EP4341491A1

EP4341491A1 - Working machine and method for reducing the formation of dust during track construction works

Info

Publication number: EP4341491A1
Application number: EP22731076.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jörg Frenzel; Julius A CAMPO; David Prust
Original assignee: Hyperion BV
Current assignee: Hyperion BV
Priority date: 2021-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-18
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: DE102021205190A1; WO2022243374A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a working machine (20) for track construction works, wherein: the working machine (20) has at least one working region (21) in which ballast (32) is moved; and high-pressure water nozzles (28) are situated on the working machine (20) near to the working region (21) and are designed to generate a water spray of a defined width and length around the working region (21). The invention also relates to a method for reducing the formation of dust during track construction works using a working machine (20) for track construction works.

Description

Working machine and method for reducing the formation of dust during track construction work

The invention relates to a working machine for track construction work, the working machine having at least one working area on which ballast is moved, and a method for reducing the formation of dust during track construction work using a working machine.

Such working machines are, for example, tamping machines, ballast cleaning machines or renewal trains (track renewal using assembly line technology) or excavators. A tamping machine, also known as a tamping machine or tamping train, is a track construction machine for compacting the ballast (tamping) in the superstructure under the sleepers. A tamping machine has a tamping unit equipped with vibrating tamping picks that dip into the ballast and then use horizontal movements to push and compact the ballast under the sleepers. A ballast cleaning machine picks up the ballast from the track bed, cleans it and puts the ballast back out. A renewal train also picks up the sleepers and replaces them.

During pavement renewal, dust in the form of insoluble mineral dust is released through handling of the ballast. Gravel can be basalt gravel or another type of rock than gravel (e.g. limestone).

With the tamping machines, dust is generated particularly in the working area of the tamping picks for compacting the ballast. In the case of ballast cleaning machines and track renewal trains, the scraper chain, which is used to remove the old ballast from the track bed, is a particularly dusty working area. Another work area with a high level of dust formation are transfer points between conveyor belts for the ballast or discharge points for the ballast or areas in which sleepers are removed from the ballast or reinserted.

Particles with a diameter of more than 10 pm - the so-called coarse dust - mostly stick to the nasal hairs or the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. However, smaller and very small dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs (air sacs) via the trachea and bronchi. For this reason, fine dust is also referred to as inhalable dust (E dust - particles smaller than 10 μm) or as respirable dust (A dust - particles smaller than 2.5 μm). Next to the Influence of these dust sizes can also be found in all types of gravel, the component quartz. Quartz and certain asbestos fibers (in particular blue asbestos) - according to their main effect - are counted among the scar-forming (fibrogenic) dusts, since after frequent exposure over a long period of time (due to chronic inhalation) they lead to progressive remodeling of the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis). is accompanied by functional impairment of breathing and gas exchange (ventilation and diffusion disorders).

Various measures are known to solve the problem, which are often combined:

combination of blowing ventilation and dedusting,

- sufficient weathering times for enclosures

- Use of dust binding agents to moisten, wet or spray the roadway

The use of water sometimes brings new problems with it, which limits its use. For example, if water is used heavily (the ballast pile has been completely soaked beforehand), the tunnel drainage can be heavily loaded or pollutants can be flushed out of the track bed. The water contaminated in this way must be collected and disposed of or treated accordingly.

Especially in railway construction, the BG BAU/Federal Railway Authority has defined dust extraction in combination with water to be introduced beforehand as the most effective method to date to reduce dust. Extraction and single-house systems have been arranged by the Federal Railway Authority in the area of dust sources from ballast cleaning machines. In addition to the enormously high required performance of the extraction systems (400 kW) and the associated heat generation by the machine and housing, this has other disadvantages, since the associated logistics (course of the extraction pipes, filter system, automatic cleaning of the filter inserts), the actual space requirement and the storage (and their later disposal) of the contaminated dusts during the cleaning and filtering performance are enormous. The accessible working area is also restricted by the arrangement of the suction and filter systems and in the event of a Parallel track (if available at all!) filter and machine unit that travels with the opposite track for other logistics or railway construction services. The achievable work output is reduced, the necessary working time during which work personnel are in the work area increases and the available work and safety area is reduced.

The invention is based on the technical problem of creating a working machine for track construction work, which has at least one working area on which ballast is moved, in which the reduction in dust formation is improved. Another problem is the provision of a corresponding method.

