Dust Collection for Aggregate and Quarries
Silica dust in aggregate production and quarries comes from crushing and screening, transportation and transfer points, conveyor movement, stockpiles and storage, and loading of the aggregate onto shipping vehicles. Processing sand, stone, and gravel produce dust which can contain silica, which causes respiratory diseases. It requires a multi-faceted system to suppress, contain, and collect dust from mining and processing aggregate.
Challenges
- Silica dust hazard. Minerals in aggregate, sand, gravel, and stone contain silica, which is linked to silicosis, a respiratory disease. Proper dust capture, suppression, and collection is necessary to keep workers safe.
- Truck & Equipment Loading. Any point where stone and mineral aggregate is being moved, loaded, or transported is a point where dust can be created.
- Meeting PEL and OSHA standards. Regulations for worker exposure exist for workplace safety. Properly designed and maintained dust collection systems keep dust levels within permissible levels.
- Keeping dust dry for collection & filtration. Keeping dust and particulate dry keeps equipment running properly and maintains filter longevity.
Needs
- Source capture on truck loading. Moving and loading aggregate and mineral products on trucks produces dust. Collection must occur at loading points to reduce dust.
- Housekeeping and clean up in shop environments. Dust must be cleaned up regularly to reduce silica exposure. Vacuum and dust collection equipment can be implemented for streamlined cleaning operations.
- Central collection systems for conveying and loading. Belt conveyors and loading points are sources for dust. Strategic dust collection systems reduce dust and capture dust efficiently.
- Robust filters and collector design to handle abrasive dust. Traditional filters can wear out quickly and filter leaks can occur. Specialized collector systems and filter are necessary to hold up to mining and quarry conditions.
Dust Suppression and Collection for Quarries
Aggregate production, sand, stone, gravel, and recycled concrete requires dust capture at several points. Atomized foam is used to suppress dust in stockpiles. Conveyors and crushers are usually sealed and fitted with a suction hood to collect dust from aggregate.