Dust monitoring is a requirement for many construction projects and in industries such as quarrying, mining and manufacturing.
There are two different size fractions of dust particles (or particulate matter) that are typically measured:
Particulate matter can enter the lungs and bloodstream and is linked to a wide range of physical and mental health disorders.
Monitoring for Dust Using Two Primary Methods:
Gravimetric sampling measures the mass of dust on a filter. This dust has been fallen onto the filter or a pump is used to pull large volumes of air across the filter.
In both cases, these filters are sent to a laboratory for analysis and a concentration for the sample period.
These measurements are very accurate, but are a historical result only and typically only give a result for either a month or 24 hour period. To determine the concentration of dust in real-time, sensor technology is required.
Real-time dust monitoring uses sensor technology in an analyzer to indirectly measure the concentration of dust. The dust particles are drawn over a laser and the amount of light scattered during this process is proportional to the dust concentration. Results are recorded every minute and allow for reactive management on-site. The accuracy of this technique depends on the quality of the sensor and the type of equipment being used. Accuracy can be greatly improved using the following:
These features will address community health concerns and satisfy stakeholders:
For further information about how to monitor dust, please call us for a free consultation.