The technical problem is solved by a working machine with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 10. Further advantageous refinements of the invention result from the dependent claims.

The working machine for track construction work has at least one working area where ballast is moved. Water nozzles operated at high pressure are arranged on the work machine in the vicinity of the work area and are designed in such a way as to generate a water mist of defined width and length around the work area. High pressure is understood to mean a pressure of >40 bar. The pressure is preferably between 40 and 80 bar. More preferably, the water mist is generated permanently and standing. However, designs are also possible where the water mist is generated in pulses, for example every three to five seconds. Even higher pressures can then be used. The droplet size of the water mist is preferably less than 1 mm and is preferably between 50 and 150 μm. The length and width of the water mist is preferably dependent on the type of work machine or the type of work area. The width of the water mist is preferably greater than 3 m and can be up to 20 m or more. However, the width can also be less than 3 m in individual cases. In particular, a certain width is misted directly in front of and in the working area, so that when the working machine moves longitudinally, the working area always enters an existing, standing water mist. It can also be provided that the width of the water mist is adapted to the length of the sleepers, with the width of the water mist being at least 5 to 10 cm greater than the length of the sleepers, for example. The length of the water mist is preferably greater than 2 m, more preferably greater than 4 m. However, there are also applications in which the water mist is less than 2 m long. The water nozzles can be aligned in such a way that they generate the water mist in the longitudinal direction or direction of movement of the working machine. If the water nozzles are arranged in front of the working area, they spray back (against the direction of movement). If these are arranged behind the working area, they spray in the direction of travel. The water nozzles can also be arranged additionally or only laterally and then spray transversely to the direction of movement. The working area is preferably a scraper chain and/or a transfer point for ballast between two conveyor belts and/or the immersion point of the tamping pick of a tamping machine or a shovel or similar on an excavator and/or discharge points for ballast into a track bed.

The number of water nozzles is preferably between 4 and 50 for each dust-generating point, which are more preferably supplied with water from a common pump. With an increasing number of water nozzles, the pump has to apply a correspondingly greater pumping capacity or several pumps have to be used. It has turned out to be particularly efficient when the number of water nozzles is between 30 and 40. The pump output is between 200 and 300 l/h, for example.

Another advantage of nebulization is that fine dust particles can agglomerate into larger grains. These then sink to the ground and can then be transported away with the gravel to be picked up, which is also moistened, or can also be sucked in more easily. This agglomeration effect can optionally be further increased by adding dust binding agents, in which case a further advantage of nebulization is that the amount of binding agent used can be significantly reduced compared to the usual method of application. Compared to the previously described known methods for avoiding dust, this results in a significant reduction in the amount of material used.

In one embodiment, the work machine is designed in such a way that the orientation of the water nozzles and/or the high pressure on the water nozzles can be adjusted. The adjustability can be done manually or automatically. Due to the adjustability, the working machine can respond to changing external influences such as react to wind. Depending on the wall strength and direction, the smoke screen is influenced. These influences can be at least partially compensated for by the settings, so that the working conditions are always almost comparable. In the case of automatic adjustment, provision can be made, for example, for the wall thickness and direction to be measured by sensors, with the parameters for aligning the water nozzles and/or the set high pressure then being read from a characteristic curve or table. In addition or as an alternative, a camera or laser can also be provided, which records the water mist and uses the captured image data to change the settings until the desired shape of the water mist is achieved.

In one embodiment, the working machine has at least one fan and air-guiding structures for generating a laminar flow, with the water nozzles being designed in such a way that they spray the water mist into the laminar flow. In this way it can be achieved in particular that the water mist can be adjusted for a sufficiently long time. The air-guiding structures are, for example, air-guiding plates, which can also have additional coatings.

In a further embodiment, the working machine has at least one suction device which is arranged opposite the water nozzles.

This allows the water-dust particles to be collected. For example, the suction device is designed as a suction fan with a cyclone separator. The water can then be cleaned and fed back to the water nozzles. It can also be provided that the alignment of the suction device is also adjustable.

