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Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing

Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing

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overlap to eliminate any gaps that may occur in the air-blocking shelf perimeter. Thesemodifications should not diminish the effectiveness of the air-blocking shelf.Collector Dump DischargeThe collector dump cycle can account <strong>for</strong> as much as 40 percent of the respirable dust emissions[USBM 1985]. The dust collector dump cycle operates in one of two modes: trickle mode orbatch mode. In the first mode (trickle mode), the collector filter cleaning mechanism operates atpreset time intervals, e.g., every 1 minute. This allows the fine material from the collector totrickle out onto the ground. In the second mode (batch mode), the collector cleaning mechanismoperates when the bailing airflow stops. This condition occurs during intervals when adding orremoving drill steels, or when removing the drill bit from the hole. The batch mode creates thehighest dust levels because of the longer accumulation time of fine material in the collectorbe<strong>for</strong>e dumping. During the batch mode, the dust is usually emitted into the ambient air whenthe fine material is dropped, which creates significant dispersion. Also, this fine material strikesthe ground, producing more dust dispersion. Finally, the drill itself <strong>and</strong> service vehiclesfrequently drive through the dust pile <strong>for</strong>med by dumping, stirring up clouds of dust. Avoidingdisturbing the collector dump piles will prevent dust from being entrained into the air.Preventing Collector Dump <strong>Dust</strong> EntrainmentThe dust collector dump point is generally anywhere from 24 to 36 inches above the drill bench.Dumping the fine material from this height causes entrainment of the respirable sized fraction ofthis material into the air. To reduce this entrainment <strong>and</strong> lower the respirable dust concentrationsat the collector dump point, a piece of brattice cloth can be attached to the dust collector dumpusing a large hose clamp. Figures 3.13 A, B, <strong>and</strong> C show the installation of the dust collectordust shroud. This dust shroud was installed over the existing rubber boot attached to the dustcollector dump.Figure 3.13. <strong>Dust</strong> collector dump point prior to shroud installation (A).Two men installing the shroud onto the dust collector dump point (B).The dust collector dump point after installation of the shroud (C).Drilling <strong>and</strong> Blasting 93

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