Wind, Water, and Dust: How Wind Fences Enhance Industrial Sprinkler Systems
Contents
How a Wind Fence Makes Things Better: Spotlight on Water Sprinklers.
How a Wind Fence Makes Things Better
How a Wind Fence Makes Things Better: Spotlight on Water Sprinklers.
I’m sure many of you will agree that running through a sprinkler as a child on a hot summer day is a cherished memory. I recall making a game out of it with my friends to see how many times we could run under the arching water without getting wet. The game was fairly predictable because with consistent water pressure and sprinkler position, we could anticipate the trajectory of the water. That is, until the wind picked up and completely thwarted everything. A lesson in how unpredictable airflow can disrupt even the most well-laid plans.
The same principle applies in industrial settings that use water sprinklers as part of their dust management system.
Industrial water sprinkler systems are designed to distribute water evenly across stockyards, construction sites, haul roads, and other areas to control fugitive dust and reduce air pollution.
These sprinklers provide effective dust control until the wind kicks up. (It’s a well-documented struggle). Some sprinkler systems incorporate the use wind-activated technology that redirects the sprinklers with the wind. With or without this technology, sprinkler systems still release the water into moving air where wind speed and direction can shift rapidly. This might lead to:
- Keeping the water sprinkler systems running for a longer time to achieve dust control
- Increasing flow rates
- Overflow in some areas
- Inconsistent coverage
- Higher water consumption and pumping costs
- Increasing cycling frequency
- Spray drift
- Increased evaporation rates
It is plain to see that there is one common denominator when it comes to decreased water sprinkler effectiveness: WIND. When do you get the most dust? When the wind is blowing. When are sprinklers the least efficient? When the wind is blowing.
In other words, sprinklers are at their worst when you need them the most. A wind fence can make things better by making it a “calm day” every day.
Wind Fences – Water Sprinklers – Carousel by Claire Cowie
How a Wind Fence Makes Things Better
Targeted wind fences can create localized enclosures around the area where water sprinklers are in use. Depending on design and placement, localized wind speeds can be reduced by up to 80% over localized areas resulting in more even distribution of water and a lower rate of water consumption. This means less spray drift, consistent coverage, decreased evaporation, improved dust control, and cost savings.
Portable wind fences are another option available to help enhance water sprinkler systems. These flexible wind breaks are designed for seamless on-site relocation without dismantling or reassembly to help maximize dust control and optimize wind sprinkler systems where needed. The benefits are the same as a typical wind fence, except with the add value of greater flexibility for changing operations.
The bottom line? By creating a wind reduced area with a wind fence, water sprinklers can do what they were designed to do.
A wind fence truly does make things better.
Claire Cowie is a seasoned Quality Assurance Manager with over two decades of experience in healthcare and manufacturing. Her career began in pharmacy, where she led teams and honed her skills in quality management systems. As she transitioned to the manufacturing sector, her unique background combines a deep understanding of policy and quality assurance with a keen eye for quality control.
Claire has been instrumental in implementing and cultivating a comprehensive quality control program within WeatherSolve Structures. She has successfully integrated her pharmaceutical background with manufacturing best practices, particularly in areas such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO 9001 standards. Her unique blend of experience continues to drive innovation and excellence in her role.