Polish researchers create 'cannon' against haze

In the fight against smog, a group of scientists is testing a "cannon" device that uses sound waves to propel toxic particles into the air to help people breathe.

Mounted atop a metal container, the experimental apparatus consisted of a large upside-down cone that made a loud noise every 6 seconds. The goal is to clear the haze from Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. Like many other towns and cities in Poland, it faces the problem of smog every winter when people burn heavily polluting heating systems. As the sun went down, the haze spread over the town while the chimneys of the houses spread thick smoke.

Researchers test anti-haze device.

Poland is one of the most polluted countries in the world, far exceeding European standards during the heaviest smog time of the year. By generating sound waves, the researchers say the "cannon" helps reduce concentrations of harmful PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the town's air.

"We used a vertical shock wave created by burning acetylene and air," said Dominik Grybos of the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow, one of the system's inventors. "Waves push polluted air higher".

Toxic particles are pushed up several hundred meters higher, rendering them harmless to residents. "We found that if the cannon is used for 0.5 to 1 hour, pollution is reduced by 15 to 30 percent within a 2-3 km radius from where the gun is located," Grybos said. According to him, the effect lasts for 1-3 hours.

The team is looking to calculate the frequency required to fire the gun, as well as the time of the entire process. Usage cost is estimated at 250 - 375 USD for an hour. Grybos hopes the invention can be used in commercial applications, especially in Poland.

Local residents are very responsive to the idea of ​​​​inventing. "The haze here is very heavy. If the invention can help, let them experiment," said Jolanta Walkowicz, a 43-year-old accountant in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. "We barely heard the sound. It was like fireworks going off."