Environment protection - Dust suppression system for Self-unloading bulk carriers

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Environment protection - Dust suppression system for Self-unloading bulk carriers

The main concern of environmental protection in relation to cargo operation onboard a self unloading bulk carrier is the suppression of dust during cargo discharging. Eeffective operating procedures,personnel protection, crew awareness & training both shipboard and ashore is of prime importance. Dust masks must be worn by personnel in the Tunnel while discharging.

The SUL vessels may discharge cargoes into reception facilities situated close to a residential area. The residents may also raise objections to this and therefore this may affect the future employment of the vessel. Some places have dust and noise monitoring systems, and have set limitations. The frequent spread of cargo dust over fertile soil may spoil its fertility and the amount of cargo lost in terms of dust can be up to 2%. It is essential that all measures are taken to suppress the dust from the cargo being discharged.

Methods used to suppress dust are:

Water mist/spray system, through special nozzles provided at the boom head or along the boom, using fresh water only.
Covers and dyna-flow trunks, used on the boom and at the boom head.
Mechanical dust extraction systems.
The correct adjustment of belt scrapers, and deflector plates, boom height from the ground.

Noise levels can be effectively lowered by the correct lubrication of all running parts and setting them to optimum.

The Foam Type Dust Suppression System:

The system is comprised of the following:

1 each, storage and holding tank for surfactant.
1 each, chemical metering pump.
2 each, Proprietary foam generation boxes.
4 each, 2 per box, 2 inch foam hoses and nozzles.

The vessels provide water, with shore, electrical power and compressed air. Once the mixture of air, water and surfactant is set, the system runs automatically. The chemlock surfactant is completely non toxic, and water soluble.

Dust suppression system Maintenance & operation

Fig: Self unloading bulker GYPSUM CENTENNIAL

In order to minimize air pollution by dust from cargo during discharging of certain cargoes and to meet terminal requirements to prevent dust emission at transfer point ship-shore during discharging, Dust Suppression systems have been installed and must be in use as required by the Commercial Operator or Terminal.

Requirements to use, or not to use, the Dust Suppression systems, must be clearly indicated in Ship/Shore checklist .

There are a few types of Dust Suppression systems:

- The most simple one is a set of nozzles arranged at the end of the unloading boom to spray fresh water onto the cargo when dropping off the boom belt;

- Other systems use a special foam producing medium, which, when mixed with water, cover the cargo surface while the cargo is still running on the conveyor belt.

Fresh water must be used in Dust Suppression systems unless otherwise specifically stated by the manufacturer or by clear order issued by the commercial operator.

Related info:

International convention for preventing oil pollution at sea - Marpol 73/78

Related information

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Operation of sea going bulk carriers involved numerous hazards . Careful planning and exercising due caution for all critical shipboard matters are important . This site is a quick reference to international shipping community with guidance and information on the loading and discharging of modern bulk carriers so as to remain within the limitations as specified by the classification society.
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