Sediment Removal for Dust Suppression at Port

PROJECT: Gladstone Ports Corporation
STATE: QLD
SCOPE: Supply

TECHNOLOGY: Screen Filtration
APPLICATION: Process Water Treatment
WATER ISSUES: Sediment
PRODUCTS / SOLUTION: SKAN Screen Filtration

Background
Gladstone Ports is a multi-commodity port in Queensland. It's a major hub for coal loading, facing significant challenges due to the high levels of dust generated at its coal terminals. To remedy this, Gladstone Ports utilises water for dust suppression, sprayed onto the specific trouble-causing surfaces to minimise dust impact.

Filtration system for Gladstone Port by Southland Filtration

Objectives

We were engaged to provide a solution to prevent large particles, which were present in the feedwater, from entering the dust suppression system, causing damage and potential blockages.

The objective was to implement a reliable and efficient filtration system to remove contaminants from raw water used in port operations. The aim was to protect downstream equipment, such as pumps and valves, from damage caused by debris and dust.

Challenges

High volumes of raw water containing various contaminants, including large debris such as prawns and shells.
High operating pressure (1000 kPa) and the need for a safety buffer (1600 kPa).
Potential for water hammer issues, requiring a slow-acting valve.

Solution

Southland Filtration deployed its unique dual staged automatic screen filtration systems to tackle the suspended sediment issue. The two-stage filtration process was:

Stage 1: 6000 micron filter to remove larger debris.
Stage 2: 200 micron filter to capture finer particles.
Skan auto screens – Robust backwash system designed for industrial applications.
Custom-designed solution – Tailored to meet the specific needs of Gladstone Ports.

Outcome

The filtration system successfully removes dust, debris, and other impurities from the raw water. The filters safeguard pumps, valves, and other components from damage. The clean water supply contributes to optimal performance of port operations.

In Summary

This project demonstrates the successful implementation of a cutting-edge filtration system to address the unique challenges faced by Gladstone Ports. By effectively removing contaminants and protecting equipment, the solution contributes to both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.