Dear Ravindra,

Most issues with dust control can be resolved during the design phase as part of the systems integration.

In some instances one wants to remove the dust (fines) and separate it from the general bulk flow. If one takes this in consideration, than the layout will be sealed until the separation occurs and the dust will be easy to control with atomizers even spraying water.

In other instances the dust needs to be contained with the general bulk flow. In this case, often the addition of a liquid creates other problems. It is always best to design integration that minimize leakage, are robust and easy to maintain.

I'm a supporter of containment, but I realize that in some instances it is expensive or just far from the culture to embrace such effort.

Antonio Reis

Vitrom Mfg Consultants

Your Process and Manufacturing Solutions

Phone: 209.834.1900

Fax: 209.834.1039

www.vitrom.com ■

Dear Mr. Ravindra,

As Mr. Reis has stated, containment is preferable to suppression -- especially with a combustable material, such as coal.

If you have the space to install proper containment measures, you can obtain assistance from companies that are involved with that side of the business (Benetech, Martin, etc. - Vitrom may also be an answer).

If you are committed to using suppression methods like spray, fog, or foam, the most cost effective is to use high surface area methods (i.e. fogging) with a fluid that does not decrease the BTU value of the conveyed material. Because of this, water is not the preferred liquid. You may obtain suitable materials and systems from those companies involved with that side of the business -- an internet search and e-mail enquiries will provide you with suitable sources.

Before deciding on a suppression system, bear in mind that the one-time cost of chute work is likley to be less-s-s than the chemical approach. The cost of skirting and back seals will be the same with both methods, as you will still need these with a suppression system.

Regards, ■

Benetech GmbH in Germany has extensive experience with dust management . Among others, Benetech GmbH has been a partner of MIBRAG, the largest brown coal producer of Germany for many years now, providing dust suppression for their brown coal mine.

To find more information on Benetech in general, you may consult the website www.benetechusa.com.

The Benetech Engineering departments will be pleased to help you in finding a solution for your dust management problem.

Best regards,

Benetech GmbH

Karl Liebknecht Str. 27

D-06682 Deuben near Leipzig

Germany

Email: benetech@gmx.de

Tel: +49-34441-445-0

Fax: +49-34441-445-20 ■

Dear Mr. Ravindra,

As suggested above by Mr. Miller, if you want to use a dust suppression method using spraying and/or fogging then we are the company for you. B+W GmbH in Germany provides Dust Suppression not only using spray nozzles but also through its NALTEC Ventilator Spraying System.

Information on our NALTEC Systems and other products can be found in the Forum called POWTECH 2004: B+W GmbH or you can go to our website: www.buwip.de for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in solving your dust problems.

Regards,

Meta Schweitzer

Export Manager

B+W GmbH

Musfeldstr. 120-122

D-47053 Duisburg

Germany

Email: info@buwip.de

Tel: +49-203-55 21 500

Fax:+49-203-55 21 502 ■

Hi Mr Ravindra, Fogging sprays or air atomizing sprays can be a cost effective solution at specific transfer points, foam spray systems can cover the entire process. If you wish to keep ongoing costs down then the fogging systems are probably the best bet. We manufacture environmentally friendly additives for use in fogging and misting situations which reduce the surface tension of the water being used and allow the formation of much finer sprays, hence increasing the ability to capture respirable dust. The product I would recommend for use with foggers/ misters is Polo Dust-con, which is used extensively in underground coal mines , typically removing 50 % more respirable dust than water alone. Typical dilution rate is 1 in 3000 litres, so cost is not a huge burden. Check out our site at www.polocitrus.com.au . or contact me directly at bradley.will@polocitrus.com.au. Cheers. ■