Optimization and field application of an eco-friendly molasses-based dust suppressant for open-pit coal mine haul roads
Abstract To overcome the limitations of conventional water-based dust suppression in arid, high-temperature open-pit coal mine haul roads, this study developed an innovative molasses-based dust suppressant with enhanced water retention and consolidation capabilities. The formulation leverages molass...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
|
| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11965-0 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Abstract To overcome the limitations of conventional water-based dust suppression in arid, high-temperature open-pit coal mine haul roads, this study developed an innovative molasses-based dust suppressant with enhanced water retention and consolidation capabilities. The formulation leverages molasses-a sugar industry byproduct with inherent anti-evaporation properties-as its core component, supplemented with surfactant (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, SDBS), humectant (glycerol), and hygroscopic (calcium chloride, CaCl₂) additives. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal composition was determined to be: 31.06% molasses, 0.73 g/L SDBS, 1.68% glycerol, and 1.50% CaCl2. Experimental validation confirmed the model’s reliability, showing < 3% deviation between predicted and actual performance metrics. Field evaluation produced significant results: small-scale testing with 2.5-ton and 4.4-ton mine vehicles maintained dust-free conditions for three consecutive days, while medium-scale trials with loaded (550-ton) and unloaded (225-ton) haul trucks achieved effective dust control for over 6 h. The suppressant creates a durable, homogeneous consolidation layer with substantial mechanical strength when applied. The suppression mechanism combines immediate dust wetting with prolonged suppression via dust particle solidification post water evaporates. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |