Fuchs launch new range of dust suppressants

Lubricant specialist introduces new RENOCLEAN AIR range of high-performance dust suppressants 

FUCHS Lubricants have launched a new range of dust suppressants designed to significantly improve air quality in mining environments. The high-performance products in the new RENOCLEAN AIR range dissolve in water to offer a complete dust control solution for every step of the mining process, improving air quality and visibility, and reducing housekeeping, maintenance costs and water consumption.

John Stirland, global mining engineer at Fuchs Lubricants, said: ‘In the last couple of decades it has become apparent that dust and fine particle emissions not only carry a nuisance value, but also pose a risk to health if not controlled.

‘Dust can lead to reductions in visibility on haul roads and coal tips. In opencast mines and underground mines, dust can pose an even greater risk to health, equipment and the environment.

‘To combat this issue, water is often used as a dust-control measure. However, when used alone water will evaporate, causing dust to become airborne again quickly. Specialist additives can be safely added at low concentrations to enhance the effectiveness of water, saving time, energy and costs.’

Fuchs’ global mining R&D team, headquartered at the company’s UK base in Stoke-on-Trent, has researched and developed a new range of dust-suppression products based on sound chemistry to fulfil three key applications in the industrial sector.

The three new products are RENOCLEAN AIR Spray-down, RENOCLEAN AIR Hold-down and RENOCLEAN AIR Lock-down, and Fuchs say all three benefit from worldwide technical back-up.

RENOCLEAN AIR Spray-down additive for water-spray systems greatly increases the ability of water to adhere to airborne particles. It is suitable for surface and underground applications such as longwall production, crushers and belt transfer points.

RENOCLEAN AIR Hold-down is a combination of natural binding and wetting agents. It is for general-purpose use in above- and below-ground mining activities, and on stockpiles and haul roads, helping to prevent dust emissions caused by vehicle movements and high winds.

RENOCLEAN AIR Lock-down is a high-performance dispersed polymeric binding agent that forms a resilient, flexible film that locks the dust down by crusting loose surfaces. Providing robust and persistent control against the effects of wind, vehicles and heavy equipment, it is particularly effective as a rail wagon topper, as it is able to withstand vibration, movement and airflow during long-haul transportation. Applied as a superior functioning binder, it is also suitable for making semi-permanent road surfaces.