Dust Control Technology has announced a collaboration with SMI to apply computer-controlled automation for monitoring and managing dust suppression equipment. Driven by proprietary software, the systems can be programmed to manage start/stop cycles based on dust monitor readings, motion sensors, weather input or operator remote control.
Dust Control Technology has announced a collaboration with SMI to apply computer-controlled automation for monitoring and managing dust suppression equipment. Driven by proprietary software, the systems can be programmed to manage start/stop cycles based on dust monitor readings, motion sensors, weather input or operator remote control.
The technology allows users of DustBoss equipment to automatically adjust elevation, oscillation range and other features on any number of machines to improve suppression performance and free up manpower for other tasks.
Designed to deliver greater control and efficiency to dust management systems in bulk material handling operations, these advanced systems give users the capability to efficiently track wind direction, speed, temperature, humidity and even visible emissions data. The automated networks can be programmed to factor any or all of those elements together and determine what combination of conditions will trigger specific system responses.
“Our dust suppression team has a unique understanding of material flow and fugitive particle control issues,” said Dust Control Technology CEO Edwin Peterson. “With SMI’s engineering and manufacturing expertise, we’ve created a perfect strategic partnership to further advance the science of dust suppression.
“Adding automation technology to our product line brings a new dimension to dust management. Now customers with large-scale operations involving many units can exert a level of monitoring and control that would require an entire staff of operators to achieve manually.”
SMI president Joe VanderKelen explained the team’s approach, “We’ve made a conscious decision over the last decade or so, investing heavily in automation and software. Technology has now advanced so much that we saw an opportunity to take dust management to the next level.
Our automation today is far superior to what was available just a few years ago, and it can be custom-tailored to suit very specific applications. We see it as a way to help our customers improve suppression efficiency and control labour costs.”
