Hydrogel is a series of polymers and surfactants specifically formulated for quarrying applications. It’s designed for easy application, and is diluted in water carts and sprayed directly onto haul road surfaces. The product enhances water’s ability to wet and bind fine particles by up to eight times more than plain water.
“Our best result was a client south of Johannesburg, South Africa, who reported that watering of haul roads was reduced to once every 17 hours from the normal two to three-hour intervals,” says Sebastian Karsas, owner and CEO of 88Chemco.
By adding Hydrogel to the water cart, water’s dust suppression characteristics are said to be significantly enhanced. Savings in cart usage are claimed to be up to 50%, while water usage can be reduced, 88Chemco says, by as much as 60%. Hydrogel is dosed ad-hoc or within a schedule of 0.06 litres per m² a month. However, Karsas says every site can use the product as deemed fit and to a level that suits own budget.
Meanwhile, better road surfaces further impact on tyre life, wear and tear, as well as production rates, which can all be quantified for each quarry.
“We always recommend each site do a three-month trial period to perform a detailed study to indicate how much savings have been realised after our systems have been implemented. We aim for, at minimum, a cost neutral situation (product cost is offset by savings achieved) with dust suppression as the bonus,” says Karsas.
The company opened its South African operations in July 2014, and has already made strides into the South African, as well as other southern African markets. “We are making significant inroads into Zambia, Namibia and Botswana, where we have assigned agents and opened companies,” says Karsas, adding that the company is in discussion with a South African partner to further its distribution footprint.
In South Africa, Karsas says 88Chemco has already sold its technology to several quarries and mines, but he is reluctant to divulge the names of the recipients yet. 88Chemco has a strong and positive outlook for the African market.
“We see the rest of Africa as an excellent market to provide our services. Water and cost of operation are often more expensive elsewhere than at South African operations due to proximity to major facilitation points, which is always a logistical challenge,” says Karsas.
“We have a strong and positive outlook for the African market. We believe that cost savings – such as lower fuel consumption while offering environmental benefits of, for example, reduced dust and operational maintenance – are top priorities for every quarry. It’s a two-in-one offering, resulting in operational savings,” says Karsas.
Hydrogel is a recent 88Chemco development, and the company is said by Karsas to have conducted trials with “great results”. Karsas says the technology appeals as it is a low-cost dust suppressant that fits into quarry systems and processes without intrusive effects or requiring changes of management programmes.
