Sweeping technology is the unsung hero of urban spaces, allowing councils to maintain the pristine image of their locality and protect public health behind the scenes. Sweeping technology has evolved from simple debris removal tools to advanced systems that tackle complex urban environmental issues.
Learn the history of sweeping technology from the experts at KOR and how it’s used today for improving urban environments across Australia and New Zealand.
Historical Evolution of Sweeping Technology
Street sweeping initially focused on visible cleanliness, based on the belief that cleaner roads improved safety. However, studies by environmental agencies and the Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology have found that over half of harmful pollutants, including heavy metals, attach to particles 60 microns or smaller, meaning a clean appearance doesn’t guarantee a safe space. These tiny particles pose serious threats to both air and water quality. Modern sweeping technologies are now designed to efficiently remove these tiny but dangerous particles.
Tackling particulate pollution more effectively required a shift from manual brooms to advanced mechanical and air-based systems capable of managing pollutants that negatively impact environmental and public health like PM10s (fugitive dust) and TSS (total suspended solids).
Environmental Concerns & Technological Responses
The EPA’s emphasis on removing fine particles is part of a broader strategy to reduce health risks linked to pollutants. Because fine particles significantly affect air and water quality, their removal helps mitigate respiratory illnesses and water contamination in urban environments.
Modern sweeping systems, particularly regenerative air sweepers, are designed to effectively capture PM10s and TSS. Closed-loop systems in sweeping machines recycle air within the system, capturing pollutants and preventing them from being released back into the environment. This ensures that while pollutants are collected, cleaner air is continuously released, reducing the overall environmental impact and improving air quality in urban areas.
Regenerative Air Sweepers
Regenerative air sweepers are favoured for urban cleaning with a closed-loop air system that blasts and collects debris across the entire width of the pavement, delivering a thorough, consistent performance.
Benefits
- Highly efficient in capturing fine particles and reducing pollution.
- Versatile enough to handle different types of debris while requiring less maintenance.
Innovations & Future of Sweeping Technology
Future sweeping equipment will focus on minimising emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and incorporating advanced filtration systems to ensure cleaner air and healthier cities.
Sweeping technology is advancing towards smarter, more adaptable solutions with new models equipped with smart sensors that can detect debris build-up, enabling dynamic route adjustments for faster and more efficient cleaning.
The use of IoT technology allows sweepers to connect with city management systems, enabling real-time tracking of debris levels and optimised routing to reduce operational costs and fuel requirements.
