Advancing dust control with transfer chute systems

Controlling dust during material transfer has become a pressing challenge in mining and industrial operations, particularly as environmental regulations tighten and safety standards rise. Dust emissions can pose significant health risks to workers, affect local communities and damage nearby ecosystems. In response to these concerns, Weba Chute Systems has emerged as a leader in the design and manufacture of advanced transfer chutes, with solutions specifically engineered to minimise dust generation while improving overall operational efficiency.

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 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.

Weba Chute Systems has been at the forefront of this evolution. Its chute designs 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, Weba chutes can significantly limit the escape of fine particles at transfer points. This, in turn, reduces the amount of dust that can be carried by the wind, helping to protect nearby communities and ecosystems from pollution.

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.

In addition to controlling dust, Weba chutes are designed to address material degradation and segregation—critical issues in industries where fines content must meet specific requirements, such as in iron ore and manganese mining. Fines are more prone to becoming airborne and generating dust, but by ensuring a consistent material stream, Weba chutes minimise segregation and maintain material quality.

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.

Through a combination of engineering excellence and a focus on safety and environmental sustainability, Weba Chute Systems continues to set the standard for dust control and operational efficiency. As industries face increasing pressure to operate responsibly, Weba’s advanced chute technologies provide critical solutions that help balance productivity with environmental stewardship.