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Birmingham-based Colemans has joined with mechanical engineers from Aston University in a knowledge transfer project (KTP) to pioneer a smarter way to manage harmful dust from building demolition.

Rsearchers are looking at exploiting smart sensors, mechatronics and digital manufacturing to produce a protype intelligent dust suppression and extraction system that is capable of responding to changing and unpredictable weather conditions.

Conventional forms of dust management consume vast quantities of water, usually in the form of sprays. This water-intensive approach can create harmful slurry that pollutes waterways and blocks sewage systems.

The project aims to tackle the environmental cost of dust management with an intelligent system that reduces water and energy usage.

Colemans chief executive Mark Coleman said: “Solving an industry-wide problem like dust management requires a very specialist knowledge base, so this project allows us to work in collaboration with specialist engineers to exchange ideas and expertise. It means we can get to work to tackle the environmental costs of demolition dust in ways that would not be possible if we were to tackle this challenge on our own.”

Yu Jia, senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at Aston University, said: “As a group of mechanical engineers, we’re very passionate about designing things better to reduce pollution and improve efficiencies. By partnering with Colemans – a company that prioritises environmental impact over economic impact – we’re working together to develop a sophisticated dust suppression system that aims to be the first to deliver much-needed reductions in water and energy use on demolition sites.”

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