In fully-automated systems, the network can be equipped with sensors that track wind and weather details, with customized software and programmable logic control via computer. Driven by proprietary software, the resulting ‘intelligent’ systems can be programmed to manage start/stop cycles based on dust monitor readings, motion sensors or weather input. The technology allows users of DustBoss equipment to automatically adjust elevation, oscillation range and other features on any number of machines to improve suppression efficiency and free up manpower for other tasks. The tower units provide a versatile, customizable dust and
odour control solution. Spraying the worksite from above, the tower units help prevent nuisance dust or odour from entering the air stream, greatly reducing the possibility of fugitive dust leaving the worksite. With the number of tower sizes and available options, the systems are customized based on the needs of the specific application and individual location.
Dust Control Technology is a global provider of dust and odor control solutions for mining, rock and aggregate processing, demolition, recycling and scrap processing. The company’s DustBoss® product line helps reduce labour costs vs. manual sprays, freeing up manpower for more important tasks. The automated units also use less water than hoses and sprinklers, with some customers realizing payback in less than six months and netting an annual cost savings of more than $50,000.
To overcome the maintenance problems and operating costs of centralized dust control systems, Martin Engineering recommends the use of insertable air cleaners on conveyor transfer points and recently introduced an updated version of its insertable air cleaner. The Martin® Air Cleaner is very effective in applications which create significant dust.
Rather than carry dust-laden air to a central collector, insertable systems filter the air inside the transfer point where they can easily return material to the conveying system.
Dust collectors have been around for decades. However, the name dust collector is misleading. The unit does not collect airborne dust; rather it solves the problem of airborne
dust by keeping fine particles in the load, by returning them to the main material body, essentially cleaning the air of dust.
An integral fan pulls dust-laden air through the filter elements. The air passes through the filter, leaving the particles on the filter element. Each filter element is then regularly cleaned by a ‘reverse jet’ of compressed air, which is injected into the filter element. This causes a momentary reversal of the air flow dislodging the dust cake back into the main material body.
The Martin
® Air Cleaner is the next generation of the insertable air cleaners. It features a side access door, making the units easier to service and more readily available for regular maintenance. Its rectangular design allows for more flexibility for expansion and it is available in four different configurations to control airborne dust at belt conveyor loading points and other bulk material handling operations.
The Martin
® Air Cleaner features mesh-like material in its filters which cleans better while consuming less energy than conventional filter bags. The filters allow a reduction of the size of the fans used to move air through the filter elements and therefore reduce the power consumption of the collection system.
The improved Martin
® Air Cleaner features the same small filter elements that were included in the previous insertable air cleaner. However, the system offers more flexibility to customers and is offered with two filters, three filters, four filters and even six filters. The two-filter version cycles 1,000CFM (air volume in cubic feet per minute), while the six-filter version can cycle up to 3,000CFM. Martin Engineering offers a range of system sizes and filter materials to match clients’ application environments.
The small filter elements allow a significant reduction in the air cleaner’s ‘footprint’, allowing the Air Cleaner to be installed in locations where tight quarters complicate the installation of the other systems.
In addition, the system is now available with a side access door which will allow the unit to be serviced quickly and more
safely. Because of this side access door, headroom is no longer an issue and allows access from a conveyor walkway.
The Martin
® Air Cleaner feature a pulse cleaning system where a short pulse of air is sent back through the filter to dislodge accumulated material. Changing the filter is now a one-hand, no-tool procedure utilizing the side access door of the air cleaner.
Installation of insertable air cleaners will eliminate many of the problems seen with central ‘baghouse’ collection systems, including long runs of ducting, large enclosures, maintenance difficulties and high power consumption. There is no large fan,
no ductwork and no central bag house. Insertable filters are
integrated into the transfer point enclosure, where they can easily return material to the conveying system.
Rather than carry dust-laden air to a central dust collector, the
Martin
® Air Cleaner filters the air inside the
transfer point and can effectively handle the heavy concentration of dust
and high volumes of air arising at belt conveyor transfer points.
The new line of insertable air cleaners was developed to handle the heavy dust concentrations and air volumes arising from material transfer points. They are designed to remove 99.9% by weight of all dry particulates 0.5 micron and larger (based on a time-weighted average of a properly-installed, operated and maintained unit.)
The automated ‘reverse jet’ cleaning sequence facilitates continuous operation, keeping filters working effectively with a minimum of compressed air. The small integrated fan runs only when the conveyor is operational, further improving energy efficiency. An insertable unit eliminates the need for installing or maintaining ductwork, and there’s no haulage or cleanup costs for waste disposal, since fugitive material is returned to the process.
The Martin® Air Cleaner is automatic, self-cleaning and was designed to remove dust from the air in conveyor loading and transfer points, silo vents, bucket elevators and screens and thereby minimizing the negative consequences of airborne dust and spillage, including the potential risk to worker health, explosive hazards and the potential for injury from slips, trips and falls. Another objective is to prevent waste, avoid unnecessary maintenance and enhance efficiency, allowing bulk handlers to contain fugitive dust within the material stream.
Founded in 1944, Martin Engineering is an active player striving to make bulk materials handling cleaner, safer and more productive. The firm is headquartered in Neponset, IL, offering manufacturing, sales and service from factory owned business units in Brazil, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa,Turkey, India and the UK.
Advanced air cannon design for improved material flow
Votorantim Cimentos, manufacturer of cement, concrete and aggregates has specified a total of 110 air cannons to facilitate material flow in two new plants currently nearing completion in Brazil. Starting in the early design stages of the project,Votorantim Cimentos has maintained an intense focus on efficient material flow, with engineers carefully researching the latest technologies to maximize efficiency and reduce maintenance expenses. Company officials anticipate that the cannons, equipped with high-efficiency valves, will prevent blockages that could slow production, while minimizing air consumption.
The two new plants are part of a massive R$2 billion investment to enhance production throughout Brazil, and are expected to produce approximately 8,500 tonnes of clinker per day between them when they come online later this year. In designing the processes,Votorantim engineers wanted to take all reasonable measures to prevent accumulations in vessels and storage systems. They contacted Martin Engineering to conduct an audit of the two processes, and a joint effort was developed to determine the optimum solution, including air cannon design, nozzle selection and specific locations to maintain high throughput.
AIR CANNON OPERATION“The two primary components of an air cannon are a high-flow valve and a pressure tank,” explained Martin Engineering national sales manager Rodrigo Trevenzolli. “The device performs work when
compressed air in the tank is suddenly released by the valve and directed through a nozzle, which is strategically positioned in the tower, duct, cyclone or other location.”
Often installed in a series and precisely sequenced for maximum effect, an air cannon network can be timed or computer-controlled to best suit individual process conditions and material characteristics. Fast-acting valves can release the tank volume in less than 300 milliseconds, creating a high-magnitude force at the exit nozzle which is installed through the wall of the vessel or duct.
The timed discharge breaks down material accumulations and releases blocked pathways, allowing solids and gases to resume normal flow without intervention by maintenance personnel. In order to customize the air cannon installation to the service environment, specific air blast characteristics can be achieved by manipulating the operating pressure, tank volume, valve design and nozzle shape.
COST OF OWNERSHIPOne of the primary reasons Votorantim officials selected Martin Engineering for the air cannon work is the low operating cost of the company’s equipment. “Compared to other sources of energy, compressed air is relatively expensive,” Trevenzolli
explained. “As energy costs continue to rise, so does the value of cannon technologies that can reduce compressed air consumption.”
Martin Engineering’s newest cannon designs optimize compressed air use by employing advanced valve technology, with more efficient valves mounted on smaller tanks able to deliver higher discharge forces than less efficient valves mounted on larger tanks. The work is performed more effectively by the high-efficiency valve,
and the compressed air savings is equal to the difference in tank volumes.
Because larger tanks deliver longer blast durations from the greater air volume being discharged, there’s a temptation to assume that the larger tanks perform more work. Trevenzolli explains the fallacy: “In reality, peak force is generated only during the first few thousandths of a second following the valve opening, so in applications requiring high output force to move material, the duration of useful energy is extremely short. The subsequent discharge of compressed air is actually wasted.”
The new family of positive-action valves from Martin Engineering produces about twice the blast force output of the valve generation introduced just a decade ago, while using about half the compressed air volume. If the two designs were set to deliver the same discharge force, the new valve would operate at about half the pressure of the preceding design. Firing only in response to a positive surge of air, the specially-designed valve allows the control solenoid to be positioned as far as 200 feet
(60 metres) from the tank, keeping critical components away from harsh service environments.
