It’s summer, and that means one thing for dust suppression hire companies like us – the phones are ringing off the hook.
Construction, demolition, and industrial sites across the UK are kicking up dust, and people are urgently looking for ways to keep it under control. More often than not, the first thing we hear is:
“We need a dust cannon.”
But here’s the thing: while dust cannons are a type of dust suppression, they’re just one piece of a much larger puzzle. And understanding what they are — and what they aren’t, can make all the difference when choosing the right solution for your site.
Dust cannons are probably what comes to mind when someone says “dust suppression”, and for good reason. These machines are big, bold, and built for heavy-duty use.
Picture a large cone-shaped head mounted on a trailer, usually paired with a generator and a bowser (a water tank). At the front is a nozzle ring (a circle of small nozzles that spray water) and at the back, a powerful fan that projects the mist over long distances.
Dust cannons are designed to soak the target area. They use a lot of water — typically between 30 and 70 litres per minute — and are best suited for large-scale outdoor work, especially where wind is a factor. This makes them perfect for high-dust environments like demolition or bulk material handling.
Because of their size, power, and water consumption, they sit at the higher end of the hire cost spectrum. But when you need serious suppression, they’re the “big boy” kit for the job.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting — not all machines that look like cannons are dust cannons.
Rotary atomisers are a completely different type of dust suppression equipment. While they might look similar at a glance (a cone-shaped head), they work differently and serve a different purpose.
Rather than a nozzle ring, rotary atomisers use a spinning disc (the ‘atomiser’) to throw a much finer mist into the air. They use far less water — usually under 10 litres per minute — and are ideal for close-up applications where too much water would be a problem.
They’re not designed to soak an area, but to control dust without flooding. This makes them perfect for internal use, confined spaces, or areas where water sensitivity is an issue.
Dust cannons throw a lot of water in heavier droplets
Rotary Atomisers throw less water in a finer mist (smaller droplets)
Dust cannons are for large-scale suppression and open ground where wind is a key factor
Rotary Atomisers are for up-close projects where a cannon would soak the area and produce too much water to be appropriate
Dust suppression isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the site, conditions, and goals, different tools are available:
Road-Tow Bowsers with Rear Spray Bars or Spreaders
Ideal for soaking access tracks and applying dust control additives over large surfaces.
Precision Misting Jet Equipment
Offers a compact alternative to dust cannons. Throws a heavy mist but in a more targeted way. Often requires a mains water connection.
Fixed Suppression Systems
Installed in place and connected to a mains supply. These systems might use cannons, atomisers, nozzle-line setups, or even targeted jet suppression directly at the dust source.
Boundary Misting Systems
These sit around the perimeter of a site, using a series of nozzles every 1–2 metres to form a “mist wall,” preventing dust from leaving the site.
Water Usage
High (30–70 L/min)
Low (<10 L/min)
Droplet Size
Larger, heavier droplets
Smaller, lighter droplets
Coverage Type
Long-range, open areas
Close-range, targeted
Use Case
Large-scale, outdoor
Smaller-scale, indoor or outdoor confined
Coverage Distance
20–60+m
10–20m
Choosing the wrong dust suppression setup can lead to poor results — or even create new problems. Use too little suppression, and dust escapes. Use too much, and you’re flooding your site unnecessarily.
That’s why it’s so important to get expert advice before hiring equipment. Every site is different, and the right solution depends on factors like site size, dust type, proximity to sensitive areas, and water availability.
Need help figuring out what you need? Give us a call on 01905 362100 or email [email protected] — we’re happy to guide you to the right dust suppression setup for your site.
View this article (page 13) on the Plant Planet website here!
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