Complementing RST Solutions’ full range of dust suppression products for foaming and spray systems, DEM Hydroboost Pro is added once by watercart or other spray methods at the starting point of the material supply chain. It is evenly distributed throughout the bulk of the material to improve material handling and dust control during transferring and transportation.
Only a small amount of water is required at different points along the material supply chain, removing the risk of overwatering and potentially causing issues such as excess weight and stickiness.
Following successful trials to address the issue of overwatering raw minerals that can reduce the quality of materials for the end user, DEM Hydroboost Pro has now been released to the market as an advanced multipurpose dust control solution, requiring 42% less water than regular dust control methods.
Fine particle specialist RST Solutions says the best way to achieve optimal DEM (dust extinction moisture level) is to significantly reduce the volume of water needed to attain the material's DEM sweet spot.
“Achieving the mandatory DEM levels is a considerable challenge for mines and quarries, so operation managers are consistently seeking more effective approaches for achieving optimal DEM instead of simply using water,” RST Solutions Operations and Technical Director David Handel said.
“DEM Hydroboost Pro is a total material treatment that holds moisture in minerals and waste materials for longer periods of time to mitigate dust without relying on excessive amounts of water. Using large volumes of water to achieve the required DEM can negatively impact material quality and cause handling problems throughout transportation and storage, reducing product quality for the end user. Excessive moisture creates excess weight and stickiness while failing to provide additional benefits, such as preventing dust down the line.
“The actual reduction in the amount of water required after treatment to reach DEM targets is 42% less water which is highly significant. After applying DEM HydroBoost Pro to mined material, results show a significant drop in DEM from 9.2 to 5.4, which translates to a 3.8% reduction in DEM, resulting in 42% less water used, which is substantial.”
Applying DEM HydroBoost Pro to any material type is a simple process that requires a dosage rate of between 0.1 to 0.5 litres per cubic metre. The dilution rate is calculated based on the water needed to ensure even product distribution throughout the material mass to achieve the desired, reduced DEM content.
Results have shown that DEM Hydroboost Pro offers a typical reduction of between 2.5% and 3.5% in a material's DEM, which is significant considering that a typical DEM reduction can be around 7% - 12%.
A gentle spray of water is all the material needed to re-activate the chemistry, requiring very little effort to generate the right amount of moisture for improved and continued dust management throughout the entire material supply chain, adding more value to the product for clients downstream.
“DEM Hydroboost Pro has the potential to assist in keeping operations open in stronger windy conditions. [During trials, the product was] still holding down the dust when winds were 12m/sec,” Handel added.
Water constraints and increasing costs make common dust control methods unsustainable in many parts of the world, with alternative solutions being sourced to meet dust control regulations and cost savings. RST Solutions customises the application methods for DEM Hydroboost Pro with specific dosage levels and application methods for compatibility with all bulk materials.
This achieves far better moisture control to manage dust than just using water or other solutions that may be broad-spectrum and not targeted specifically for the type of material being extracted.
RST Solutions specialises in supplying alternative methods tailored specifically to a project and the on-site materials, a site’s application equipment and systems, local weather patterns and budget perimeters.
With three decades of experience developing tailored solutions for the many fine particle challenges presented across numerous industries, processes and material types, RST Solutions has the expertise to solve complex site-specific fine particle issues for companies seeking more project optimisation strategies on various projects.
RST Solutions is an Australian business operating internationally, with presence and projects in Australia, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.
