Improving Dust Control at a Bulk Terminal

Abstract

Dust emissions developed during the handling of dry bulk products pose increased risks for health, safety and the environment. Legislation drives bulk handling facilities to face the challenge of maintaining dust emissions within limitations. At the bulk terminal of Verbrugge multiple bulk products are handled, making the dust control problem even more difficult. The aim of this research is to improve the dust control methods of bulk handling equipment handling various dry bulk products to further reduce the dust emissions.
A dust control strategy is developed based on the knowledge gathered through theoretical and practical research concerning the formation and control of dust emissions. The strategy provides a structural approach to identify the most suitable dust control methods, applicable for all types of bulk handling operations and bulk products. It incorporates the specifications of the dust source, investigates the feasibility of dust control measures, and creates and evaluates combinations through a weighted multi-criteria analysis.
The decision-making tool is implemented at three dust sources at Verbrugge and proposes dust control methods to improve the reduction of dust emissions. The strategy suggests providing transfer chutes between two conveyor belts with a flex-flap system to avoid dust dispersion within the installation. The proposed method offers a safer, more reliable, less expensive, and maintenance-friendly solution as opposed to the currently applied dust collector. The implementation of the dust control strategy at the transfer between a grab and hopper offers the valuable insight that the design of wind screens need to be optimised in order to improve the extent of dust control. The ship loader is best equipped with a cascade chute and dust skirt, as suggested by the strategy.
This study shows the developed dust control strategy not only substantively proposes the most suitable dust control methods, but also offers valuable insights into potential issues, provides possible solutions or improvements, and significantly reduces the time and effort invested in the decision-making process. To further enhance the findings of this research, it is recommended to include the effects of organisational dust control measures and a design aspect in the dust control strategy. Additionally, a more reliable assessment of dust control measures can be achieved by quantifying the generation and control of dust emissions.