SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
Nozzles were placed at the hopper mouth, so the DCU could spray treated moisture inward toward the impact zone. As the cargo is loaded by haul trucks into the dump pocket, the discharge creates a tremendous amount of airfl ow, lifting the small particles into the air. Prior to the system’s installation, fugitive dust would exit the far end of the hopper and settle in the immediate work area or travel with the prevailing air movement through the mine. T is raised concerns over
Monitors, valves and boosters are set in accessible cabinets so the system is easy to inspect and maintain
workplace air quality. By keeping the particles within the material fl ow, the new dust control system helps minimise health and safety issues, reduce wear and tear on equipment and create a better work environment.
Results achieved After some fi ne-tuning to obtain the optimal chemical-to-water ratio, as well as proper sprayer placement for best coverage of the cargo fl ow, the system has eliminated most visual
signs of dust emissions and has drastically improved air quality in and out of the mine. “It’s almost like a light switch,”
Nance comments. “Turn the DCU on and the dust is no longer present at either of the emission points. Turn it off and within a few minutes, the dust returns.” Martin’s preemptive dust mitigation strategy helped Continental stay ahead of state and federal regulations on dust emissions. Along with improving the work conditions inside and outside of the mine, the cement manufacturer continues the positive relationship it has had with the community since its inception. “T e Martin team has gone above
and beyond to make sure everything is operational and effi cient,” Rosenkrans concludes. “We are currently considering a service contract for the new dust system, and potentially including the company’s onsite blade replacement service as well. From our fi rst encounter, we’ve had a positive experience throughout the entire process and we’re very satisfi ed with the result.”
Cost analysis T ere are 22 employees in the mine. T e cost of cement industry dust to society and workers has been studied in depth by the EPA to justify dust regulations. T e cost of the installation was about US$50,000 and the annual maintenance and chemical costs are about US$35,000 per year. T e fi ve-year net present value (NPV) of the costs plus the investment is about US$200,000. Using the data from the EPA report, the benefi t to society created by Continental from being proactive in the mine is approximately US$375,000. ●
Mark Strebel is Dust Division manager at Martin Engineering.
www.martin-eng.com
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