After studying the plant designs and potential accumulation spots, engineers from the two companies identified the optimum locations for the air cannons. Crews are now collaborating on the installation of 110 Martin® Hurricane Supreme Air Cannons in the plants, covering preheater towers, additive silos and cyclones.The units will fire a powerful
discharge of compressed air in a prescribed pattern to remove material that sticks to vessel walls and ductwork. In the Cuiaba´ plant, 56 cannons are being installed, with 54 being placed at Rio Branco.
The benefits of specifying the new technology for air cannon networks include reduced energy costs, improved system performance and increased uptime, with greater availability of compressed air for other processes within the plant. All should contribute to a healthier bottom line, justifying the added up- front expense with a payback period that’s far exceeded by the equipment’s expected lifespan.
Votorantim Cimentos was founded in 1936, and currently supplies more than 40 products from 50 different production facilities, located in nearly every Brazilian state. Outside Brazil, VC operates six factories and more than 150 concrete and aggregate units in North America, while maintaining substantial South American investments in Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru.
Cleveland Cascades systems lower dust emissions
Ever-increasing global consumption of commodities such as alumina, potash, iron ore and grain has brought well- documented challenges to the bulk handling industry and port operators the world over. As shipping volumes have grown, so have the demands on the industry to provide increasingly efficient bulk handling systems. Increased efficiency often means increased throughputs, which, for many dry bulk materials can increase dust emissions, leading to environmental pollution and putting operator safety at risk.
This efficiency vs. safety dilemma that faces the bulk handling industry is well known to Cleveland Cascades Limited. Based in the United Kingdom, the company has provided over 500 loading chutes the world over since 1992. The first of these chutes was in fact borne out of dust emission issues relating to the loading of potash in Middlesbrough, England.
“The Cleveland Cascade Chute originated from an in- house project development at a bulk handling facility in the early 1990s,” says Chairman Ian Barnard. “The facility faced pressure from port operators and surrounding businesses relating to the safe and efficient loading of potash.At the time we looked at the existing market for loading chutes but were unable to find a system to meet our requirements, so we put our heads together and designed our own system — which resulted in the Cascade chute being created.” Cleveland Cascades Ltd was formed as a private company specializing solely in the design and production of cascade- and conventional-style loading chutes and the company has continued to develop and improve the loading chutes manufactured. The Cleveland Cascades cascade system allows a controlled yet efficient transfer of material from conveyor to ship, silo or stockpile. The material is supported the full length of the chute by means of an arrangement of oppositely inclined cones. The material is loaded at a low velocity, yet high volume and this means products can be transferred with minimized generation of dust emissions and also minimized degradation and segregation of product.
Such is the low environmental impact of the cascade chute that Cleveland Cascades is the only loading chute manufacturer in the world that can guarantee the lowest dust emission levels for specific loading applications. The company also manufactures traditional freefall chutes, which are fitted with high specification dust extraction units to keep dust emissions to a minimum.
Safety does not compromise efficiency however, as the Cascade System can accommodate high loading rates of problematic materials, yet still keep dust emissions to a minimum. Cleveland Cascades can manufacture its range of loading chutes to accommodate materials loading at rates from 50 to 6,000 cubic metres per hour.
Recent installations include shiploading projects in Brazil handling alumina and potash, silo/storage loading applications in Eastern Europe handling fertilizers, as well as shiploader projects in Australia handling coal and coke products.
“We have supplied projects to many of the world’s leading corporations, including Rio Tinto,ThyssenKrupp and BHP. Each project we deliver brings new challenges in terms of project specification, environmental issues; material handled performance criteria and increasingly dust emission. Our approach is for our commercial, design and engineering teams to work closely with our customer counterparts from project inception right through to project commissioning. We are able to draw on our previous experience but we are constantly bringing in new ideas and incorporating those of our customers”.
Case Study 3: Grain - Nibulon, Ukraine. Loading mobility is often an issue facing port operators. This photograph shows one of eleven chutes for mobile shiploaders supplied by Cleveland Cascades for grain handling facilities in Ukraine. The lightweight nature of the freefall chute facilitates movement along the full length of the quay. Dust emissions are minimized by high specification extraction units at the base of the chute. This removes the need for heavier dust extraction units on the quayside and reduces material wastage as the dusty material is re-circulated and loaded onto the pile.
For Cleveland Cascades Ltd, dust emission control is increasingly important. The company offers a dust performance guarantee as part of its ISO9000 accreditation and continues to work with its customers in providing innovative loading systems to the bulk handling industry.
