Street sweepers have a larger impact on society than you might realize. Explore some fun facts about street sweeping you should know about.
Street Sweepers Help Preserve Water Quality
Street sweepers help preserve visual aesthetics for public facilities, parks, business establishments, and neighborhoods while also aiding in the preservation of water systems. Street sweeping helps to remove particles and pollutants that storms could sweep away, which could otherwise end up in rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans, thus leading to contamination. Lastly, street sweepers help preserve wildlife, prevent deterioration, and remove toxic plastics, litter, and harmful metals from the environment.
Street Sweepers Originate in Manchester
Did you know that street sweepers have an extensive history? They were first introduced in the Industrial Revolution in Manchester because it was the largest textile industry in the world at the time. Large industrial expansions made it the most unhealthy place to live due to excessive street debris and litter. As a result, the first-ever street-sweeping machine came from inventor C.S. Bishop in 1849.
Street sweepers first operated in the streets of Manchester, helping to remove excess trash and litter, making it much healthier for residents to live in and tourists to explore. Over time, the street sweeper made design changes in the 1970s and 1990s, and eventually, it became a worldwide tool.
Different Types of Street Sweepers
One fun fact about street sweeping is that there isn’t just one type but three different styles to know about. These variations include pure vacuums, regenerative air sweepers, and mechanical broom sweepers. The mechanical broom street sweeper is the most popular choice in the industry, as it consists of an oversized dustpan and broom to collect varying sizes of debris and particles. They operate by running side to side, moving and collecting debris that travels up a conveyor belt and into a contaminant bin.
Pure vacuums consist of giant vacuum cleansers that aid in removing debris from the streets. The fans generate air to help pick up debris. These vacuum machines use brush systems to direct waste toward vacuum nozzles; the air goes through exhaust systems and out of the device. Lastly, regenerative air sweepers use air jets in hydraulic systems to loosen dirt, drawing it toward the truck’s center and into the hopper. It’s a self-contained air system to prevent particles from entering the atmosphere, making it environmentally friendly.
