{"id":81188,"date":"2023-01-27T00:11:49","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T00:11:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalroadtechnology.com\/\/?p=81188"},"modified":"2023-01-27T00:12:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T00:12:32","slug":"conveyer-dust-suppression-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalroadtechnology.com\/conveyer-dust-suppression-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Conveyer dust suppression methods – Fog cannon vs GRT dust suppression"},"content":{"rendered":"

Conveyor systems are everywhere in the industrial world. <\/span>From agriculture to airports, mining to mail rooms, conveyors are critical for moving products and items from a to b. <\/span>In two of those scenarios, namely agriculture and mining, conveyors often kick up large amounts of dust, which can be hard to control and harmful to health. <\/span>Input and transfer chutes generate dust, where the material is put onto or leaves the belt, and the wind on uncovered conveying systems can also blow it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the modern world, we understand the effects that dust can have, from wearing on machinery and environmental damage to product waste and, most importantly, the issue of dust inhalation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dust inhalation can lead to potential respiratory problems like pneumoconiosis (black lung disease), silicosis, and eye and skin irritation.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Long-term exposure to dust can also increase the risk of lung cancer and other disease variants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about conveyor belt types and causes of dust in our industry article on conveyer and transfer point dust<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Methods for controlling dust on conveyor systems<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dust suppression on conveying systems can take many forms, with each measure usually tailored to the situation and industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few examples are:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Water Sprays:<\/b> Water is an effective way to suppress dust on conveying systems. Water sprayers can be seated along a conveyor belt to wet the material, reducing dust emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Enclosures:<\/b> Enclosing the conveyor system to protect its cargo from wind is another valid dust suppression method. It is simply done by installing a cover over the conveyor belt or building a structure around the system.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Air Filtration:<\/b> Air filtration systems can be installed to capture dust particles before they are released into the air. These systems can be placed at the discharge point of the conveyor or along the conveyor belt.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Vacuum Systems:<\/b> Vacuum systems can suck dust particles from the conveyor belt. Vacuum arrays are installed at the conveyor’s discharge point or along the travel line.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Additives:<\/b> Dust suppressants or binders are often added to the material conveyed, helping decrease dust emissions. These additives, like those supplied by GRT, can be added directly to the material or sprayed onto the belt.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Regular Maintenance:<\/b> Regular maintenance of a conveying system can also help to reduce dust. Tasks can include cleaning, tightening loose parts, and ensuring that the components are in good order.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    While there a no specific dust control regulations for conveyer systems in Australia, broader mining regs apply.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Conveyor dust suppression – Fog cannons vs GRT Dust suppression systems<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Fog cannons are regularly in use as dust suppressants on mining conveyor systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, dust particles are hydrophobic, meaning the fog\u2019s fine mist only acts as a barrier and won\u2019t capture the dust and drop it out of suspension.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    This makes traditional water-based methods and fog cannons less effective<\/a> <\/span>for conveyor dust suppression due to the high surface tension of H2O.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Moreover, Fog cannon systems are energy-intensive and need to use electricity or generator sets (petrol or diesel) to power high-pressure water pumps and high-powered turbine fans that convert water into an atomized mist via nozzles.<\/p>\n

    The solution?<\/b><\/p>\n

    \"Fog<\/span><\/p>\n

    To improve conveyor dust suppression, GRT implements a combination of chemistry and particle size in making water work for conveyor and transfer point dust suppression.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n