
2. Low Pressure For Wide Coverage:
Low pressure misting systems are a cost-effective option for general dust suppression needs in large and outdoor areas. Using an operating pressure of 2.8 to 6.9 bar, the resulting droplets fall in the range of 10 to 50 µm in diameter, which is ideal for capturing large-scale coarse dust particles in the air.
Low pressures misting systems are straightforward to install and usually require less maintenance and technical know-how than high-pressure systems. This makes them accessible for a broader cross-section of industrial processes. They also allow you to cover extensive dust producing areas, making them suitable for large-scale mining and industrial facilities.
Most misting systems use a compressed air pump to force the water through specialised nozzles to create a mist of the required size. Water pressure at the pump can be between 500 and 1,200 psi for many systems. Low pressure pumps generally use less power, reducing your energy consumption and maintenance costs. However, they also use more water to achieve the same level of suppression as higher-pressure systems.
Find Out More
For more information about dust suppression commerical misting systems and their operational benefits, please get in touch with one of our knowledgeable team today by calling 01530 440935 , or send us a message.