In a further embodiment, the working machine has at least one conveyor belt for ballast, with the conveyor belt being encased by a circulating belt at least along a section of the conveyor belt, with the working machine also having a water bath which is designed in such a way that a part of the circulating belt is is in the water bath. This allows the moistened belt to absorb rising dust from the conveyor belt and direct it to the water bath. The circulating band is designed as a fleece, for example. Alternatively, the tape can also be electrostatically charged, in which case the water bath is then omitted. In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the working machine has at least one conveyor belt for ballast, with two circulating belts being stretched over the conveyor belt at least along a section of the conveyor belt, with the working machine having at least one water bath which is designed in such a way that a part of the circulating belt is in the water bath. Here, too, the bands are preferably in the form of fleece. Furthermore, each band is preferably assigned its own water bath. A pressure roller is also preferably provided in each case, which presses the dirty water contaminated with dust out of the belt before it is immersed again in the water bath. The dirty water can then be cleaned and fed to the water bath or other units of the working machine. Alternatively, the belts can be electrostatically charged, in which case the water baths are no longer necessary.

In a further alternative or supplementary embodiment, the working machine has at least one conveyor belt for ballast, with a hood being arranged over the conveyor belt at least along a section of the conveyor belt, with water nozzles being arranged on the hood, which are designed in such a way that a radial water jet on the inner wall to generate the hood. The water jet is then injected on one side of the hood in such a way that the hood is covered with a permanently closed film of water over its entire length and width. The water jet picks up dust particles and flows off on the opposite side. The draining dirty water can then be cleaned. The air flow in the closed space between the conveyor belt and the hood can be turbulent in order to loosen additional dust particles from the transported ballast and bring dust particles already in the air into contact with the surrounding water jet. Alternatively, the hood can also be electrostatically charged, in which case there is no need for a water jet.

In a further alternative or supplementary embodiment, the work machine has at least one conveyor belt for gravel, with fans for generating a laminar air flow being arranged next to the conveyor belt at least along a section of the conveyor belt, with the air flow being aligned transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, the work machine further Has water jets located on the opposite side of the conveyor belt. The water nozzles create a vertically falling water mist next to the conveyor belt, that binds the dust. The droplet size here is preferably between 50 μm and 500 μm and more preferably between 50 and 100 μm. The dirty water falling down can be caught in a channel running parallel to the conveyor belt, for example, and then cleaned and reused.

In a further embodiment, the working machine additionally has at least one device which is designed in such a way as to generate a water mist in front of the working machine in a pulsed manner. As a result, the working machine always runs into a sinking water mist, so that the formation of dust around the working machine is effectively reduced. The device generates a water mist with a droplet size of less than 500 μm, with a droplet size of 100 μm preferably being generated. The pressure is preferably between 20 and 30 bar and more preferably 25 bar. In this case, an intermediate store is preferably provided, which stores the pressure. The pressure in the intermediate reservoir is preferably between 27 and 40 bar, more preferably between 35 and 40 bar and more preferably between 38 and 40 bar. The length of the water mist is preferably between 35 and 50 m. The width is preferably between 3 and 5 m. The water mist is preferably about 1 m above the track bed in front of the working machine. This enables the water to settle in a targeted manner and at the same time does not obstruct the view, so that work safety is increased. A water mist tunnel or a water mist blanket is clearly formed, into which the mobile working machine moves. Since the working areas or working units (e.g. a scraper chain) are usually not directly at the head of the working machine, but a few meters behind it, it is an advantage if the working machine moves into the water mist tunnel. The dust that then rises absorbs the moisture in the form of water droplets and sinks back to the ground. The water consumption is considerably lower than with known sprinkling systems. A similar effect can be achieved with 125 liters of nebulized water as with 10,000 liters of water when sprinkling the track bed. About 17,000 liters of water, to which about 240,000 liters of air are added, are sufficient for an eight-hour shift. Preferably 3 to 6 pulses per minute are generated. The water mist can consist of pure water or contain additives. Devices for generating such water mist tunnels are known, for example, from firefighting, where they are used for the so-called impulse extinguishing method and are manufactured, for example, by the IFEX company. It also does not have to be the complete device in the Work machine to be integrated. For example, only the actual impulse cannon is integrated into the working machine, whereas other parts, such as the water tank and pressure accumulator, are arranged on a rail-mounted platform in front of the working machine.

In terms of the method, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that a person carries the device for pulsed nebulization.

In an alternative embodiment, the device for reducing the formation of dust during track construction work comprises at least one water chamber, at least one pressure chamber, at least one quick-release valve, at least one nozzle and a controller, with the controller being designed in such a way that the at least one quick-release valve is activated in pulses, so that the pressure chamber and water chamber are connected by pressure and a water mist is generated, the device having means for detachably connecting the device to a rail-mounted platform, or the device having a rail-mounted platform.

