Institute of Quarrying - West of England Branch

	Technical & Event Summaries 2010 May: The Mining Waste Directive Apr: Education, Training and Competence - IQ Vision of the Future Mar: Rock & Soil Slope Stabilisation Feb: Biodegradable Oils Jan: Annual General Meeting 2009 Dec: Member's Paper Evening Oct: Explosives Record Keeping Sept: Water Framework Directive Apr: Foam Dust Suppression Technology Jan: Annual General Meeting 2008 Nov: HSE Hot Topics presentation Sept: Mining limestone in Spain Apr: Quarry Restoration Mar: Calculating a carbon footprint for your operations Feb: Mine stabilisation at Coombe Down, Bath Jan: Annual General Meeting 2007 Nov: Uses of Recycled Materials Oct: Blasting Technology Sept: Field Trip Mar: Alternatives to Blasting Feb: European Standards for Asphalt Jan: Annual General Meeting 2006 Dec: Members Paper Evening Nov: Corporate Manslaughter Paper Sept: WBV (Whole Body Vibration) May: Worker Attitudes, Personality and Risk Propensity Apr: Confined Space Rescue in Quarries Mar: Asset Management in the Quarrying Industry 2005 Dec: Members Paper Evening Nov: The Aggregate Levy Oct: Tarmac’s Journey to Zero Tolerance on Health and Safety Sept: Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations May: Golf Day Apr: Further Education in the Quarrying Industry Mar: Energy Efficiency Measures Feb: Future for Recovered Fuel Oil (RFO) Jan: Annual General Meeting 2004 Dec: Members Paper Evening Nov: Water Act 2003 & Catchment Abstraction Mgmt Strategy (CAMS) Oct: Falconry Sep: A Safety Evening with the HSE Jun: Field Visit - Kempsford Quarry May: Marketing Sustainablility Apr: Explosive Regulations Mar: CDM regulations Feb: Working Time Directive Jan: AGM 2003 Dec: Members' Paper Evening Nov: Competition Act Oct: Aggregates Levy Funding for Wild Spaces Sep: Energy Conservation in Quarries May: The WRAP Aggregates Programme Apr: Hot Topics from the HSE Mar: New European Specifications for Aggregates Feb: Archaeology at Bestwell Quarry Jan: Safety for Life Seminar

6th April 2009 - Foam Dust Suppression Technology.

A well attended meeting of some thirty members and guests held at The Players Golf Club, Codrington, heard Rajesh Naik of Best-Chem Ltd give a presentation on foam dust suppression technology. He began by outlining the progress of the company since it was set up in 2003. He explained that the concept was developed over twenty years ago in the USA. From the company’s base in Stourport-On-Severn, they now supply bespoke solutions to clients all over the world.

Rajesh showed three examples of how foam technology can reduce dust levels even in extreme conditions. The first one was a hard rock quarry in the Isle of Man. The second was a wadi deposit on the Oman/UAE border. The third was an iron ore mine in Australia. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ slides dramatically illustrated the effectiveness of the systems installed.

The objective of the technology is to sufficiently wet the fines, but not add excessive moisture. The dust particles collide with the foam bubbles, which then implode, increasing their mass and preventing them getting airborne. The foaming agent itself is biodegradable and has no adverse effects on the product.

Rajesh described the components and features that go to make up a complete system. He stressed the importance of making it fully automatic to avoid operator error or interference, and recommended that it should be containerised for ease of installation.

Rajesh then described alternative dust control measures such as water sprays and extraction plants, and their limitations.

He concluded his talk by summarising the benefits of foam technology. It can capture up to 85% of fugitive dust with minimal moisture addition. It provides a safer working environment and is fully automated. It reduces cleaning and maintenance times.

A wide-ranging and lively question and answer session concluded a very interesting presentation.