Improving the Environmental Safety of Construction Industry Enterprises through the Use of Modern Dust Suppression Technologies
Authors: Bespalov V. I. , Gurova O. S. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction. In the modern world, special attention is paid to the quality of atmospheric air. One of the major contributors to air pollution is the release of harmful substances, including solid particles from industrial activities. These particles can accumulate in high concentrations, making it difficult for even the most efficient (up to 95.0%) cleaning devices to keep up. That is why the development and improvement of highly efficient air purification devices from dust are very relevant. In this regard, as a scientific problem, the authors highlighted the need to improve engineering means of air purification from dust by separating the dispersed phase (dust particles) and the dispersion medium (air), which ultimately will lead to an increase in cleaning efficiency. The aim of this study is to improve the environmental safety of industrial sites of construction industry enterprises and adjacent residential areas by using highly effective means of air purification.

To achieve this goal, we have developed a physics and power-engineering concept and created a block diagram of a physical model for reducing air pollution from construction dust. We have also developed a highly efficient and economical device for hydrodynamic purification of ventilation air from poorly wetted clumping dust. The experiments were conducted to identify the real range of values of the efficiency of air purification from dust.

Materials and Methods. The research is based on methods of physical modeling, mathematical description, and statistical analysis of experimental data. 

Results. As a result of the research, it was found that:

− the basis for the development of a highly efficient and economical air purification device from various types of construction dust could be based on the physics and power-engineering scientific concept proposed by the authors, describing the processes of pollution and reduction of air pollution; 

− step-by-step consideration of the process of air pollution could be the basis for scientific justification and description of the process of air pollution reduction in the construction industry;

− based on the analysis of the process of the reduction of air pollution by various types of construction dust, it was possible to develop a block diagram of a physical model of this process;

− the study of the behavior and properties of dust aerosol and external force influences directed at it made it possible to outline the main directions, technologies and engineering means to increase the efficiency of the cleaning process and develop a highly efficient and economical device that implemented this process;

− to study the range of changes in the values of the efficiency of air purification from dust, a number of experimental studies were conducted in laboratory conditions. 

Discussion and Conclusion. The studies conducted allowed us to determine that an increase in air purification efficiency from dust with a SiO2 content of 20–70% was achieved in the device through a series of design modifications that enhanced wetting, bonding, and removal of particulate matter from the air. Simultaneously, high levels of integrated efficiency  (96.5–98.7%) ensured the compliance with regulatory environmental standards for atmospheric surface air quality.