UoD Project 1 - Methods to Eliminate Deleterious Materials Leaving Quarries

Overview

As a University of Derby's Honours Degree in Mineral Products Management student, James Forrester TMIQ's project aimed to investigate and determine the optimum method to minimise deleterious materials leaving site. The project assessed the effectiveness of current wheel cleaning systems along with other alternative solutions. 

 
Figure 1. Entrance road soiled by vehicles using unsurfaced roads to and from the stockyard. 

Method 
The project evaluated differing cleaning solutions such as wheel baths, wheel washes, hire of second wheel wash unit, waterless wheel cleaner and relocation of the wheel wash unit. 

The wheel bath unit quickly became soiled and dirty reducing the effectiveness of the unit over time.  

A pressurised spray wheel wash unit, as shown in figure 2, was located 150m away from the site entrance. It generated better results compared to the wheel bath, however, there continued to be some soiling of the roads after the wash.   


Figure 2. Hired wheel wash unit with rumble strip ramps and pressurised spray 

Additional rumble strips, that shake the vehicle to remove the deleterious material, were installed before and after the wash. Whilstthese were successful in removing some soiling, it failed to eliminate the issue. 

A further wheel wash unit was hired to trial on site, however the location of this wheel wash proved to be unfavourable as the dirty water from the wash collected on the road, as shown in figure 3. 


Figure 3. Second hired wheel wash unit and  ponding of dirty water.  

Then a further waterless wheel cleaner was installed, these units comprise of rumble strips only. The trial was not a great success, failing to remove sufficient deleterious material. 

The final stage of the trial was to move the second wheel wash a further 450m into the quarry and site on a level concrete pad. This proved to be the most effective solution.  

Results 
Significant improvements with the site road conditions are clearly visible and there have been positive comments made by the local community.   


Figure 4. Before and after photos of the public highway  

Relocating the wheel cleaning facilities has not only improved the condition of the public highway, but has also generated financial savings from the reduced hire of the second wheel wash and from a reduction in mains water and road sweeper usage. 

James Forrester TMIQ comments 

“I achieved a great sense of pride and accomplishment in the successful completion of my project which was part of my degree. It was rewarding to see my work had a positive impact, not only on site but also with the local community. Researching the topic necessitated thinking outside of the box, which opened my eyes to a varying range of solutions. The skills I have gained through the completion of the project are skills I am now utilising in my current role.”

Celebrating 10 successful years of the Honours Degree in Mineral Products Management

Throughout April, discover the innovative projects driving change in the mineral products industry, led by recent graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Mineral Products Management:

• Methods to Eliminate Deleterious Materials Leaving Quarries by James Forrester TMIQ
  
  
• An investigation into the use of electronic delay detonators (EDD) vs non-electric detonators by Robin Gillespie FIQ 
  
  
• A comparison of green concretes in the context of the Circular Economy by Danielle Dawson
  
  
• Increasing Productivity and Minimising Wastage by Ben Campbell TMIQ

These cutting-edge projects highlight the next generation of industry leaders, applying their skills to deliver practical, sustainable, and financially beneficial solutions.

For further details on any of the projects or the honours programme covered within this article please contact j.austin@derby.ac.uk