Construction site dust hangs like a gray shadow over cities, not only degrading air quality but directly threatening the health of nearby residents. While traditional water sprinkler trucks remain common for dust control, they face multiple challenges: high labor costs, complex operational management, and potential safety hazards that limit their effectiveness. Is there a more economical, efficient, and safer dust suppression solution that can target pollution at its source?

This research focuses on a novel dust control strategy: developing and evaluating an onboard spray system installed directly on earth-moving vehicles, particularly dump trucks. The system deploys spray pipes and nozzles around the truck body, equipped with a water pump and tank, to effectively suppress dust generated during vehicle operation. This article details the system's design principles, key technical parameters, performance evaluation methods, and potential applications, offering a practical solution for construction site dust control.

With rapid urban development, increasing construction sites have made dust pollution more prominent. Dust particles not only affect air quality but may carry heavy metals and other harmful substances, posing potential health risks. Traditional dust control measures like water trucks show several limitations:

• Low efficiency: Requires frequent trips between water sources and construction sites, consuming significant time and labor while covering limited areas.
• High costs: Operating expenses include vehicle purchase, fuel consumption, labor wages, and maintenance.
• Safety risks: Movement around active construction sites increases collision hazards with other vehicles or workers.
• Suboptimal results: Difficult water volume control can create slippery surfaces or standing water, potentially worsening dust problems.

These limitations highlight the urgent need for more efficient, economical, and safer dust control technologies that address pollution at its source.

The vehicle-mounted spray system targets these shortcomings through precision dust source control, comprising:

• Spray pipes and nozzles: Corrosion-resistant, high-pressure piping surrounds the truck body with optimized nozzle placement and spacing for complete coverage. Fine mist nozzles maximize dust particle contact.
• Water pump: Adjustable flow and pressure based on vehicle speed and dust volume, featuring energy-efficient operation.
• Water tank: Sized for transport distance and spray frequency, using corrosion-resistant materials with placement optimized for vehicle stability.
• Control system: Automated operation adjusts spray parameters based on real-time conditions, incorporating fault detection capabilities.

The design prioritizes water conservation through efficient nozzles and smart controls, along with modular installation requiring minimal vehicle modification. Durable components ensure easy maintenance, while safety-certified electrical systems guarantee secure operation.

Testing involved laboratory simulations of truck operation under various spray parameters, followed by field applications at actual construction sites measuring dust concentration reductions.

Results demonstrated over 80% dust suppression efficiency, with significant air quality improvements at test sites. The system effectively reduced environmental impacts on surrounding areas.

Evaluation considered acquisition, installation, maintenance, and operational costs against environmental, health, and social benefits from reduced pollution.

While initial investment exceeds traditional methods, the system's high efficiency and low operating costs deliver substantial long-term economic and societal returns.

The vehicle-mounted spray system represents an effective, economical, and safe dust control solution for construction sites, mines, ports, and similar environments. Key advantages include:

• Over 80% dust suppression efficiency
• Strong long-term cost-benefit performance
• Simple modular installation
• Low-maintenance durable components
• Certified safety systems

Future development will focus on enhanced intelligent controls adapting to weather and surface conditions, advanced water conservation through rainwater harvesting and recycling, and integration with complementary environmental technologies like air purifiers and noise control devices.

Through continued innovation and implementation, such systems promise meaningful contributions to greener urban development and improved environmental protection.