Retained Dust Suppression Agents for Dry Machining Silica Dust

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Machining processes release respirable particulate matter, particularly crystalline silica, exceeding permissible exposure limits, posing health risks to operators and requiring effective measures to reduce exposure.

Innovation Solution

The use of dust suppression agents, such as polymers, textiles, or combinations thereof, applied in forms like pads, pouches, or tapes, which are designed to be retained proximate to the material surface during machining, reducing the release of respirable particulate matter by entraining fine particles and preventing them from becoming airborne.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If dry machining process is used, then operator exposure to respirable particulate matter increases, but complexity of equipment and setup is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exposure to respirable particulate matterVSAvoidcomplexity of equipment and setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust suppression agent is applied to the material surface before machining begins, pre-positioning the suppression mechanism at the source of dust generation. This preliminary application allows the agent to be immediately available when cutting occurs, suppressing dust at its origin without requiring complex active delivery systems during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dust suppression agent acts as an intermediary substance between the machining tool and the material surface, intercepting respirable particulate matter before it can become airborne. This mediator approach reduces operator exposure without requiring direct intervention from complex ventilation or containment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dust suppression agents are applied in retained forms (pads, pouches, tapes), then effectiveness in reducing respirable dust increases, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverespirable particulate matter releaseVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dust suppression agent is contained within flexible carriers such as pads, pouches, or tapes that can conform to the material surface and machining area. These flexible forms allow for easy positioning and application while maintaining continuous contact with the dust generation zone, effectively suppressing respirable particles without requiring complex application mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retained dust suppression agents are designed as disposable or single-use components that are applied to the material surface and then discarded or removed after use. This approach simplifies operation by eliminating the need for complex retrieval, reloading, or maintenance systems, while still providing effective dust suppression during the machining process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If dust suppression agents are used during machining, then operator safety improves, but productivity decreases due to additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By applying the dust suppression agent before machining begins, the safety measure is integrated into the preparation phase rather than requiring interruption of the machining process. This allows the machining operation to proceed continuously with dust suppression already in place, minimizing impact on productivity while ensuring operator safety throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dust suppression agents significantly reduce operator exposure to respirable particulate matter, ensuring compliance with exposure limits and enhancing workplace safety by inhibiting the release of dust during machining processes, particularly in dry machining of materials like concrete and silica-containing materials.

Implementation Method 1

designed to be retained proximate to the material surface during machining, reducing the release of respirable particulate matter by entraining fine particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the retained dust suppression agent comprises an absorbent polymer, a textile, or both

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220162487A1Compositions and methods for reducing airborne particulate matter

Publication Date: 2022.05.26 WESTLAKE ROYAL ROOFING LLC

AI summary

Dust suppression agents and methods of use, e.g., to reduce operator exposure to particulate matter released during machining of a material, are described. The method may include providing a retained dust suppression agent proximate to a surface of the material and machining the material at the surface with a tool having a mechanized motion. The mechanized motion of the tool may release at least a portion of the retained dust suppression agent to reduce operator exposure to respirable particulate matter from the material as compared to machining the material at the surface absent the retained dust suppression agent.