Solution Provided | Carried out an investigation of transfer chutes and bin discharges with respect to the risk of bulk material liquefaction
Discipline | Mechanical Engineering
The client had two occasions of uncontrolled release of product from bauxite bins out of the transfer chutes onto belt feeders. High moisture content allowed the material in the bin to liquify and flow through the inspection hatch on the respective head chute, causing flooding in the deck.
The objectives from the study were to:
Identify the root cause of product liquefaction;
Outline material, administrative and other controls to mitigate, avoid and remove the risk of product liquefaction; and
Assess the capacity of existing chutes to safely handle the results of liquefaction.
Recommendations were made to mitigate liquefaction, including a list of immediate recommendations to manage the issue, as well as long term recommendations.
