Dust retardant cures mine-mouth Coal-haul problem
A road dust-retardant program at Bridger Coal Co., a utility-owned coal mine in Rock Springs, in southwestern Wyoming, has achieved several significant advantages: it has resolved a potentially troublesome dust-laden air problem for area residents and coal-truck drivers; it has significantly reduced the labor and spray-vehicle operating time when compared with the previously used, ineffective water-wetting down dust-control method; it has eliminated the need for additional spraying vehicles, despite expansion of mining operations; and it has the amount of local water needed for spraying. Bridger engineers first sought to alleviate the conditions with water, available from a waste-water reservoir located about 1/2 mile from the plant. Although it was applied virtually nonstop by spreader trucks, the water was unable to control the clouds of vehicular dust. Seeking a more effective answer to the problem, Bridger engineers turned to Coherex, a dust-retardent agent. A cold-water emulsion of selected petroleum resins, Coherex was tested at various dilution rates on the main-haul read and the network of access roads. Tests showed that applications of a 15% Coherex solution penetrated the road surface to a depth of about 1/2 in. The agent agglomerated the surface dust into larger particles, which could not readily become airborne. And it was found that the slightly acidic wastewater from the local reservoir was compatible with the dust retardant.
- Research Organization:
- Bridger Coal Co., Rock Springs, WY
- OSTI ID:
- 5548910
- Journal Information:
- Electr. World; (United States), Vol. 189:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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