Dust control management solutions provider Dust-A-Side, which boasts more than 30 years' experience, has successfully introduced its latest product offering, Dust Suppression System (DSS) Fog Cannon Technology, to the mining industry and is gearing up to improve the capabilities of this effective offering.

Dust-A-Side plans to conduct tests involving the technology, which has gained traction in the mining market, using various sized units, motors, cylinder housings and cones, as well as fan blade technology to achieve the most effective coverage and direction of air flow.

The company notes that the acceptance of the product by clients so far has been positive, as the fog cannon is a practical and viable solution in challenging dust suppression circumstances.

Initially introduced at end of 2015 at diversified metals and mining company South32ís 90%-owned South Africa Energy Coal operation in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, the product can be used in numerous applications and is especially suited to dust suppression at tip areas and when loading haul trucks at pit areas.

Dust-A-Side installed the first of the technology to allow for more effective dust suppression at the tipping-bin area of South 32ís South Eskom Plant. This contract was awarded to the company in October and Dust-A-Side accredits this to team effort, a positive mindset in terms of new developments and a drive to advance the uptake of its product range.

DSS Fog Cannon Technology can also be used to suppress dust in areas where wind plays a major role. The product allows for better coverage of water, specifically when treating open tip areas where there are no structures in place and when fewer options are available to install static nozzle manifold arrangements.

Dust-A-Side explains that the fog cannon can be installed to operate automatically using radar sensors. Once a vehicle, such as a haul truck, moves into position, ready to tip, the radar sensor detects the moving vehicle and initiates a fan and high-pressure mist system, which are connected to and mounted on the trajectory outlet side of the fog cannon. The system will automatically switch off after a predetermined time, set from the control panel, once the vehicle has completed the tip and moved away.

Fog cannons are an industrial solution for the hazards associated with dust haze, which include the temporary blinding of workers, lung conditions and, generally, unworkable sites. Water is attached to the dust particles to increase their mass and prevent them from floating on air currents. The benefit of using only water is that no danger is posed to a mineworkerís health, supply is affordable and no harsh chemicals are released into the environment. Water passes through fine misting nozzles at a high pressure, becoming an extremely fine mist, which is dispersed across large areas by an industrial-sized fan.

Additional benefits of effective dust suppression include greater dust removal per volume when surfactants are sprayed, effective and efficient suppression of airborne dust, no moisture contribution to the material being handled and a reliable and cost-effective solution that is environment friendly and nontoxic.

Further, Dust-A-Side states that its qualified personnel, who can manage projects no matter how much they entail, are also able to assist in mitigating the supply challenges of products or solutions to the mining industry. To ensure this statement holds true, the company moderates the planning, training and assembly of dedicated teams so that they work together as cohesive units.

The fog cannon includes an optional maintenance plan, effective once its installation has been completed. Dust-A-Side emphasises the importance of maintenance contracts, pointing out that they will not only ensure the continued effectiveness of its solutions but also maintain the reputation of the company.