37 / 2021-08-09 20:34:24

CFD Modelling for Reducing Respirable Dust Exposures in an Indian Mineral Processing Plant

Mineral Processing Plant,Respirable Dust,Dust Control,Disease,CFD

At the time of the processing of ore in mineral processing plant, a huge quantity of dust is generated which creates hazardous conditions for workers at the mineral processing plant. It becomes a challenge to meet the standards for respirable dust for several mineral processing plants. The generation of dust can not be avoided in the processing plant. Engineering controls address the main sources of dust; however, less significant and minor dust sources, for instance, leakage from chutes, transfer points, and conveyor belts are often not properly addressed (Cecala et al. 1995; USBM, 1993; Cecala and Mucha 1991; Cecala and Thimons; 1997). These dust sources can cause serious health effects over a prolonged period of time, especially when the ore, being milled, has a high silica content. Therefore, it is important to study various factors affecting the transport of respirable dust and its exposure in processing plant to design a ventilation and control system that will keep the dust levels within permissible limits (Cecala, 1998; IARC 1997; Cecala et al, 1996).

Evaluation of dust exposure can be done by sampling; however, the dust sample collected will only reveal exposure at a fixed location at that time. Thus, it is required to assess the transport of dust throughout the entire mineral processing plant in order to reduce worker exposure. Dust generated does not stay near the source but is transported to different locations due to both active and passive (natural) ventilation, wind, solar heating, and other factors (NIOSH, 2002; NIOSH, 2019).

To address these issues under this research project, introductory mathematical models will be designed using onsite data and a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model will be developed to study the flow behavior and other factors affecting the dust generation and transport at particular processing plant on the mathematical model.

The aim of the research is to identify the dust generation sources, modes of transport and flow behavior of dusts on a day-to-day basis as well as seasonally by using the CFD models. The study also helps in proposing a better ventilation design, which ultimately improves the overall occupational health and safety status of workers working at the workplace.