Test apparatus and method for testing dust suppression systems

Method for testing dust suppression systems using a test apparatus (1) comprising a housing (100) with

• two chambers (101,102) being separated from each other by a window (103) which comprises at least one transfer vent (104), wherein
• particle counting means (110,120) are detachably mounted to at least one of said two chambers (101.102),
• and wherein
• a first chamber (101) of the two chambers (101,102) comprises a door (121) and is equipped with supply means for supplying the first chamber (101) with particulate free air, and wherein the first chamber (101) is configured to receive a dust-comprising test object, wherein the dust-comprising test object is provided with the dust suppression system to be tested, and wherein
• a second chamber (102) of said two chambers (101,102) is equipped with exit means for releasing air from the second chamber (102);
• the method comprising the steps of
• a) providing the housing (100) with the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102) and
• b) placing the dust comprising test object provided with the dust suppression system and a weighed amount of dust particulates inside the first chamber (101),
• c) providing a particulate free air flow (A1) into the first chamber (101), thereby disturbing releasable dust particulates (4) from the dust comprising test object, and providing an airflow (A3) comprised of the particulate free air flow (A1) and air borne dust particulates (4),
• d) allowing the airflow (A3) to pass the transfer vent (104) in a controlled way and to enter the second chamber (102),
• e) activating the particle counter (120) at the second chamber (102) and quantifying dust particulates (4) in the airflow (A3), and
• f) based on a number of quantified particulates (4) in relation to the weighed amount of dust particulates (4), determining an efficiency of dust retention of the dust comprising test object.