In response to input from customers across the demolition and bulk material handling sectors, BossTek, a leader in atomised mist technology, has introduced a powerful new mobile mid-sized dust control cannon.

The DustBoss® DB-45 Surge® is the next iteration of the popular Surge series featuring an innovative pressurised centre nozzle paired with the industry-proven fan and misting ring system to suppress both surface dust and airborne particulates, the company says. With three remote–controlled stages and precision oscillation for optimum command over water volume and coverage area, the DB-45 Surge delivers the dependability of atomised mist along with J2P (jet-to-plume) nozzle technology that surges for over 60 m, even in troublesome windy conditions, the company claims. The result is an easily manoeuvrable, autonomous and versatile dust control solution for outdoor operations in all weather conditions.

“Our first iteration of this technology was larger for operations with high-reach cranes and enormous coverage areas,” BossTek Dust Control Specialist, Mike Lewis, said. “Managers of medium and smaller operations were impressed with the existing technology but wanted a lighter and more compact option that offered the same excellent field-tested versatility and results. With a 200-ft (60 m) throw range, I’d say that most of our customers will be well-served by the new model.”

Bulk handlers with tall stockpiles of raw material commonly experience windy conditions high above the ground. In turbulent situations, dust is lifted into the atmosphere and carried beyond the site line over long distances, which can lead to permit violations. Operators often mitigate particulate emissions using sprinklers or hoses to saturate a material’s surface. The stronger the wind, the more water pressure is required to break through the wind shear, resulting in greater amounts of water filling the surrounding work area – often 300 GPM (1,135 lpm) or more.

The DB-45 Surge combines the power of a 25-horsepower industrial fan, misting ring and heavy-duty barrel with the reach of a central high-pressure spray nozzle. The misting ring introduces millions of tiny dust capturing droplets into an area for proven dust suppression. The pressurised spray resists wind shear and uses the force of the wind to further fragment droplets, enhancing its dust suppression capabilities. This is achieved with a maximum of 72 GPM (372 lpm) and as little as 17 GPM (77 lpm) when using only the misting ring and fan. The cannon also features a VFD (variable frequency drive),which allows the unit to operate more efficiently at lower water pressure.

The three stages are input by the touch screen system, protected by a sealed NEMA 4 cabinet or controlled by a heavy-duty hand-held remote control with a 1,000 ft (305 m) range. Stage one is highly effective on moderate days and uses the powerful 30,000 CFM (849.5 CMM) fan and misting ring for wide area coverage. For windy days, stage two features a pressurised stream delivered by the J2P nozzle to pinpoint the source of the dust. On high wind days, operators can choose stage three which uses the fan, misting ring and centre nozzle for maximum coverage.

This allows the DB-45 Surge to be “set it and forget it” autonomous equipment, unlike hoses and industrial sprinklers, which typically require constant manual labor to monitor and operate, BossTek claims. Manual operation keeps workers in active zones near moving equipment, increasing the chance of injury and raising the costs of operation for sprinklers and hoses due to extra labor and possible liability.

The DB-45 Surge addresses wind, labour and water usage issues. While striving to stay compliant with dust regulations, operators can now better match the water requirements to the specific application. Fed by a standard 38 mm hose with a cam-and-groove quick disconnect coupling, the powerful booster pump delivers as much as 500 PSI (27.5 bar) of water pressure to the centre nozzle.  

The coverage area is extended with the customisable 260º horizontal oscillation range and 0º-50º vertical throw angle. Mounted on a heavy-duty roadworthy trailer for towing at highway speeds with a standard ball hitch, it can be placed by a pickup truck, skid steer or lift truck wherever dust suppression is needed. As supplied, the DB-45 Surge can run potable or non-potable water, as it is equipped with two in-line 30 mesh, 595 micron filters to avoid clogging. One filter is located at the water entry point to the booster pump and another is located prior to the pipe feeding the central nozzle.

Other options are already available, including tower mounting for permanent locations. The cannon is also available as part of the company’s popular “Fusion” lineup, pairing the DB-45 Surge with a trailer-mounted generator to alleviate the need for a nearby power source. With a 15 hp booster pump, the unit only requires a 45 kW generator, which most demo contractors already have in their equipment arsenal.

“The DustBoss product line is known for its rugged quality and long service life, often described as one of the most reliable and low–maintenance pieces of equipment on any job site,” Lewis concluded. “Our 3-year or 3,000-hour warranty is evidence of our confidence in the products.  The DB-45 Surge is designed with that same philosophy: it’s built to last.”