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Are you using the best water sprays for the operation?

Choosing the right spray pattern for the right coal mining operation


Drop size and spray pattern may be more important than you think.

launder spray

24

Jan 22



One easy trap to fall into is to just keep spraying more water (or other resources) at dust or waste problems in an effort to solve the problem. Not only can this result in a waste of water and money, it could also be counter productive as the spray pattern and droplet size play a large role in effective dust management, especially in coal mining operations where a significant health and safety risk is present. 

There are many types of water sprays. It is important to understand the differences in drop size and spray patterns. The following chart provides typical uses for different water sprays. However, the specifics of your operation will determine which will work best.

 APPLICATION AIR ATOMISING  HYDRAULIC FINE SPRAY HOLLOW CONE FLAT SPRAY FULL CONE
 air atomising nozzle spray  hydraulic fine spray hollow cone spray pattern  flat spray pattern  full cone spray pattern
Longwall mining machines, coal shearers continuous miners      tick     
Jaw crushers  tick  tick  tick    
Methane gas dispersion   tick tick       
Loading terminals    tick  tick     
Primary dump hoppers  tick   tick      
 Transfer points tick   tick tick     tick
Transport areas  tick    tick    
 Stockpiles   tick    tick   
 Stackers, reclaimers   tick       tick