finalising a design. “Our solutions are never off-the-shelf,” Tintinger says. “Each transfer point is engineered around the actual coal properties and site conditions so that the chute works with the material flow rather than against it.” Sealing systems and flow geometry Effective dust containment in coal handling also depends on how well the transfer point is sealed. Engineered liners, controlled transfer geometry and properly designed skirting systems all play an important role in preventing dust escape. Where required, dedicated dust extraction or suppression systems can be integrated into the Weba Chute Systems chute design to meet stringent emission standards, particularly at coal-fired power stations and port export facilities where visible dust emissions are closely monitored. A major advantage in modern transfer point design is the use of advanced simulation tools such as Discrete Element Modelling (DEM). Tintinger says that, using DEM, Weba Chute Systems can model how coal behaves inside the chute before manufacturing begins, allowing engineers to identify potential turbulence zones, wear areas and dust escape risks at design stage. “Our DEM capability gives us detailed insight into material behaviour,” he says. “This allows us to engineer out potential dust problems before installation rather than trying to solve them reactively once the system is in operation.” Operational and commercial impact For coal handling facilities, the importance of dust containment extends well beyond compliance. Every tonne of fine coal lost as dust represents lost product and lost revenue. At the same time, airborne coal dust increases wear on idlers, pulleys, scrapers and conveyor belts, driving up maintenance costs and downtime. Reduced dust levels also contribute to improved visibility, safer walkways and reduced cleaning requirements across plant areas - areas where Weba Chute Systems continues to demonstrate measurable value through engineered transfer point performance. “As much as dust control is a health and environmental issue, it is equally an operational efficiency issue,” Tintinger says. “Containing dust improves housekeeping, reduces component wear and protects valuable product.” This is particularly important in coal export terminals and power generation applications where transfer systems operate continuously and even minor inefficiencies can translate into significant operational losses over time. Dust control as a strategic priority As ESG requirements and environmental regulations continue to tighten, dust containment is increasingly being treated as a strategic priority in coal handling infrastructure. Rather than relying solely on downstream suppression measures, the industry is moving towards proactive dust control through engineered transfer point design - an area in which Weba Chute Systems has built extensive expertise. “Dust must be addressed at its source,” Tintinger concludes. “When transfer points are properly engineered, operators achieve safer, cleaner and more efficient coal handling operations while improving compliance and long-term plant performance.” n
An engineered transfer point from Weba Chute Systems manages coal flow from the screen underpan to the conveyor chute, helping to reduce dust generation at source.
This tripper car chute from Weba Chute Systems is designed to enable efficient coal transfer while maintaining low dust levels.
Weba Chute Systems Sales Director Farouk Abrahams inspects chute performance at a coal handling operation to assess flow efficiency and dust control.
the flow path and ensuring smooth directed loading onto the receiving belt, we dramatically reduce dust liberation at source.” This engineering-led approach is central to Weba Chute Systems’ transfer point solutions where each chute is custom designed according to the material characteristics, throughput requirements and site-specific operating conditions. In coal operations, where particle size distribution, moisture content and throughput rates can vary significantly, this level of application-specific design is especially important and Weba Chute Systems places considerable emphasis on understanding each customer’s operating environment before
JULY 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 29
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