The platform can be arranged in front of the working machine and pushed by the working machine.

In one embodiment, the means for generating the water mist are arranged on a platform that is separate from the drive machine, with the water mist being generated counter to the direction of movement of the working machine. The platform can have its own drive or be pulled. The advantage of this is that there is no additional mechanical stress on the area in front of the working machine and thus in the vicinity of the process-related track hole in the area of the clearing chains of a working machine.

However, the individual measures can also be combined. Thus, first means can be arranged on a platform that is separate from the working machine, with further means being integrated into the working machine and/or being arranged directly in front of it.

It can also be provided that the means in front of or in the work machine generate the water mist in different directions (forward, backward, left, right). Included it can further be provided that the means in or immediately in front of the work machine generate the water mist with lower pressure and shorter length.

In a further embodiment, the water mist is detected by means of at least one sensor system and the frequency of the pulses is adjusted depending on the data from the sensor system. This ensures that there is always a sufficient water mist wall. The sensor system is designed as a camera, for example. In addition, object detection can be carried out using the sensors. Provision can be made for the generation of the water mist to be interrupted when an object (e.g. a person) is detected.

In a further embodiment, a sensor system is provided for detecting a distance from the working machine, the data from which can be used to control a drive machine of the platform or the means themselves. For example, the means can be pivoted vertically or the working pressure can be adjusted. The sensor system can be designed as a laser, radar or lidar sensor. However, the sensor system can also be designed as a stereo camera. The data from the sensor system for detecting the distance from the working machine can also be used for object recognition.

In a further embodiment, several means are arranged in parallel. As a result, on the one hand, a desired width of the water mist wall can be set more easily. A further advantage is that the various means can be controlled at different times in relation to one another, so that an overall higher pulse rate can be generated. In this case, individual means can also only be actuated according to the situation, for example if the sensor system that detects the water mist detects too little water mist. Alternatively, the plurality of means can also be distributed radially around an axis, in which case the means can then be rotated around the axis in a revolving manner and successively generate a water mist.

In a further embodiment, the means are pivotable. The means can be designed to be pivotable horizontally and/or vertically. The end angle of the water mist and thus its length can be adjusted by the vertical pivoting. For example, the means can be pivoted as a function of the data from the sensor system for detecting the distance from the working machine. Provision can also be made for the nozzles to be monitored, for example for clogging or icing. It can also be provided that the nozzles are heated when there is a risk of icing.

In a further embodiment, the nozzle is designed to be adjustable and/or designed in such a way that attachments can be attached in front of it in order to adjust the nebulization in this way. The attachments can be grids, for example. Furthermore, perforated discs can also be provided, which can be pre-rotated against one another. For example, when used on the working machine, the misting can be increased, but this is at the expense of the length of the water mist.

The pressure chamber is preferably connected to a compressor, which repeatedly builds up the necessary pressure of, for example, 25 bar. In this case, the aforementioned buffer store can be arranged between the pressure chamber and the compressor. The water chamber is connected to a water tank or a water pipe so that the water chamber is constantly being refilled. The water tank can also be connected to a water pipe. The water can be conveyed under pressure from the water tank into the water chamber. The compressor for the pressure chamber can also be used for this purpose, which then has two functions.

In a further embodiment, the device has at least one sensor system for detecting the water mist, with the control unit being designed in such a way that it activates the quick-acting closure valve as a function of the data from the sensor system.

In a further embodiment, the device is pivotable. This makes it possible to set the width of the water mist wall in particular.

The devices described above for pulsed nebulization can also be used on their own, i.e. without the high-pressure water nozzles described, to reduce dust, so that they also represent an invention on their own.

With regard to the procedural design, reference is made in full to the previous statements. The invention is explained in more detail below using preferred exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

1 shows a schematic representation of a work machine for track construction work,

2 shows a schematic detailed view in the area of the work area,

3 shows a schematic front view of a conveyor belt for gravel in a first embodiment,

4 shows a schematic front view of a conveyor belt for gravel in a second embodiment,

5 shows a schematic front view of a conveyor belt for gravel in a third embodiment,

6 shows a schematic perspective view of a conveyor belt for gravel in a further view,

7 shows a greatly simplified schematic representation of a device for the pulsed generation of water mist,

8 shows a schematic plan view of a device and a working machine and

9 shows a schematic side view of the device and working machine.

