Fog Cannon Dust Suppression Systems
Wet Earth can supply range of Fog Cannon® models designed for different applications. The Fog Cannon is engineered specifically for dust suppression in industrial and mining environments, tackling the problem of airborne dust particles generated by open mining activities, bulk material handling and demolition work.
The Fog Cannon has been shown to suppress up to 95% of airborne dust particles. The smaller units are ideal for suppressing dust where it is generated in high concentrations at easily defined point sources such as discharging onto stockpiles, discharging into ships, reclaiming from stockpiles, dumping, crushing and loading/unloading trucks. In this case, the Fog Cannon is directed at the point source of dust and it rapidly suppresses the emitted dust before it can disperse. The larger units are where the Fog Cannon are unique, as they are able to suppress general airborne dust through fogging the general area. The larger units are also capable of suppressing dust caused by high volume dust events such as blasting and the long throw distance is usually necessary for this. Fog Cannons are also useful for dust suppression of stockpiles where their low water use is an advantage.
There are several models of Fog Cannon available with throw ranges from 30 to 500 metres making it easy to select a suitable model for specific site conditions and dust levels. All models have automatic rotation of up to 270� and an adjustable elevation angle from 0� to 45�. The automatic rotation allows the mist to be dispersed over a large area, maximising coverage and dust suppression efficiency. The water consumption varies from 15 litres/min. up to 6000 litres/min. depending on the model and application. Chemicals can be also be added to the spray to either increase the performance of suppressing airborne dust or develop a crust on stockpiles. There are also many options including:
- chemical dosing unit which can be used for surfactants to improve dust suppression or agents to crust stockpiles or fire retardants for fire suppression
- 5m telescopic elevation system
- Remote control including remote camera
- PLC based automatic operation
- Intrinsically-safe version for explosive atmospheres (ATEX).
- Complete self contained vehicle units.
When selecting a model it is important to take into consideration the amount of dust and atmospheric conditions, particularly wind as well as throw distance.
Recent innovations allows us to supply Fog Cannons of all sizes with a noise level of below 85dBA at 1m from the unit.
Fog Cannon are also known by other names including mist maker, mist cannon, fog maker.
Introduction to Fog Cannon Dust Control
Dust control is a vital component in ensuring safety and operational efficiency across industries like mining, construction, waste and recycled material handing, and other industrial environments where airborne dust can disrupt work. On construction sites and mine sites in particular, airborne dust particles pose health hazards to workers, reduce visibility, and can affect the surrounding environment and equipment.
Effective dust suppression is essential to minimise these risks, improve air quality, and help meet environmental and safety regulations. Fog cannons, also known as mist cannons, are dust control devices that create a dense fog of fine mist and use a high velocity fan to project mist across large areas, capturing airborne dust before it spreads. Their performance depends on factors like water droplet size, dust particle size, throw ranges, dust levels, and how much water different fog cannon models use, so this guide explains how fog cannons work, where they are most suitable and the benefits and limitations.
How Fog Cannon Technology Works
Fog cannon technology utilises a combination of high-pressure water and advanced atomisation to suppress airborne dust particles. Water is pumped through a large number of small nozzles to create a fine mist, and a powerful fan is then used to project the mist across the target area. As this mist is dispersed it impacts and binds to dust particles suspended in the air, causing them to settle and preventing them from spreading further. The system can be positioned near key dust sources and operated via remote control, allowing for precise management and quick response to changing conditions based on dust levels and dust generation at the source. With adjustable water consumption, how much water is used depends on the application and model, helping fog cannons offer efficient dust suppression tailored to the specific needs of each site. This technology ensures that dust is controlled effectively, while optimising water usage and maintaining flexibility in operation..
Benefits of Using Fog Cannons for Dust Suppression
Fog cannons offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for dust suppression in various settings. Their ability to suppress dust particles efficiently helps maintain cleaner air and safer working conditions. The versatility of fog cannons allows them to be deployed in both large areas and confined spaces, adapting to different dust control challenges. Many models are designed for easy setup and operation, with features like automatic rotation and adjustable angles to maximise coverage. By delivering targeted dust control, fog cannons help reduce overall water consumption, using only what is necessary to suppress dust. Additionally, these systems can be integrated with other dust suppression solutions, such as surfactants, to further enhance performance. With their reliable operation and adaptability, fog cannons provide a practical and effective solution for managing dust in a wide range of locations.
Limitations of Fog Cannons
Fog Cannons like other sources of small water droplets such as Dry Fog and misting systems are severely impacted by wind. When using Fog Cannons in exposed areas we would recommend wind protection such as Wind Fences or Dust Fences.
The quality of the water supply needs to be considered when using Fog Cannons. The small nozzles require the water to have low levels of suspended solids or the water needs to be well filtered to prevent nozzle blockage. High dissolved solids in the water can cause build up on the nozzles. If there is any risk of the water having bacteria we would recommend it be sanitised to prevent risk of workers inhaling bacteria. Similarly care needs to be taken when considering using chemical additives with Fog Cannons due to the inhalation risk.
Fog Cannons are available for purchase or hire.
If you have a particular dust control application you would like to discuss or would like more information then please call us on +61 2 6062 3300 or send an email to sales@wetearth.com.au.