The context: a highly complex industrial environment
In the recovery and recycling of scrap metal and surface slag from hot-dip galvanising of steel, dust management is one of the most critical environmental and safety challenges. These plants handle powdery materials such as skimmings, dross and zinc ash, which generate significant fine dust emissions into the air during handling, shredding and processing.
When a company in this sector contacted us, it was clear from the very first conversation that it needed an effective solution and, above all, one that was safe for personnel and moving vehicles.
The challenge: dust at height, moving vehicles, zero safe spaces on the ground
The initial site inspection immediately revealed a non-negligible operational issue: there was no safe position on the ground within the production area in which to install a conventional dust suppression cannon. The area was constantly occupied by heavy vehicles involved in handling scrap and materials: loaders, lorries, overhead cranes and working machines followed one another without pause, making it impossible to position equipment permanently at ground level without creating a real risk of interference and accidents.
The solution could only be vertical: installing the cannons at height, on existing structures, to completely clear the floor level and at the same time ensure optimal coverage of the dustiest areas.
The installed solution: C42 Bikini and Phoenix Bikini with radio remote control
The project involved the installation of two dust suppression cannons:
- C42 Bikini, positioned at height on an existing structure, with a range of 40 metres. Thanks to its power and its bikini configuration (cannon at height and pump and controls on the ground), it is able to cover large areas with a fine, uniform fog, ideal for suppressing dust in the areas of greatest material handling.
- Phoenix Bikini, also installed in an elevated position, with a range of 20 metres, perfect for targeted coverage of more limited but equally dust-critical areas.
Both cannons were equipped with the radio remote control, which allows operators to orient, adjust and activate the cannons from a safe distance, without having to climb on the structures during operation. This solution guarantees the maximum operational flexibility and is perfectly suited to the ever-changing environment of a metal recovery plant.
For both machines we opted for high-pressure pumps to act with a finer mist, reducing water consumption and avoiding puddles or rivulets on the ground.
Results: dust suppressed, safety guaranteed
Today the plant has a dust suppression system that is effective, safe and perfectly integrated into the daily operational flow. Zero interference with internal traffic routes, full coverage of critical areas and guaranteed operation in all conditions.
For us at Cannoni Conrad, this project confirms once again that there is no universal solution: every plant has its own specific features, and our work always starts with listening and analysis, even before installation.
