The Port of Tyne, one of the UK’s leading deep-sea ports and a major employer in the region, has announced a GBP 1 million ($1.3 million) investment in its wood pellet-handling operations.The investment sees state-of-the-art equipment installed and a range of measures put in place to help combat dust emissions from the dry wood pellets it handles into the UK.
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive at the Port of Tyne, said: “These measures ensure that we are doing everything we possibly can to decrease dust emissions to the lowest level possible. We have, over recent months, been carrying out a range of proactive investigations and have engaged the services of the best external, independent, professional advice to support our improvements.”
The improvements at Port of Tyne include:
- Dust bosses, which create a continuous water mist spray to prevent dust particles flying into the air.
- Pyramid covers, which enclose the top sections on the eight cargo grabs.
- Skirting on hoppers, which increase airflow and reduce dust emissions.
- A micro-fogging system at strategic points within the warehouse and on the ventilation units, making dust fall to the floor.
In 2021 the Port will also be the only one in the UK to have a hi-tech water spraying system, which will be installed at the end of the Quay.