Dust Control for Bulk Material Storage & Handling
Ventilation and Dust Control. Bulk Material Storage and Handling.
Dust is generated during the storage and handling of bulk materials in mining operations due to several factors, many of which are inherent to bulk materials’ characteristics and the processes associated with their storage, transfer, and movement. Materials with fine, dry, and lightweight particles, such as sand, coal, grains, or cement, are more likely to become airborne. Bulk items such as; grains, fertilizers, zinc, lead and silver (to name a few) need to be handled and stored under specific conditions due to additional risks.
In addition, the ventilation of storage sheds is also key for protecting the quality of the product being stored and to preventing the combustion of certain products in confined spaces.
Dust Generating Activities. Bulk Material Storage and Handling.
Key dust generating activities in bulk material storage and handling include:
- Loading and Unloading – High drop heights during loading and unloading create turbulence that can dislodge particles. Pneumatic conveying systems may further exacerbate the dispersal of fine dust.
- Material Transfer – Movement along conveyor belts, chutes, or augers generates friction and mechanical disturbances, which can release dust. Open transfer points expose materials to wind or airflow, increasing the dispersion of dust.
- Blending and Mixing – These processes agitate materials, releasing fine particles into the air.
- Stockpile Management – Creating or reshaping stockpiles using mechanical equipment can disturb materials and result in the release of dust.
Dust Control. Mining Applications.
Grydale Dust Control Solutions. Bulk Material Storage and Handling.
To effectively address the causes of dust generation, a combination of control measures is typically necessary as part of an operations dust management plan.
One key dust control measure is the installation of dust collection systems at critical points where dust is generated to capture airborne particles. This can be supported by enclosing transfer points to seal conveyors, hoppers, and other handling equipment to prevent dust from escaping into the environment. In addition, minimising airflow disturbances by using barriers or controlled ventilation can limit unnecessary airflow over dusty materials and reduce the potential for dust generation.
Grydale is a manufacturer specialising in fixed, mobile, and onboard dust control solutions designed to manage dust from various industrial operations and processes in Australia and internationally.
We recognise the unique challenges bulk material storage and handling operations face in effectively managing dust emissions. As a trusted provider of customised dust control solutions, we assist companies in minimising airborne dust, protecting their workforce, and reducing environmental impact.
We can customise our advanced products and services to meet each client’s needs, ensuring effective dust control and enhanced operational efficiency.
JMS F-Series.
Fixed Dust Collectors.
Our JMS F-Series fixed-unit dust collectors offer a long-term and cost-effective solution to dust and fume control and are designed to handle high-volume dust loads. Our modular design provides flexibility in the dust control units’ size relative to the required air volumes. Our engineering team can use site and process drawings to determine airflow requirements and design ducting configuration to achieve a total dust control solution.
JMS M-Series.
Mobile Dust Collectors.
Our JMS M-Series mobile dust collectors offer air volumes from 6 m3/s (12,000 CFM) to 60 m3/s (125,000 CFM) and are available as diesel, electric, or hybrid solutions. Skid-mounted units are designed when dust collection needs are relatively static; however, track-mounted units can be used to easily move along with dust-generating processes or for temporary works.
Effective Dust Control. Benefits.
Implementing effective dust control solutions in bulk material storage and handling can lead to the following benefits:
1. Health and Safety
- Dust generated from materials such as cement, coal, grains, or chemicals can be hazardous to workers’ respiratory health, potentially leading to conditions like silicosis, asthma, or other lung diseases. Furthermore, settled dust can create slip hazards, increasing the risk of workplace accidents. Fine dust particles, particularly combustible dust (e.g., from coal, grains, or metal powders), can create explosive atmospheres, posing risks to both facilities and personnel.
2. Environmental Protection
- Fugitive dust can escape into the environment, contributing to air pollution and compromising compliance with environmental regulations. When dust settles on soil or water sources, it can harm plant and aquatic life, disrupting local ecosystems.
3. Regulatory Compliance
- Companies are required to comply with stringent air and dust emission standards. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or operational shutdowns.
4. Community Relations
- Dust that spreads from bulk material handling facilities to surrounding areas may lead to complaints from local communities regarding health concerns, property damage, or nuisance. Implementing effective dust control measures demonstrates a company’s responsibility and helps maintain good relationships with neighbors and stakeholders.
5. Operational Efficiency
- Fugitive dust represents a loss of valuable products, negatively impacting profitability and operational efficiency. Dust can infiltrate machinery, causing wear and tear, clogging filters, and increasing maintenance costs and downtime. Reducing airborne dust also improves visibility for workers and equipment operators, thereby decreasing the likelihood of accidents.
6. Product Quality and Contamination Prevention
- Dust can contaminate nearby materials, especially in facilities that handle diverse products. Excessive dust generation can degrade the quality of bulk materials during handling and storage.
7. Maintenance Benefits
- Effective dust control minimises the need for frequent cleaning of facilities, vehicles, and equipment. Dust accumulation can corrode metal structures, reducing their lifespan and increasing maintenance costs.
In summary, dust control in bulk material storage and handling ensures workplace safety, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. It protects workers, minimises financial losses, and safeguards the surrounding community and environment, making it a vital component of any material handling operation.
Our Experience. Dust Control in Bulk Material Storage & Handling.
Flexible Investment Options. Purchase or Short-Long Term Rental.
Purchase Options
We currently have stock of new and refurbished dust collectors for immediate purchase along with efficient manufacturing facilities in QLD, Australia.
Rental
Grydale’s currently have one of the largest rental fleets of mobile dust collectors in the country, offering air volumes from 6m3/s (12,000 CFM) to 60m3/s (125,000 CFM). These units are ideal for bulk material storage and handling facilities and are available for short, medium and long-term rental or purchase.
- Rental units offer an effective dust control and ventilation solution for temporary works. Rental units can also be used to keep projects operational while fixed dust collection equipment is undergoing maintenance works or while waiting for the manufacture or installation of permanent units.
- Our onsite service and support team provide full operator familiarisation training to allow you to run units on site effectively.
- Dry and Wet hire arrangements available.
- We undertake scheduled and preventative servicing and maintenance of our equipment to ensure units arrive on site ready for work. This gives you the peace of mind that units have been fully serviced and maintained by the team who know our products best.
More Information? Contact Us.
If you would like more information on our dust control solutions please complete the form below.
We try to respond to requests on the same business day, however if your enquiry is urgent please call our team on +61 1300 929 349. Our office hours are between 07:00 and 17:00 (AEST) Monday to Friday.