Dust suppression methods are crucial for a wide variety of projects, including mining, infrastructure, and farming. Without a dust suppression strategy, the dust can create adverse health and environmental consequences and slow down the project site efficiency.
To ensure that your project site is thoroughly managing dust, you need to utilise dust suppression technology specially formulated to handle all dust sizes.
On the market, you can find product solutions developed for specific dust mitigation needs, such as those that arise on coal face projects. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the best dust suppression method for coal face projects.
1. Why is dust suppression for the coal face necessary?
Dust suppression for the coal face is necessary for several reasons.
First and foremost, it is an integral part of safety management. You want to ensure that workers and the surrounding community are protected from the harmful effects (such as black lung) resulting from wind-borne particles. Similarly, there is a significant responsibility to the environment. The best dust suppression methods alleviate the effects of dust in the surrounding environment.
For your project, a proper dust suppression method for the coal face will increase your existing spray systems’ efficiency while also being adaptable for various projects.
However, one of the most significant dust suppression issues for the coal face is that coal is hydrophobic (water-resistant). This means that at the microscopic level, coal resists water.
Therefore, no matter how much water you spray at the coal face, the finest particles of dust will bounce off. Unfortunately, it is these fine particles that are the most hazardous and the ones that are most likely to cause disease and respiratory ailments.
For this reason, the only way to deal with dust suppression for the coal face effectively is by using a product that super-activates the water to target these fine particles.
2. What is the best product for dust suppression for the coal face?
When it comes to finding the best product for dust suppression for the coal face, it is crucial that you find one specially designed for this situation. The best product is the one that super-activates water, enabling it to coat the airborne dust particles and, therefore, make them drop out of suspension in the air.
A product, such as GRT: Activate UG that was developed specifically for the coal face, can be added into current spray systems, providing easy application. Once this occurs, the product soaks the coal face and catches the fine particles that would usually mobilise the fugitive dust. The health benefits of this are significant as the product removes hazardous dust particles – eliminating the cause of disease and respiratory illness.
Moreover, unlike other potential options, GRT: Activate UG will not affect the coal’s burning properties or the quality of your products. It only focuses on targeting and mitigating dust. This product also provides environmental benefits, as you will be using less water to manage the dust than if you were to try to do the same thing without it.
In addition to the coal face, you can use this special product to control dust from large mineral stockpiles, conveyors, or other fine or pulverised minerals. This product, in particular, boasts strong product characteristics that permit it to be utilised across multiple industries.
When you apply this product to the coal face, you can be assured that it is non-hazardous, non-corrosive and safe, non-flammable, and non-leaching. It is also biodegradable, non-dissipating, and ultraviolet ray resistant. And, if that weren’t enough, it dries transparent and is completely odourless.
3. How do I implement an effective dust suppression method?
Suppose you are looking to implement an effective dust suppression method. In that case, it is highly recommended that you reach out to a highly reputable team to work with them on devising a site-specific dust mitigation strategy.
Every site and project has a different set of challenges, making it crucial to partner with the experts to ensure that all variables of your project are considered.
Furthermore, the best dust suppression methods providers also have the capabilities to offer ongoing dust monitoring services. This will significantly help your project and will ensure that you have the most cost-effective protection throughout the project.
In fact, one of the key benefits of using a dust suppression method that is specifically targeted for the coal face is that it improves the efficiency of your project and allows for continuous mining operations. Overall, this helps to boost the related cost benefits.
Are you contemplating implementing dust suppression methods into your projects this year? Why or why not? What are the current issues you are facing when it comes to managing dust on your sites? What challenges do you need your potential dust suppression methods to resolve?
Let us know your thoughts and any additional questions you may have in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Troy Adams is the Managing Director of Global Road Technology, an international engineering technology company in Australia that specialises in engineered solutions for dust suppression, erosion control, soil stabilisation and water management. A pioneering, socially conscious Australian entrepreneur, Troy is passionate about safer, healthier and more cost-effective solutions in the mining and infrastructure sectors and beyond.