BOMAG’s cleaner milling machine

BOMAG has developed a novel system for reducing dust levels around its milling machines. Called the Ion Dust Shield, this patented system uses ionisation to positively charge dust particles from milled cuttings. The firm says that current dust extraction technology for milling machines focuses on minimising dust levels around the operator. These ensure that the working area is kept free from dust, with this retrieved material then being exhausted to the discharge conveyor, typically at a height of around 5m
November 28, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
BOMAG’s Ion Dust Shield is claimed to reduce dust missions from a milling machine by 80%
172 BOMAG has developed a novel system for reducing dust levels around its milling machines. Called the Ion Dust Shield, this patented system uses ionisation to positively charge dust particles from milled cuttings. The firm says that current dust extraction technology for milling machines focuses on minimising dust levels around the operator. These ensure that the working area is kept free from dust, with this retrieved material then being exhausted to the discharge conveyor, typically at a height of around 5m with a standard machine.
However, the problem with this method according to BOMAG is that micro particles can end up hanging in the air around the machine, taking several hours to fall back to the ground. And it is these micro particles that provide a hazard to human health with a potential for causing lung or heart damage once they enter the body. But by ensuring that the micro particles are positively charged, BOMAG’s Ion Dust Shield ensures that the micro particles stick together so that they are larger and do not hang in the air. Moreover, as the particles are larger they also will not enter the lungs or heart.


According to BOMAG, this patented system reduces dust by 80%. Any dust settling on the machine can be simply washed off at the end of a shift as the particles will remain stuck together. A spokesperson for the firm said, “This is not a filter, so there’s no need to dispose of a contaminated component.” The spokesperson continued, “We have a system that converts dangerous micro particles into non dangerous large particles.”

The system is being introduced first on the firm’s smaller milling machines as these are typically used for operations in urban locations, where there may be concerns about dust.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • MTVs help transfer material efficiently
    June 20, 2016
    Mention the letters MTV and most people will think you’re referring to Music Television, the firm that revolutionised the music video. But in the road construction sector the letters have another meaning: Material Transfer Vehicle. Roadtec pioneered the MTV concept with its Shuttle Buggy, which it introduced in 1989. The concept was a novel one, providing a transition between the truck hauling the asphalt to the site and the asphalt paver. The idea of the machine was that it would provide a buffer system
    Read More
  • Trends in asphalt plant innovations
    August 27, 2019
    Key trends exist in the asphalt plant market, with manufacturers focussing on meeting customer needs and industry trends
    Read More
  • Road hazards for winter driving
    March 28, 2018
    With the Northern Hemisphere in winter, it is no surprise that many of the countries in the north are now experiencing cold conditions that can make driving challenging. Driving on roads covered in ice or snow can present serious dangers, particularly for the unwary or for those inexperienced with poor conditions. Too many drivers are unaware that ABS systems can be ineffective in snowy or icy conditions. Old-fashioned driving techniques such as cadence braking are not always taught these days, but are im
    Read More
  • Meeting engine emission regulations challenges
    February 16, 2012
    New engine emission regulations pose major challenges for engine manufacturers - Geoff Ashcroft reports. The arrival of emissions regulations in January for engines over 130kW has meant that engine makers have adopted varied technologies to meet and exceed those goals. For the end user though, buying new kit that complies with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations is likely to carry additional costs.
    Read More

Highlighted Content