Efficient dust binding due to newly developed throwing body

1 Cannon 3090 of the latest model series New Generation (NG)
© Frutiger

In parallel with the constant tightening of air pollution regulations and new findings on the harmful effects of dust, the demand for products to contain dust emissions is constantly increasing. Eight years ago, FRUTIGER launched its own product line in the field of dust binding under the brand name MobyDick. The robust dust-binding systems quickly proved their worth and have become indispensable helpers in many operations. However, experience has also shown that in certain applications the operating conditions, such as the throwing distances or dust generation, are constantly changing. In such situations, the characteristics of the systems previously available on the market, with fixed throw distances and uniform spray patterns, were not always optimal. For this reason, FRUTIGER decided to push ahead with product development and launch a new, adaptive generation of dust-binding systems.

2 The Cannon Cart model in action during the demolition of a 12-storey hospital bed tower
© Frutiger

With the support of the Institute of Aerodynamics at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, FRUTIGER engineers developed a new highly efficient throwing body (cone) with the help of field tests, the latest aerodynamic findings and computer-aided calculations. Since conventional sheet metal is not suitable for the production of the optimal aerodynamic shape of the cone, FRUTIGER relies exclusively on high-quality composite fibre. The robust material has many advantages in everyday practice, is extraordinarily robust, corrosion-resistant and noise-insulating. In addition to the new design, the development also included custom-made high-performance stators and an aerodynamic fairing for the motor unit.

The innovations led to a considerable increase in throwing power, which can be infinitely adjusted to different applications at any time thanks to a frequency converter built into the system. If the situation requires, it is also possible to work with very little energy and unrivalled low noise emissions. In addition to the proven nozzle ring, an innovative nozzle head ensures up to 50 % higher dust-binding capacity. The water can be optimally adapted to a dust accumulation by means of different spray patterns, which improves the dust-binding effect and reduces unwanted moistening of the floor.

The dust-binding capabilities of a MobyDick system were also recently relied upon during the demolition of a 12-storey hospital bed tower. The demolition work took place in the middle of the agglomeration, during ongoing hospital operations, where regular arrivals and departures of the rescue helicopter were also the order of the day. Accordingly, reliable dust suppression was a high priority. The responsible contractor relied on the Cannon Cart model with a throw range of around 25 m. Thanks to its compact size and low weight, the system could be used very flexibly and to optimally support the two demolition excavators, which worked their way down floor by floor.