Mining Dust Collection
Mining Dust Collection
The mining industry has had a challenging few years. Fluctuating demand and a lack of financing have kept the industry mired in uncertainty. Issues like the impact of China and the world’s changing energy sources have created further confusion. The news isn’t all bad, however: a recent infrastructure bill promises more than $300 billion to transportation projects. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (known as the FAST Act) was signed in late 2015 and should move the needle a little.
Whether mining is booming or busting, one thing is certain: industry professionals are more mindful than ever of the need for protecting health and safety. In particular, operators understand the importance of good air quality. They are also aware of recent changes in regulations that will likely affect them, including changes from both the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For example, in 2016 OSHA changed its rules surrounding silica dust, a move that will affect many mining operations. OSHA’s new rule cuts the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by half. The new limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. OSHA estimates the new rule could prevent hundreds of deaths and illnesses. Many mining operators who deal with silica dust will be scrambling to meet this new regulation.
Whether mining is booming or busting, one thing is certain: industry professionals are more mindful than ever of the need for protecting health and safety. In particular, operators understand the importance of good air quality. They are also aware of recent changes in regulations that will likely affect them, including changes from both the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For example, in 2016 OSHA changed its rules surrounding silica dust, a move that will affect many mining operations. OSHA’s new rule cuts the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by half. The new limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. OSHA estimates the new rule could prevent hundreds of deaths and illnesses. Many mining operators who deal with silica dust will be scrambling to meet this new regulation.
Dust Collection Challenges in Mining
Mining operations create significant amounts of dust and gasses. Many of these dusts consist of very small particulates that are respirable. If exposure to these respirable dusts reaches certain levels, workers’ health could be seriously threatened. Even a dust as common as silica can lead to serious health problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to silicosis, a serious disease caused by damage to the lining of the lungs. Acute silicosis can cause the lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid, creating a medical emergency. Chronic silicosis develops with even low-level exposure over time, reducing lung capacity until sufferers need oxygen to survive.
Effective ventilation is important in mining, as well. Without these measures, dangerous gasses, such as methane, could accumulate and increase the risk of explosion. Other, seemingly benign gases, such as carbon dioxide, could accumulate, as well; while these gasses are not explosive or toxic in small quantities, operators know that they are dangerous if they accumulate.
Effective ventilation is important in mining, as well. Without these measures, dangerous gasses, such as methane, could accumulate and increase the risk of explosion. Other, seemingly benign gases, such as carbon dioxide, could accumulate, as well; while these gasses are not explosive or toxic in small quantities, operators know that they are dangerous if they accumulate.
Solutions for Dust in Mining
Napcen has decades of experience controlling dusts of all kinds, from high volumes of nuisance dusts to the finest particulates of highly dangerous metallic dusts. Napcen’s Fusion Series of dust collectors are ideal for abrasive blasting applications due to their rugged cabinet design and powerful dust collection capabilities. Engineered from the ground up using state-of-the-art CFD simulation technology, Fusion Series collectors provide the flexibility, efficiency and performance you need to protect workers.
If your operation is changing or filled with confusing variables, Napcen’s Mapping process can help you identify your specific needs and the best solution available. Whether you need a source capture solution to clean up a specific location or process, or an ambient capture system to clean the air across an entire facility, Napcen has the expertise and equipment options to solve the problem.
If your operation is changing or filled with confusing variables, Napcen’s Mapping process can help you identify your specific needs and the best solution available. Whether you need a source capture solution to clean up a specific location or process, or an ambient capture system to clean the air across an entire facility, Napcen has the expertise and equipment options to solve the problem.