IAC - Conveying and Transport System
There are numerous types of equipment used at processing operations to transfer material from one location to another. The material being transferred can range from raw unprocessed ore to fully processed, finished product. Each material transfer methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses. Proper selection of the correct type of equipment is a function of the specific application, taking into account the material to be transferred, transfer distance, and nature of the transfer (i.e. horizontal, vertical, incline or decline).
Belt conveyors are among the most commonly used piece of equipment at bulk processing operations. A conveyor, and the associated transfer points, can generate significant quantities of respirable dust and be one of the greatest sources of fugitive dust emissions within an operation. Operations must control these emissions by containing, suppressing, or collecting dust mechanically, either before or after it becomes airborne, giving special attention to transfer points.
There are three primary root causes for fugitive dust emissions associated with conveyor belts: spillage, carryback, and airborne dust. Control of all three primary dust sources is necessary to eliminate fugitive dust emissions.
The great challenge involved with conveyors is the number of belts involved and the total distance traveled throughout a mineral processing plant. Some belts are located outside where dust liberation is not as critical as when they are located within a building. Another challenge particular to conveyors is their ability to generate or liberate dust whether they are loaded heavily with material or nearly empty. Controlling dust from conveyors requires a constant vigilance by the maintenance staff to repair and replace worn and broken parts, including conveyor belting. Basic maintenance and inspection are required to ensure that all parts of the system are performing to their capacity.
Material can escape through chutes worn from rust or abrasion, and even small holes created by missing bolts or larger holes created from open access doors can be a pathway for fugitive dust. In some cases, it may become necessary to replace an entire loading chute to ensure proper containment.