March 2016
|
World Coal
|
57
Karen Wear, Donaldson Co. Inc., USA,
explores the process of
selecting a dust collection technology for coal handling systems.
A
nyone involved in the transportation and
storage of coal will likely know about the
hazards associated with the dust generated by
this process and recognise it should be given
special consideration. Dust collectors are commonly used
during the transport of coal to control and minimise the
amount of loose dust present in the handling facility.
Managing coal dust is important due to the high level of
combustion and associated fire risk. Understanding these
issues can help with the development of a strategy for
keeping a facility clean and operational.
Handling and transporting coal can create
combustible dust situations that should be thoroughly
researched to determine the best control methodology
for a facility. Just as there are many different types of
coal – from Pittsburgh to Powder River Basin – there are
many dust collectors and filter media technologies
available and a dust control solution can be tailored to
meet specific needs.
It is easier to include effective dust collection in the
initial design stage of a new facility, but it is also
possible to retrofit existing facilities. Initial things to
consider are the local regulations and/or guidelines for
the processes occurring at a facility. Does the type of coal
being processed have any special guidelines? A good
understanding of the regulations is required in order to
develop a dust control strategy.
Choosing the right design to meet a
coal operator’s needs
Dust collection technologies have greatly expanded and
improved over the years. There are now a variety of designs
that may be beneficial for an operator’s application
depending on their requirements and/or limitations. Dust
COLLECTING
DUST
