A bifurcated chute tailored for seamless material transfer while maintaining environmental compliance by reducing dust generation.

Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, explains how traditional chutes were once seen as basic components, designed simply to move material from one point to another. “Early chutes were often little more than boxes,” he says, “with minimal attention paid to the broader implications of their design, such as dust control or material degradation.”

Over time, however, as mines and industries have prioritised safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility, the role of transfer chutes has transformed. Now, they are considered essential tools for controlling dust and optimising material flow.

Flow and turbulence

Weba’s chutes incorporate sophisticated features such as the ‘supertube’ principle, which regulates the flow of material and reduces the turbulence that typically leads to dust generation. By creating a smoother, more consistent stream of material, these chutes can significantly limit the escape of fine particles at transfer points.

The benefits of these designs are evident in the field, with some operations experiencing up to a 77% reduction in dust levels after installing Weba chutes. This reduction has not only improved environmental conditions but has also allowed for safer working environments, as lower dust levels enable more regular inspections and maintenance without the need for costly shutdowns.

Transfer chute at a coal mine reduces dust emissions and maintains smooth material flow

Degradation and segregation

In addition to controlling dust, Weba chutes are designed to address material degradation and segregation which are critical issues in industries where fines content must meet specific requirements, such as in iron ore and manganese mining.

Effective chute design also optimises material distribution in storage silos. Weba’s rotary chute, for instance, helps blend fines and coarser material more evenly, ensuring consistent material performance at various points within the silo. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces operational disruptions.

A bifurcated chute tailored for seamless material transfer while maintaining environmental compliance by reducing dust generation.

www.webachutes.com

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