Quarrying


Mobile dust and odour solution


Matthew Gibbons, sales engineer and director at Gibbons Engineering Group, explains why a mobile atomiser can resolve dust and odour problems on sites with no mains water.


containing silica represents a serious health risk. Silica is found in most rocks, sands and clays and fi ne airborne particles can enter the respiratory tract. These particles are so tiny that they often aren’t visible to the naked eye, presenting a hidden risk to workers.


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Being exposed to silica dust over a number of years can lead to silicosis, a form of scar tissue in the gas exchange region of the lungs that leads to diffi culties in oxygen uptake into the bloodstream. The effects of this can range from bronchitis and asthma to, in extreme cases, lung cancer. Therefore it is vital to have control measures in place that keep dust below harmful levels.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be used as a last resort, therefore simply supplying workers with dust masks is not an adequate way to deal with the presence of


harmful airborne silica particles.


So what is the solution? A SHAPA (Solids Handling &


Processing Association) report defi nes the priorities when tackling dust as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.


Prevention


Containment Suppression


Extraction and collection


Prevention of dust is unfortunately impossible in the quarrying and mining industries, and whilst containment is achievable within


30 March 2014 Solids and Bulk Handling


In this case, a cost-effective solution can be to hire (or buy) a mobile


atomiser. These portable units basically consist of a tank, extendable mast and fan, using rotary centrifugal energy to force liquid into a fi nely-atomised-mist. They can be towed to, from and around a site, have their own water supply, are usually low maintenance and offer wide coverage. Capacity varies, but a common water bowser size is 1,000 litres and


www.solidsandbulk.co.uk


y their very nature the quarrying and mining industries create dust. To those working in these fi elds, inhaling fi ne respirable dust


enclosed spaces, this is very diffi cult in an open environment.


The next option, therefore, is suppression, and on sites where mains water is available this is relatively straightforward. However, there are many locations where there is no fi xed water supply, giving mine and quarry operators a real headache, particularly at a time when increasingly tight restrictions on air pollution have


made dust suppression more


important than ever.


A mobile atomiser can help with dust and odour on sites


speed normally ranges from around 2,000- 11,000 rpm.


Some atomisers have a tendency to suffer from nozzle blockages, so it’s important to select a model that addresses the issue. The problem can be overcome by employing two opposing meshes that slice up the water into tiny droplets, which not only removes the need for fi lters but also means that droplets are dispersed at an optimum uniform size. This suppresses dust in even the most challenging environments as well as reducing the risk of Legionella.


It’s not only dust that can be an issue. Many processes create offensive odours that not only make life uncomfortable for workers, but can also prompt complaints from local residents. Using a suitable odour elimination agent in a mobile atomiser can remove unpleasant fragrances caused by ammonia, organic sulphur, hydrogen sulphide and nitrogen compounds. Rather than simply masking the smell, these agents combine physically with odour molecules, destroying them completely.


Ensure that such agents are


correctly stored and accompanied by a


material safety data sheet in


order to comply with COSHH regulations, which is a legal requirement for employers. So whether you’re looking for a temporary,


permanent or emergency solution to on-site dust and odour issues, a mobile atomiser ticks all the boxes. n


For further technical advice, Matthew Gibbons can be contacted at: matthew. gibbons@gibbonsgroup.co.uk, or you can visit: www.gibbonsgroup.co.uk


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