"It once had a bad name." Mining cleans up its act... is now at the forefront of environmentally-friendly production

Across the Country, Limestone Processing Plants Are Reducing Their Carbon Footprint with MAC Pulse Valves

The Mississippi River
Source: Mississippi Lime

By Sandia Harrison, Director of Marketing, FPE Automation

In a concerted effort to combat climate change, limestone processing plants across the country are taking significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint. One innovative solution gaining traction in the industry is the installation of MAC Pulse Valves. These valves are revolutionizing the way dust collection systems operate within these facilities, leading to substantial energy savings.

Limestone processing used to be notorious for its environmental impact, primarily due to the energy-intensive nature of lime production. However, with the introduction of MAC Pulse Valves, the industry is undergoing a transformation. These valves efficiently control the dust collector systems, vastly reducing the time they operate. By doing so, they not only enhance the overall efficiency of the process but also significantly cut down on energy consumption. All while keeping the air the workers breathe clean. 

Clean production due to a more efficient
dust collection system. 

Across the board, virtually all limestone processing plants in the United States have made a commitment to sustainability. 

The adoption of MAC Pulse Valves is a testament to the industry's dedication to environmental stewardship. As limestone processing plants across the nation embrace this technology, they are not only improving their environmental footprint but also setting an example for other industry sectors. With such innovations, the future of limestone processing looks greener, aligning with the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and safeguarding our planet's health. 

At FPE Automation: assembling, inspecting and testing
the more efficient valves prior to installation.

Retrofitting a Dust Collector: What's Involved?

Retrofitting a dust collector involves several key steps, starting with an assessment of the existing collector's performance and condition. Inefficient valves stick, break down frequently and run continously, wasting energy without properly cleaning the air. Corrosion is a common issue. The valves pictured here have anti-corrosion nickel plating that was developed specifically for the harsh environment in lime plants. 

Fortunately, tools are available to measure and compare one solution over the other, and to properly size your application. FPE Automation has in-house specialists who are highly skilled in assessing dust collection systems They can collect and present factual data from your environment that can help you to make the correct determination. Once the evaluation is complete, the goal is to enhance the dust collector's performance, reduce energy consumption, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, making it an essential undertaking for industries reliant on effective dust management systems. Many of the nation's largest limestone miners have reached that goal by adopting MAC Pulse Valves technology as part of their clean air initiatives. 

Do you work in industrial automation? If so, you probably have your own ideas about where smart manufacturing is headed. Would you like to contribute next time? If so, feel free to reach out to the author of this post, @sandiaharrison, I'd enjoy hearing what you have to say!