Grain dust does not consist of a uniform set of particles; rather, it comprises various types and sizes of particles. The dust components vary depending on the type of grain that is being handled, however, it typically consists of grain particles, soil particles including silica, plant material, fungi, bacteria, fertilizer and agricultural chemical residues, insect waste, small rodents, and birds, endotoxins. Multiple conditions affect the composition of grain dust; for example, grain storage and growing conditions, harvesting methods, storage methods, etc. Grains that have been exposed to excessive amounts of water may contain elevated amounts of dust and bacteria due to the rotting processes.

The presence of grain dust in grain handling facilities poses significant risks to the health of workers and presents a threat of an explosion. The levels of grain dust must be observed and controlled, and the amount of dust needs to be lowered with the use of wet air scrubbers.

Inhaled grain dust causes mild throat irritation in most cases, however, prolonged exposure to grain dust which often happens at grain handling and storage facilities can cause bigger health problems, like severe allergic reactions to endotoxins and other grain dust components, fever, muscle aches, headaches, etc. People exposed to grain dust remain sick hours after, some may experience side effects for days after the exposure. Some individuals are affected by Farmer’s Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, which is a delayed allergic reaction caused when they inhale dust causing their bodies to produce antibodies. Another type of reaction to grain dust present in the air is Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome. Given the aforementioned reasons, grain dust control methods are an essential part of any grain handling facility. Wet air scrubbers are among the most effective ways to reduce the amount of grain dust in the air and dispose of it properly.

Dry dust collectors are often used instead of wet air scrubbers due to the initial costs being lower. However, dry dust collectors create a perfect environment for an explosion-enclosed space, high dust concentrations, and oxygen. Moreover, dry dust collectors are easily clogged and are hard to clean. High concentrations of dust often clog them and cause breakdowns. Wet air scrubbers perform much better as they significantly reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion. Most wet air scrubbers, however, clog with a dough-like substance that occurs after grain dust comes in contact with water.

If you are looking for the best air treatment device to improve air quality, Redwood Technology offers a cutting-edge type of wet scrubber – a Multi-Vortex wet air scrubber.

Redwood technology is a fast-growing vendor of wet air scrubbers. The multi-vortex scrubber can remove gas emissions, dust, vapors, and other pollutants from a gas stream. It is an innovative technology created to save water that makes it more cost-efficient and differs from other types of scrubbers.  If you have any questions or would like to purchase a multi-vortex wet air scrubber, please contact us at info@rdwd.tech