A work machine 20 for track construction work, which moves in the direction of travel F, is shown schematically in FIG. 1 . The working machine 20 is, for example, a roadbed train, a ballast cleaning machine or a tamping machine. The work machine 20 has at least one work area 21 on which ballast is moved. In the example shown, this is, for example, a scraper chain, by means of which ballast is removed from the track bed for cleaning. 2 shows a device 22 for reducing the formation of dust at a work area 21 of the work machine 20 . Gravel is moved in the working area 21 so that dust particles 23 rise. The device 22 has at least one blower 24 that sucks in ambient air 25 and forces the sucked-in air through air-guiding structures 26 so that a laminar air flow 27 is created. Water nozzles 28 are arranged on the blower 24 opposite end of the air guiding structures 26, which form fine water droplets 29 with a high pressure of >40 bar, which have a diameter of 100 to 500 μm. The water droplets 29 are carried along by the laminar air flow 27 . Then meet dust particles 23 on water droplets 29, so there is a connection. On the side of the working area opposite the water nozzles 28 there is a suction device 30 which has, for example, a suction fan for driving a cyclone separator. The water droplets 29 with the bound dust particles 23 are then sucked in by means of the suction device 30 . The dirty water collected in this way can then be cleaned and fed back to the water nozzles 28 . The exposure to dust can thus be effectively reduced by means of the device 22 .

3 shows a device 31 for reducing the formation of dust when transporting ballast 32 on a conveyor belt 33 . The device 31 has a circulating belt 34 that encloses the conveyor belt 33 and runs over rollers 35 . Not all rollers have to be designed as drive rollers. Some rollers 35 can also be designed as simple deflection rollers. The device 31 also has a water bath 36 , with part of the circulating belt 34 always being in the water bath 36 . If dust particles then rise during the movement, they stick to the wet belt 34 and are transported away to the water bath 36, where they detach. In addition, mechanical means can be provided in order to detach the dust particles adhering to the belt 34 from the belt 34 .

4 shows an alternative device 31 for reducing the formation of dust when transporting ballast 32 on a conveyor belt 33 . In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the device 31 has two circulating belts 34 which cover the conveyor belt 33 almost completely. In addition, each band 34 is assigned a pressure roller 37, by means of which the water with the adhering dust particles 23 is pressed out of the band 34 during the return transport of the band 34 and into one Dirty water tank 38 is passed, where this can then be cleaned afterwards.

Another alternative device 31 for reducing the formation of dust when transporting ballast 32 on a conveyor belt 33 is shown in FIG. 5 . A hood 39 is arranged next to and above the conveyor belt 33 . A water nozzle 40 is arranged on one edge of the hood 39, which generates a water jet 41 from fresh water 43, which runs radially on the inner wall of the hood 39 and drains off as dirty water 42 on the opposite edge.

Another alternative device 31 for reducing the formation of dust when transporting ballast on a conveyor belt 33 is shown in FIG. Fans 44 are arranged along a section of the conveyor belt 33 and generate a laminar air flow 45 transversely to the transport direction TR of the conveyor belt 33 . Water nozzles 46 are arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 33 and produce a water mist 47 directed downwards from above. During transport, gravel particles 23 rising upwards are blown into the water mist 47 by the laminar air flow 45 , combine with water droplets and fall down into a drainage channel 48 . This dirty water 49 is fed to a filter unit 50 and the cleaned water 51 is fed back to the water nozzles 46 .

7 shows the device 1 for reducing the formation of dust, which can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the high-pressure water nozzles 28 . The device 1 has a pressure chamber 2 and a water chamber 3 which are connected to one another via a quick-release valve 4 . The device 1 also has a compressor 5 which is connected to the pressure chamber 2 . In this case, an intermediate reservoir can also be arranged between the pressure chamber 2 and the compressor 5, which has a higher pressure than the working pressure in the pressure chamber 2. The water chamber 3 is connected to a water tank 6 . A nozzle 7 is arranged on the water chamber 3 . The device 1 also has sensors 8 for detecting a water mist and a distance from the work machine, as well as a controller 9 that controls the quick-release valve 4 . By opening the quick-release valve 4, the water in the water chamber 3 is pressed through the nozzle 7 and creates a water mist. The exit speed can be up to 400 km/h and more be. The length L of the water mist is preferably between 35 m and 50 m and the width between 3 m and 5 m. Due to the recoil forces that occur, the device 1 must be mounted accordingly. Furthermore, a pressure sensor (not shown) can be arranged in the pressure chamber 2 , which is connected to the controller 9 in terms of data technology. Thus, the controller 9 controls the quick-release valve 4 only when the desired working pressure in the pressure chamber 2 has been reached. The desired working pressure can be set and is preferably 25 bar. However, the working pressure can also be changed depending on the data from the sensors 8 during operation.

