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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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Surfactants work by reducing the surface tension of water. This allows the particles fromthe road surface to better penetrate the water droplets, thereby increasing the potentialsurface area coverage of the droplet (i.e., the penetration of the water droplet lets the waterwet a larger surface area). The reduced surface tension also permits easier penetration ofthe treated water into a few inches of the sub-surface. This action allows the wetted subgradeto act as a reservoir of water such that, once the surface moisture evaporates, thesub-grade can provide moisture <strong>for</strong> dust control through capillary action, thus extendingthe life of the water [Midwest Research Institute 1981].There is very little in<strong>for</strong>mation about the use of surfactants to extend the effective life ofwatering haul roads. However, observations have noted that the time between wateringroads can be extended 33–50 percent when surfactants are used [Midwest ResearchInstitute 1981].SaltsSalt solutions are commonly mixed with water <strong>and</strong> used <strong>for</strong> haul road dust control.Magnesium chloride is one of the most common salt-based dust control agents. Otheragents are calcium chloride, hydrated lime, <strong>and</strong> sodium silicates, with calcium chloridebeing the most common <strong>and</strong> having properties similar to magnesium chloride. Calciumchloride is hygroscopic <strong>and</strong> deliquescent, meaning that it absorbs moisture from theatmosphere to keep the road in a moist condition. In very dry climates, periodicapplication of water may be required to maintain road per<strong>for</strong>mance at acceptable levels[Midwest Research Institute 1981]. Application procedures <strong>for</strong> magnesiumchloride/calcium chloride are similar to those described <strong>for</strong> dust suppressants in thesection titled "Road Preparation."After application to control haul-truck-generated dust, magnesium chloride controlefficiencies were shown to average 95 percent <strong>for</strong> up to 22 days after application [USBM1987]. For calcium chloride, two weeks after the initial application, the control efficiencywas measured as 82 percent <strong>and</strong> decreased over time to 14 percent at seven weeks afterapplication [USBM 1983]. This decline has been attributed to road surface wear due totraffic volume <strong>and</strong> precipitation, in that chlorides are water soluble <strong>and</strong> can be washedaway.Advantages of using chlorides <strong>for</strong> dust control are that they absorb moisture from theatmosphere to maintain the moisture content of the road at a higher level than normal.They can also act as a de-icer to thaw ice <strong>and</strong> snow on roads in freezing conditions. Also,chlorides generally do not require time to cure after application.Disadvantages are that chlorides may cause corrosion on equipment using the roadssooner than normal. They can also be harmful to vegetation <strong>and</strong> to personnel if skin oreye contact occurs. Chlorides are also water soluble <strong>and</strong> may leach from the road surfaceduring precipitation, thereby degrading in per<strong>for</strong>mance over time [Midwest ResearchInstitute 1981].254 Haul Roads, Stockpiles, <strong>and</strong> Open Areas

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