Method of controlling road dust in strip mines

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an improvement in dust control methods used at strip mines. The invention is based upon super absorbent polymer used in combination with water. The polymer is premixed with water and is applied to the roads by use of a conventional truck capable of dispensing water. The super absorbent polymer provides water retention and can be re-hydrated by rain, dew, or additional tanker water. The method disclosed includes the step of: adding about 15 gallons of dry super absorbent water swellable polymer to each 2000 gallons of water placed within the water tanker, stirring the polymer into the water to form a mixture, and distributing the mixture over strip mining roads.

1 . The product comprising any feature described, either individually or in combination with any feature, in any configuration. 
     
     
         2 . A process comprising any product described in any order, using any modality either individually or in any combination, with any modality or any feature described. 
     
     
         3 . A method of controlling dust on strip mining roads using a water tanker having a gravity feed distribution header comprising the steps of: adding about 15 gallons of dry super absorbent water swellable polymer to each 2000 gallons of water placed within the water tanker; stirring said polymer into said water to form a mixture; distributing said mixture over strip mining roads. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said water swellable polymer is sized to pass through the gravity feed distribution header without clogging. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said water swellable polymer is less than 20 microns. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said water swellable polymer is an acrylate. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 3  which provides a polymer film over the dust producing strip mining roads. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein the polymer film forms a homogeneous and resistant layer over the surface of the mining roads. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said mixture is from 0.1 to 1.0% of polymer to water.