A plan view is shown in FIG. 8 , the device 1 being arranged on a platform 10 . The platform 10 moves about 50 m in front of a working machine 20, for example a ballast cleaning machine, which moves in the direction F of travel. The movement of platform 10 and work machine 20 can be synchronized. The device 1 thereby generates a water mist 12 which has a length L, a width B and a height H, the height H being approximately 1 m directly in front of the working machine 20 (see FIG. 9). The water mist 12 forms a water mist wall that cannot be overcome by the rising dust. The device 1 is mounted accordingly on the platform 10 in order to absorb the recoil forces. Furthermore, the device 1 on the platform 10 can be designed to be pivotable horizontally and/or vertically.

Reference List

1 device

2 pressure chamber

3 water chamber

4 quick release valve

5 compressor

6 water tank

7 nozzle

8 sensors

9 control

10 platform

12 water mist

20 working machine

21 work area

22 device

23 dust particles

24 blowers

25 ambient air

26 Airflow Structure

27 air flow

28 water nozzle

29 water droplets

30 drainage device

31 device

32 gravel

33 conveyor belt

34 volume

35 roll

36 water bath

37 pressure roller

38 recovery tank

39 hood

40 water nozzle

41 water jet 2 dirty water

43 fresh water

44 blowers

45 airflow

46 water nozzle

47 water mist

48 gutter

49 foul water

50 filter unit

51 purified water

L length

B width

H height

F direction of travel

TR transport direction

Claims

patent claims

1. Work machine (20) for track construction work, the work machine (20) having at least one work area (21) on which ballast (32) is moved, characterized in that on the work machine (20) in the vicinity of the work area (21) with High-pressure operated water nozzles (28) are arranged, which are designed in such a way to generate a standing water mist of a defined width and length around the work area (21).

2. Working machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the working machine is designed in such a way that the alignment of the water nozzles and/or the high pressure at the water nozzles can be adjusted.

3. Machine according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the machine (20) has at least one fan (24) and air-guiding structures (26) for generating a laminar flow (27), the water nozzles (28) being arranged in this way that they spray the water mist into the laminar flow.

4. Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working machine (20) has at least one suction device (30) which is arranged opposite the water nozzles (28).

5. Work machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work machine (20) has at least one conveyor belt (33) for ballast (32), the conveyor belt (33) being supported by a circulating belt at least along a section of the conveyor belt (33). (34), the working machine (20) further comprising a water bath (36) which is arranged such that a part of the circulating belt (34) is located in the water bath (36).

6. Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working machine (20) has at least one conveyor belt (33) for ballast (32), wherein at least along a section of the conveyor belt (33), two circulating belts (34) are stretched over the conveyor belt (33), the working machine (20) having at least one water bath (36) which is arranged in such a way that a part of the circulating belt (34) is in the water bath (36) is located.

7. Work machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work machine (20) has at least one conveyor belt (33) for ballast (32), with fans (44) for generating a laminar air flow at least along a section of the conveyor belt (33). (45) are arranged next to the conveyor belt (33), the air flow (45) being aligned transversely to the conveying direction (TR) of the conveyor belt (33), the working machine (20) further having water nozzles (46) which are on the opposite side of the conveyor belt (33) are arranged.

8. Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working machine (20) has at least one conveyor belt (33), a hood (39) being arranged over the conveyor belt (33) at least along a section of the conveyor belt (33), water nozzles (40) being arranged on the hood (39) which are designed in such a way as to generate a radial water jet (41) on the inner wall of the hood (39).

9. Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working machine (20) has at least one device (1) which is designed in such a way as to generate a water mist in a pulsed manner in front of the working machine (20).

10. A method for reducing the formation of dust during track construction work using a working machine (20) for track construction work, the working machine (20) having at least one working area (21) on which ballast (32) is moved, with means in the vicinity of the working area (21 ) arranged water nozzles (28) with high pressure a water mist of defined width and length around the work area (21) is generated.