Damping down dust problems

Keeping dust levels down on a large-scale excavation project is a constant problem for contractors.

Vallely Tankers have converted a Volvo A35 articulated dumptruck into a dust-suppression unit (DSU) for H.J. Banks. Apart from routine haul road damping duties, the DSU can also be adapted as a water canon to direct water to the heart of the face, thereby preventing dust arising at source.

Three separate pumps provide the unit with loading/ discharge, spraying, jetting, water canon and fire-fighting capabilities. H.J. Banks were so pleased with the performance that a second unit has just been commissioned.

George Holt, field service supervisor for H.J. Banks, commented: ‘Vallely have been tremendous in creating a unit that meets our exacting needs. The DSU can, at times, be the most important piece of plant on the site and must therefore be reliable. Adapting the existing body to take over 5,000gal [of water] has given a new life to these dumptrucks and solved the problem of sourcing large-capacity DSUs.’

Vallely Tankers Ltd, Ridge Road, Ledston Luck, Leeds, W. Yorks LS25 7BS; tel: (0113) 286 1295; fax: (0113) 287 3839.