Biodegradable Dust Suppression Composition for Bulk Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling fugitive dust emissions from bulk and granular materials, such as using water, are ineffective due to short-term solutions, moisture sensitivity, and mechanical issues like stickiness, particularly on hydrophobic materials.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable dust suppression composition comprising a non-toxic, non-flammable liquid and elastomeric organic resin, applied as a spray or foam, which significantly reduces airborne dust by binding particles together, using a composition that includes glycerin and polyisobutylene, with optional industrial co-products like lignin or vegetable oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is applied as a spray or mist to control fugitive emissions, then dust control is achieved in the short term, but the effect is temporary and requires frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the dust suppression medium by replacing water with a composition containing biodegradable liquid (such as glycerin) and elastomeric organic resin. This chemical parameter change transforms the composition from one that evaporates quickly to one that provides long-term dust control through binding and coating mechanisms, directly resolving the contradiction between short-term effectiveness and duration of action
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material consisting of biodegradable liquid and elastomeric organic resin in specific proportions (at least 99 wt.% biodegradable liquid and less than 1 wt.% elastomeric organic resin). This composite provides both the dust suppression properties of the liquid component and the long-lasting binding properties of the elastomeric resin, achieving both immediate dust control and extended duration of action
2Reliability
If water is applied to bulk materials, then dust emissions are controlled temporarily, but moisture-sensitive materials are adversely affected and mechanical issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting water with a biodegradable liquid-elastomeric resin system. This parameter change eliminates the harmful moisture effects on moisture-sensitive materials while maintaining dust suppression effectiveness, and the low viscosity of the composition prevents mechanical issues like blocked chutes and conveyor belt carry back
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a small amount of elastomeric organic resin (less than 1 wt.%) as a short-living binding component that provides long-term dust control without causing persistent moisture-related problems. The biodegradable nature of the liquid component ensures environmental compatibility while the minimal resin content prevents long-term mechanical issues
3Reliability
If water is applied to highly hydrophobic materials, then dust control is attempted, but the water is ineffective as the substrate will not wet or adsorb moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface tension and wetting parameters of the dust suppression composition by using biodegradable liquid (such as glycerin) combined with elastomeric organic resin. This parameter change enables the composition to wet and adhere to highly hydrophobic materials like petroleum coke, overcoming the fundamental limitation of water-based systems on such substrates
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric organic resin acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates adhesion between the dust suppression composition and highly hydrophobic materials. The resin component provides the necessary surface activity to wet hydrophobic substrates, enabling effective dust control where water alone fails
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition provides long-term dust control, reducing fugitive emissions by up to 97% while avoiding moisture-related mechanical issues, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
significantly reduces airborne dust by binding particles together
Implementation Method 2
reducing fugitive emissions by up to 97%
Data Source
AI summary
A dust suppression composition having a biodegradable liquid; and at least one elastomeric organic resin. A method of reducing fugitive emissions from bulk and granular materials, the method provides preparing a dust suppression composition, the composition having a biodegradable liquid and at least one elastomeric organic resin; and applying the dust suppression composition to the bulk or granular materials.