Dust Suppression and Reduction of Surface Oxidation for Mineral Agglomerates

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition consisting essentially of a mineral substrate and a dust suppresant, which is adhered to the surface of the mineral substrate, and methods of reducing dust generation of a mineral substrate by applying a dust suppresant to the surface of the mineral substrate. The dust suppresant is a natural or synthetic triglyceride.

1 . Composition consisting essentially of a mineral substrate and a dust suppressant, which is adhered to the surface of the mineral substrate, wherein the dust suppressant is a natural or synthetic triglyceride or a mixture comprising triglycerides.  
   
   
       2 . Composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the dust suppressant is a natural triglyceride or a mixture comprising natural triglycerides.  
   
   
       3 . Composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the mineral substrate is an ore pellet.  
   
   
       4 . Composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the mineral substrate is an iron-ore pellet.  
   
   
       5 . Composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the amount of dust suppressant is chosen in the range of from 0.05 to 2.5% by weight per weight pellet.  
   
   
       6 . Composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the dust suppressant is adhered to at least 80% of the surface of the mineral substrate.  
   
   
       7 . Method of reducing dust generation of mineral substrate comprising applying a dust suppressant to the surface of a mineral substrate having a temperature in the range of from 150 to 250° C. and an amount in a range of 0.05 to 2.5% by weight per weight of mineral substrate, wherein the dust suppressant is a natural or synthetic triglyceride or a mixture comprising triglycerides.  
   
   
       8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . Method of reducing dust generation of mineral substrate comprising applying a dust suppressant to the surface of a mineral substrate having a temperature in the range of from 100 to 250° C. and an amount in a range of 0.05 to 2.5% by weight per weight of mineral substrate, wherein the dust suppressant is applied in the form of a nonaqueous foam.  
   
   
       10 . Method according to  claim 9 , wherein the dust suppressant is applied in the presence of a surfactant.  
   
   
       11 . Method according to  claim 9  wherein the dust suppressant is a natural or synthetic triglyceride or a mixture comprising triglycerides.  
   
   
       12 . Method according to  claim 9 , wherein the mineral substrate is an ore pellet.  
   
   
       13 . Method according to  claim 12 , wherein the ore pellet is an iron-ore pellet.  
   
   
       14 . Dust suppressant in the form of a nonaqueous foam.