Fines Collection and Storage

JBW was retained to provide engineering services to design the fines collection, resizing, storage, and delivery process. The purpose of the project was to expand the existing facilities’ capacity. 

The design included approximately 11,000 feet of duct with 1,100 fittings. The duct ranged from 4” to 50” in diameter. It also included 4,600 feet of 10” to 12” diameter pneumatic transfer pipe with 60 elbows.

Due to the inherent risk of an explosion when handling combustible dust, JBW designed mitigation features into the system per NFPA 660 including over 140 spark detection, 40 extinguishment, and 50 deluge locations. Spark detection design included equipment beyond the scope of the dust collection system.

Structural engineering included equipment, duct, and pipe supports and foundations. There was roughly 8,000 tons of concrete and 640 tons of steel required to support the equipment, duct, and pipe as well as to provide personnel access to the equipment.

There were 340 pieces of equipment in the design including baghouses, airlocks, cyclones, conveyors, blowers, storage bins, etc. The electrical and controls for this equipment was designed by JBW working with the vendor and client.

The design was created in 3D and coordinated with several engineering firms. There were multiple weekly calls with the client and other firms to ensure there were no design conflicts and each party received and issued the info required to keep the project running smoothly.