Increasing the efficiency of dust extraction at crusher feeding points

Viktor Shapovalov*, Andrii Shapovalov, Oleksandr Yavodchak

shapovalov@knu.edu.ua

Received 06.01.2026, Revised 27.05.2026, Accepted 30.06.2026, Published 06.07.2026
Abstract

The loading of crushers at mining and processing facilities is accompanied by intensive emissions of fine particulate dust, which deteriorates working conditions, increases the risk of occupational respiratory diseases, and causes additional abrasive wear of process equipment. The problem is particularly relevant where the use of water-based dust suppression methods is limited due to sludge formation, high water consumption, and difficulties in their application during the cold season. The aim of this study was to develop a design for a crusher feed hopper enclosure and to provide a scientific basis for a method of calculating the extraction parameters required to ensure uniform removal of contaminated air along the entire material loading zone. Mathematical modelling of air-flow dynamics was carried out using the static pressure method and the momentum equation. The model considered the air flow in a longitudinal extraction duct with a variablewidth slot. It was established that respirable dust fractions with particle sizes of up to 10 μm predominate in the workplaces of crushing and screening plants, representing the greatest health hazard to workers. It was demonstrated that one of the causes of dust escaping from beneath the enclosure is the unevenness of extraction velocities along the duct. A mathematical model was developed to determine the variable width of the longitudinal extraction slot as a function of the distance from the extraction connection point. It was established that, to ensure a stable extraction velocity, the slot width should gradually decrease from the closed end of the duct towards the point where the extraction system is connected. Analytical relationships were obtained for calculating the geometrical parameters of triangular-section ducts that prevent dust deposition inside the system. A design for a mobile extraction enclosure for a crusher feed hopper was proposed, incorporating longitudinal slots of variable width and a hinged connection to the extraction duct. The practical significance of the results lies in the localisation of dust emissions and the reduction of dust  concentrations in the workplace air by ensuring uniform extraction of contaminated air along the entire length of the crusher feed hopper

Keywords:
dust aerosol; respirable fraction; emission localisation; slotted extractor; static pressure; air flow; enclosure

Retrieved from Vol. 60, No. 1, 2026

Pages 72–84

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  26.  
Shapovalov, V., Shapovalov, A., & Yavodchak, O. (2026). Increasing the efficiency of dust extraction at crusher feeding points. Mining Journal of Kryvyi Rih National University, 60(1), 72-84. https://doi.org/10.31721/2306-5435-2026-1-72-84
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