Safety award for Enviroflo/Nalco DustFoam Suppression System

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 15, 2008 – Each year the UK Quarry Products Association (QPA) issue a number of 'Achievement Awards' to operating Companies in the Quarry Industry. These awards cover many topics such as Health & Safety, Management, Other Initiatives etc. Out of a total of more than 200 applications put forward CEMEX Halkyn gained a 'Highly Commended' Award for the System under the heading of 'Other Initiatives'. The application was put forward by Michael Ripley, Quarry Manager.

When a mineral product is extracted, crushed, screened or handled small fragments generally below 75 microns particle size are released into the surrounding environment. The heavier particles generally above 20 microns settle out in the vicinity of the emission source. Wind and air disturbance can influence settlement. Particles below 20 microns move around with the air currents and can remain suspended for long periods of time. In still air conditions they will eventually settle out. Fine particles below 10 microns are normally not visible in their individual size and it is this fraction that is referred to as airborne dust (assuming still air conditions). Respirable dust is generally below 10 microns.

To overcome the production of dust during the crushing, screening and handling operations an Enviroflo/Nalco DustFoam system was installed. The foam is produced at source with the introduction of water at a controlled rate together with compressed air into a foaming chamber. This foaming chamber creates micro bubbles that can be applied at strategic parts of the process that generate the majority of dust. The micro bubbles are required to have a high degree of stability - i.e. they should not break up when sprayed into the materials being handled; They should maintain their shape until they enter crushers, transfer points, etc where they 'burst' causing the moisture they contain to be integrated into the product.

The use of DustFoam suppression systems therefore enables a considerably smaller volume of water to be used than the conventional water or water and surfactant systems. The NALCO DustFoam is totally inert, is an organic material and has no detrimental effects on watercourses, cement manufacturing processes, bitumen coating processes etc. A NALCO "Material Safety Data Sheet" is available for COSHH requirements.

The contribution of this system to improving the environment at the quarry was recognized by the Highly Commended Award which is recorded on the SafeQuarry website.

For additional information, contact:

Tony Clark
Senior Projects Engineer
Enviroflo Engineering Ltd
10A Newton Court
Pendeford Business Park
Wobaston Road
Wolverhampton
WV9 5HB

Tel: +44 1902 784848
Fax: +44 1902 784242
Web: www.envirofloeng.com