Tin smelting and dust control
The production of tin involves considerable dust production, collecting of which is essential to both reduce the dust contained in the atmosphere and also to reduce the potential health hazards to employees in a tin smelting environment. The dust produced consists of both partials and aerosols, and solid components such as lead, cadmium, zinc and arsenic. In addition, this dust also contains heavy metals, which of course can be hazardous to human health.
Dust control can be achieved through a number of different approaches, from plant and equipment enhancements to local dust collection systems. An integrated system of dust control will typically include an effective ventilation system, good housekeeping practices and a dust collection system.
The ventilation system used should be designed to both reduce dust concentration in the breathing zone and throughout the work area. This system should also be designed so that it is capable of capturing airborne particulates and reduces their deposition on surfaces. This is done by the use of finer filters. The system should be designed to draw dust away from personnel and be able to operate both continuously and under shutdown conditions.
Good housekeeping practices should also be used to reduce dust in the area. This would include such things as keeping excessive amounts of material off the floor and sweeping up accumulated dust regularly. In addition, wastes that are generated should be minimized or eliminated where possible to reduce the amount of dust generated.
Finally, a dust collection system should be used to collect and dispose of dust that has been generated. A combination of high efficiency mechanical collectors, baghouses and wet scrubbers can be used to capture dust from the air. The baghouse uses air velocity to capture dust particles from the air and deposit them on a filter. This filter is then disposed of. Wet scrubbers, on the other hand, draw dust from the air and deposit it in a liquid slurry, which is then disposed of.
In addition to collecting dust from the air, dust from process equipment, such as furnaces and conveyors, should be collected and removed. This can be done by the use of local collection systems, such as a hopper or vacuums.
In conclusion, the implementation of effective dust control measures throughout a tin smelting facility is essential to both reduce the amount of dust present in the atmosphere and protect the health of personnel working in the area. This is done through the use of an adequate ventilation system, dust collection and good housekeeping practices. By implementing these measures, the health of personnel in the facility can be protected and the risk of dust-related health hazards minimized.
