Dump and ROM Hopper Dust Control

Dump and ROM hoppers are a significant source of dust that is difficult to control. This is because they are difficult to enclose and the material is dumped quickly which causes a significant volume of displaced air which takes dust with it.

The following are some options to suppress Dump and ROM hopper but in most cases a combination will be the best solution.

Dry Fog Dust Control

Dry Fog is a super fine mist (average droplets size 5 microns) that due to the massive number of droplets and their corresponding large surface area are very efficient at suppressing airborne dust. They can be tuned so that they add minimal water (hence the Dry Fog name) while still suppressing dust. 

Dry Fog is the only solution which effectively suppresses dust in a dump hopper. The hopper is pre-filled with Dry Fog prior to dumping. As the dumped material displaces air in the hopper the displaced air (which is normally full of dust) is now full of dry fog which suppresses the airborne dust. The Dry Fog also suppresses any dust that comes off the truck or loader as it dumps.

Dry Fog suppresses the dust from dumping into a hopper.

Follow the link for more information on Dry Fog Dust Control.

Wind Fence to protect the dumping area from wind

One of the challenges with using Dry Fog is that it performs best when allowed to build up in and around the top of the hopper prior to dumping. If the hopper is exposed to wind then the Dry Fog (which is very susceptible to wind due to its small droplet size) can be blown away reducing its performance.

If the hopper is exposed to the wind then installing wind fence material to protect the hopper can allow the dry fog to buildup in the hopper prior to dumping and also give the dry fog more time to suppress the dust before being blown away.

Protecting the hopper from wind will significantly improve the performance of Dry Fog. 

Follow the link for more information on DSI DustTamer Wind Fence.

Wetting the material prior to dumping

It is possible to reduce the dumping and processing dust by pre wetting the material on the ROM pads prior to dumping in the ROM Hopper. We have designed and provided ROM sprinkler systems for clients to soak their ROM Pads prior to processing. This has resulted in significant success in reducing dump and processing dust and improving processing efficiency. This will not be possible for all site due to site water availability and the required processing moisture level.

Increasing the material moisture level by pre-wetting will reduce dust.

Follow the link for more information on Stockpile Dust Control Spray Systems.

Wet Earth can work with you to recommend a solution or combination of solutions to manage your conveyor and transfer point dust. Please call us on 02 6062 3300 or email sales@wetearth.com.au to discuss your project.