Strip mine conveyor belt dust control
The invention is directed to the control of dust raised around strip mining conveyor belt operations. The system includes a tank for storage of an aqueous solution of a potassium based super absorbent swellable polymer and water at a rate of about 0.75 lbs per 100 gallons of water. A distribution system includes a pressure pump and directing the aqueous solution through an inline mixer capable of shearing the solution for directional placement through a pin hole spray nozzle. The system includes a recirculation system that maintains the aqueous solution in suspension when the solution is not being distributed.
1 . A dust control system for use a continuous conveyor belt at a strip mine wherein the conveyor belt has an upper surface for use in the movement of excavated material and a lower surface supported by a plurality of roller supports, said dust control system comprising:
a tank constructed and arranged to hold an aqueous solution, said aqueous solution consisting of a predetermined ratio of a potassium based polymer and water;
a distribution pump having an intake fluidly coupled to said tank for receipt of said aqueous solution and a pump outtake for transferring of said aqueous solution at a pressure of about 30 psi;
an inline static mixer fluidly coupled to said pump outtake; and
at least one spray nozzle fluidly coupled to said inline mixer;
wherein said aqueous solution is distributed over the excavated material for dust control as the excavated material passes the spray nozzle as it is moved along the conveyor belt.
2 . The dust control system according to claim 1 wherein said polymer is of a particle size of about: 32% on 300 micron, 42% on 150 micron, 22% on 45 micron and 4% thru 45 micron based on a dry state having a moisture content of about 2.2%.
3 . The dust control system according to claim 1 including a normally closed electric solenoid positioned before said to control the flow of aqueous solution from said tank, said solenoid and said pump powered when the conveyor is moving.
4 . The dust control system according to claim 1 wherein said inline static mixer includes a screen mesh having spacing for passage of said aqueous solution of less than 1 mm×1 mm.
5 . The dust control system according to claim 1 wherein said inline static mixer includes a distributor capable of limiting of the flow rate of said aqueous solution.
6 . The dust control system according to claim 5 wherein said flow rate is 10 gph.
7 . The dust control system according to claim 1 including a pressure relief valve to control the pressure to the dispensing nozzle and recirculate the aqueous solution to said tank for keep the aqueous solution from separating.
8 . A dust control system for use a continuous conveyor belt at a strip mine wherein the conveyor belt has an upper surface for use in the movement of excavated material and a lower surface supported by a plurality of roller supports, said dust control system comprising:
a tank constructed and arranged to hold an aqueous solution, said aqueous solution consisting of a potassium based polymer having a particle size of about: 32% on 300 micron, 42% on 150 micron, 22% on 45 micron and 4% thru 45 micron based on a dry state having a moisture content of about 2.2% admixed with water;
a distribution pump having an intake fluidly coupled to said tank for receipt of said aqueous solution and a pump outtake for transferring of said aqueous solution at a pressure of about 30 psi;
an inline static mixer fluidly coupled to said pump outtake, said mixer including a screen mesh having spacing for passage of said aqueous solution of less than 1 mm×1 mm; and
at least one spray nozzle fluidly coupled to said inline mixer;
wherein said aqueous solution is distributed over the excavated material for dust control as the excavated material passes the spray nozzle as it is moved along the conveyor belt.
9 . The dust control system according to claim 8 including a normally closed electric solenoid positioned before said to control the flow of aqueous solution from said tank, said solenoid and said pump powered when the conveyor is moving.
10 . The dust control system according to claim 8 wherein said inline static mixer includes a distributor capable of limiting of the flow rate of said aqueous solution.
11 . The dust control system according to claim 10 wherein said flow rate is 10 gph.
12 . The dust control system according to claim 8 including a pressure relief valve to control the pressure to the dispensing nozzle and recirculate the aqueous solution to said tank for keep the aqueous solution from separating.