David Handel, RST Operations and Technical Director David Handel
AN INNOVATIVE new extremely low dosage dust solution, Infiltrator DEM, has been developed by leading Australian fine particle management company Reynolds Soil Technologies (RST) for bulk earthworks application to achieve dust extinction moisture levels (DEM) faster.
The latest addition to RST’s high-tech, problem solving range of products, Infiltrator DEM is ideal for use into all substrate, stockpile and dig faces materials to improve productivity and operational optimisation by reducing fugitive dust when moving material, through increasing water infiltration effectiveness and uniformity.
Infiltrator DEM is added to water to create the ultimate dust solution that stabilises the soil surface structure, facilitating ‘rapid’ water penetration in all material types compared to non-treated water alone.
Infiltrator DEM is diluted directly into the application water at a very low dosage range of 0.05% to 0.005%, with dosage rates dependent on material type and water quality.
Infiltrator DEM delivers super concentrated liquid surface-active chemistry to application water that reduces the surface tension of water by approximately 60%, minimising the negative effect of fine particle movement created by the application of water through irrigation or rain.
The application of water without Infiltrator DEM tends to flow over the soil surface, disrupting soil aggregates and dispersing them into the flow of water runoff.
This water, now containing the dispersed fine soil particles, is drawn into or over the pores of the soil surface, plugging them and causing the surface to seal, blocking infiltration and causing water runoff.
This surface sealing effect is intensified if water arrives at the soil surface via water droplets from irrigation or rain, which have additional kinetic energy adding to the disruption and dispersion of soil particles through water runoff.
When runoff occurs, water redistribution results in ponding in low areas of the irrigation zone and inadequate wetting and penetration into raised ground and stockpiles, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the applied water to reduce dust levels.
When Infiltrator DEM is added to water and applied, the water droplets rapidly penetrate deep into the substrate, stockpile or dig face material, instead of causing surface sealing that induces the runoff and redistribution of water.
RST operations and technical director David Handel said the Infiltrator DEM solution is the latest chemical innovation developed through RST’s ongoing research and development programs.
“RST’s point of difference is that we go out into the field and work side by side with clients to really listen and identify what their unique challenges are,” Mr Handel said.
“Our team of industry experts then works out which products are needed from our broad range of solutions to provide the most cost-effective and efficient plan to obtain the highest level of operational optimisation for our clients,” he said.
“It was through this process of working with our clients that we discovered the need for an extremely low-dosage yet highly effective dust solution when excavating, transporting, storing, loading and dumping materials so our research and development team set about creating our specifically tailored dust solution to fill this need, resulting in Infiltrator DEM.
“Infiltrator DEM is particularly relevant to mining applications where fast water infiltration is required to increase the moisture content in all materials being moved and stored and achieve a specific dust extinction moisture level (DEM) quickly to keep up with mining advance rates and increase productivity.
“Infiltrator DEM’s low dosage rates can also increase operational optimisation through reducing costs and increasing production rates.
“RST can tailor our products including Infiltrator DEM, our services and packages to each client’s individual needs, because every client’s operational challenges and environmental conditions are different.
“We then offer ongoing on an off-site training and support to our clients because the key to success is ensuring our recommendations are followed through with correct operational support.
“We are passionate about delivering results because there is nothing more satisfying than identifying a client’s problem and being able to solve it for them.”
RST has more than 26 years of experience specialising in total dust management, soil stabilisation and erosion, water and agricultural solutions for mine sites, haul roads, ports and land sites in Australia and overseas.
The company’s head office is based at Burleigh Heads, Queensland with an additional office in Carlisle, Western Australia.
RST’s international operations extend to regions including South and North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
For more information please contact Reynolds Soil Technologies on (07) 5522 0244 or visit www.rstsolutions.com.au