Lime Screw Feeder for Coal Energy Company

General Description

Explosions in coal mines are prevented by eliminating ignition sources. Limestone dust is used as a barrier to suppress propagating explosions. To prevent coal dust from igniting and exploding, mine operators routinely cover areas of a mine with limestone dust. If an explosion occurs, then the lime disperses and mixes with the coal dust to prevent fame propagation. Federal law requires that all areas of a coal mine that can be safely traveled must be kept adequately rock dusted.

Coal preparation plants wash coal of soil and rock, crush it into graded sized chunks and stockpile it for transport to market. Waste material, or coal slime is washed from coal, lowering total ash content and creating greater market value. Coal slime is a byproduct of the coal washing process but has value as secondary fuel for boilers.

KWS provided a screw feeder to meter limestone dust from a silo to a belt conveyor. The belt conveyor transfers coal slime to a load out location. The screw feeder was designed to mate up with an existing silo discharge.

New Screw Feeder Meters Limestone Dust to Belt Conveyor

Design Parameters

Product Type: Limestone Dust
Material Density: 55 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
Capacity: 164 Cubic Feet per Hour
Duty: 12 Hours per Day, 6 Days per Week

KWS Advantages

KWS met with the customer to review the specifications and application to develop long term and cost-effective solutions. KWS coordinated the layout and dimensions, so the screw feeder fit perfectly within the existing space without compromising the process or functionality.

KWS used the latest modeling software to ensure proper layout between upstream and downstream equipment. The new KWS screw feeder fit perfectly with an allowance for maintenance.

KWS Special Features

KWS provided a heavy-duty screw feeder for the application. A split tubular housing was selected for accurate metering and easy maintenance. The screw had half pitch in the inlet area for metering and full pitch after the inlet to reduce trough loading in the conveying section. A hanger pocket provided access to the hanger bearing for maintenance. The inlet flange pattern matched the existing silo discharge. KWS provided a special discharge, so the limestone dust efficiently discharged to the belt conveyor.

Testimonial

"I have used KWS on multiple projects across the country and have never had a bad experience. Sales and Engineering staff have always been very attentive and able to quickly assist with any questions or issues that I may have. I will continue to utilize KWS for any future needs that I have."

Evan Bay, Project Manager – Raw Resources