Abstract
Water sprays are a common method used to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions. Various factors such as wettability, surface area coverage, fine particle engulfment rates, interparticle adhesion forces, suppressant penetration and suppressant longevity have all been suggested as critical factors in achieving effective PM control. However, it has not been established which of these factors are the most important. Experimental work indicated that suppressant penetration is the most critical of these factors. The length of time after application that suppressants were effective was also improved by using hygroscopic reagents that retained moisture to prevent evaporation. Maximizing suppressant penetration and improving suppressant longevity led to an average 86% reduction in PM10 concentrations in laboratory dust tower tests.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.
References
Chander, S., Mohal, B.R., and Aplan, F.F., 1986, “Wetting characteristics of particles and their significance in dust abatement,” presented at the International Symposium on Respirable Dust in the Mineral Industries, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, Oct. 14–16.
Chander, S., Mohal, B.R., and Apian, F.F., 1987, “Wetting behavior of coal in the presence of some nonionic surfactants,” Colloids and Surfaces, Vol. 26, pp. 205–216.
Copeland, C.R., and Kawatra, S.K., 2006, “Surfactants: Do they work for suppression of dust in iron ore plants?’ Particle Technology Forum of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Orlando, Florida, April.
Copeland, C.R., and Kawatra, S.K., 2005, “Dust suppression in iron ore processing plants,” Minerals & Metallurgical Processing, Vol. 22, No. 4, November, pp. 177–191.
Cristovici, M.A., 1991, “Investigation to control mine dust using surfactants and a new approach for eliminating their negative effect on flotation,” Minerals & Metallurgical Processing, Vol. 8, No. 1, Feb. pp. 38–42
Kilau, H.W., 1993, “The wettability of coal and its relevance to the control of dust during coal mining,” Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 649–667.
Kim, J., 1995, “Respirable Coal Dust Control Using Surfactants—With Special Emphasis On a Liquid Spray System,” PhD Thesis, University of Missouri—Rolla.
Kim, J., and Tien, J.C., 1993, “Enhanced dust suppression using surfactants,” Proceedings of the 6th U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium, June 21–23. Salt Lake City, Utah, pp. 523–528.
Kim, J., and Ten, J.C., 1994, “The Effect of Added Base on Coal Wetting Ability of Nonionic Surfactant Solutions Used for Dust Control,” Mining Engineer, Vol. 154, No. 399, pp. 151–155.
Mohal, B.R., 1988, “Enhancement of the Wettability of Coal Powders Using Surfactants,” PhD Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.
Mohal, B.R., and Chander, S., 1986, “A new technique to determine wettability of powders-imbibition time measurements,” Colloids and Surfaces. Vol. 21, pp. 193–203.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Copeland, C.R., Eisele, T.C., Chesney, D.J. et al. Factors influencing dust suppressant effectiveness. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 25, 215–222 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403411
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403411
Key words
- Dust control
- Surfactants
- Wettability