Dust-free loading with confidence with DCL equipment
Dust Control and Loading Systems (DCL), based in Charlevoix, Michigan, USA, is a renowned expert in the provision of dust-controlled loading systems.
When loading bulk product, it is essential to have a smooth, safe loading process. Companies in the food, chemical, mineral and energy industries all depend on DCL to supply systems that offer quality without compromise.
DCL is a leader in innovation. The company was founded in 1981 as a place to develop new approaches and new solutions. This means DCL is able to commit itself completely to research and development, and it is always looking for new and improved ways of helping the customer. Some of its innovations include the industry’s first: full- length inner spout cone set; high-efficiency pleated, spun- bonded filters in a compact spout filter module; fully automatic hands-free truck loading system; low- horsepower silo aeration reclaim system for fine products; pedestal-style articulating loading arms to include automatic in- line tracking; telescopic air-slide ship loading boom; and non- mechanical deadfall spout discharge for dust control of fine products in shiploading
DCL believes in fostering creativity and teamwork, and demands the highest standards in openness, honesty and ethics from its workforce. Also, it’s an organization that recognizes the importance of its commitment to the community.
DCL designs, engineers, manufactures and provides high- quality dust control and loading systems for dry bulk materials. For nearly any material, any loadout application, in any industry, it can develop cost-efficient and effective solutions.
DCL believes strongly in the need to protect the environment, and its equipment plays an important part in meeting regulations for dust emissions.
Among the wide range of products available from DCL are: loading spouts, loading spout positioners, diverter valves, shut off valves, collectors, filter modules, bag and drum filling stations, aeration equipment, automation and system controls.
LOADING SPOUTSThe company’s loading spouts make innovative use of technological advancements to provide dust-free loading of a wide range of dry, dusty materials, at loading rates up to 6,000tph (short tonnes per hour).
Its heavy duty loading spouts are designed to load dry bulk materials from conveyors and other discharge points into open barges, ships and onto stockpiles. These rugged heavy duty
DCL loading spout in action.
spouts are available in retracted lengths as low as 3m and travels up to 30.5m. Loading rates can vary up to 76.5 m3/minute, depending on the product being loaded.
DCL’s standard duty loading spouts are designed to load dry bulk materials from storage bins, silos, conveyors and other discharge points into either open or enclosed vehicles. These rugged standard duty spouts are available in retracted lengths as low as 482mm and travels up to 5.5m. Loading rates can be up to 14.2 m3/minute, depending on product being loaded.
A choice of construction materials means that it is possible to handle effectively all types of products — fine, granular, lumpy, abrasive and corrosive — and difficult dusty or sanitary applications.
LOADING SPOUT POSITIONERSUsed in conjunction with standard duty loading spouts at truck and railcar loadout facilities, DCL loading spout positioners increase speed and efficiency in any loading operation.
DCL’s exclusive Model HP positioners virtually eliminate the need to re-spot vehicles once they are in the loading station. All HP models are available in vent-thru and non vent-thru styles. The vent-thru style eliminates the need for venting the spout below with cumbersome duct work. Dust is drawn through the spout and positioner and can be vented with typical ductwork to a central dust collector. A DCL model CFM compact filter module can also be mounted directly above the spout positioner to completely eliminate ductwork. A choice of construction materials means DCL can provide durable equipment to handle any type of product: fine, granular, lumpy, abrasive, or corrosive.
DIVERTER VALVESRugged, heavy duty diverter valves are available in flat and curved blade models, for nearly any application, in a wide variety of configurations. DCL can match the design and material to the specific needs and material of the customer.
SHUT OFF VALVESDCL’s wide range of curved blade and slide gate valves can offer the shutoff control needed for nearly any material and any loadout application. Tipping valves make it possible to monitor product flow from outlets of dry bulk dust collectors, filter modules and other discharge points.
DUST COLLECTIONDCL offers many innovative dust collection solutions. There is a large selection of dust collectors and bin vents in a choice of construction materials allow handling of all types of products, including fine, granular, lumpy, abrasive and corrosive materials.
Ventilation modules are available in sizes from 185 to 750 square feet of filter media, while DCL’s innovative Compact filter modules area available in sizes from 155 to 660 square feet.
Close-up of articulating arm.Filter media is available to accommodate most applications. DCL’s exclusive pleated design, spun-bonded media features a smooth finish with exceptional dust cake release. The filter surface is calendared and compact to make it resistant to particulate penetration — giving better cleaning efficiency and
less downtime for cleaning.