Farmers Lung from Agri dust
26 Jan 2015
Farmer’s lung (not to be confused with silo-filler’s disease) is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by the inhalation of biologic dusts coming from hay dust or mould spores from other agricultural products. Farmers Lung is an allergic reaction usually caused by breathing in this dust and can cause lung diseases such as asthma.
The spores released from handling mouldy hay, grains, straw, corn or even tobacco can cause farmers lung and new guidelines on how to control exposure have been released by the Health and Safety executive. They recommend the use of respiratory protective equipment where breathing the dust is unavoidable and to handle the hay, Haylage etc gently to avoid stirring up the dust.
Ken Mills Engineering Ltd has innovated a solution that significantly benefits the agricultural sector, particularly in mitigating health risks associated with dust exposure. Their delivery drum, a high-efficiency dust separator, is a testament to the company’s commitment to creating safer work environments. This unit is adept at removing a substantial 95% of harmful dust and mold spores, which is crucial in preventing respiratory diseases that can afflict farmers and workers in the industry. The versatility of the delivery drum is evident in its ability to process a variety of materials such as hay, straw, wood shavings, and shredded paper, making it an indispensable tool for various agricultural applications.
The delivery drum operates in harmony with a pneumatic conveying system, ensuring that dust and spores are efficiently extracted from the air stream during conveyance. The result is a delivery of material that is completely free of air and dust contaminants, which not only improves the quality of the end product but also enhances the safety of the work environment. The clean material is then seamlessly transferred to the end baling machine, bagging machine, hopper, or drying machine, as required. This integration of the delivery drum into existing systems exemplifies Ken Mills Engineering Ltd’s ability to innovate within the constraints of current agricultural processes, providing solutions that are both effective and easily adoptable.
The impact of such a device extends beyond just the immediate improvement of air quality; it represents a proactive approach to occupational health, potentially reducing long-term health care costs and increasing productivity by ensuring a healthier workforce. Moreover, the reduction of dust in the end products can enhance their marketability, as cleaner products are often more appealing to consumers. The delivery drum’s design is tailored to meet the specific needs of the materials it processes, which speaks to Ken Mills Engineering Ltd’s attention to detail and customer-centric approach.
In the broader context of agricultural technology, the delivery drum is a reflection of the industry’s ongoing evolution towards more sustainable and health-conscious practices. As companies like Ken Mills Engineering Ltd continue to push the boundaries of innovation, they contribute to a more resilient and efficient agricultural ecosystem. The delivery drum is not just a piece of machinery; it is a symbol of the industry’s dedication to progress and the well-being of those who work within it. The company’s expertise in engineering and manufacturing, coupled with a deep understanding of the agricultural sector’s needs, has resulted in a product that is both a technological triumph and a boon for public health.
For more information about this process and the delivery drum please contact Lauren Morton laurenm@kenmills.com