HydroTac
An organic lignosulphonate based road binder offering superior dust control results
HydroTac is a specially formulated biodegradable binder that can be used on haul roads, access roads and other exposed surfaces as a spray-on dust control treatment. Totally organic, it has no corrosive chloride compounds and is environmentally friendly and readily biodegradable.
Working as a hygroscopic crusting agent, this ligno based dust control product helps mines to reduce water bowser usage for dust control purposes and has been shown to reduce water cart operating hours by up to 80%.
What is a lignosulphonate based road binder?
Lignosulphonate are by-products from sulphite paper and timber making processes in which sulfonated lignin, a polymer built up of phenyl propane subunits, is dispersed in an aqueous solution. The binding properties of lignin are enhanced by the addition of sugars which helps bind surface road and dust particles together. Water evaporates from the lignosulphonate as it dries and the dust particles are trapped by the high-viscosity, naturally sticky material.
The manufacturing of lignosulphonate involves evaporation and this evaporation process drives off any volatile contaminants such as acetic acid. As a result, lignosulphonate based dust control products have very low toxicity towards plants, low order of toxicity towards fish and present no risk of contaminating groundwater. In fact, lignin is natural enough to be used as a binder product in animal feed.
The non-hazardous features and abundant supply of lignosulphonate make for an excellent spray-on dust control solution for mine roads.
How is HydroTac applied?
HydroTac is a versatile product that is easy to handle and apply without any specialised equipment required. In order to suppress dust on roads and other surfaces, HydroTac can be applied via a series of light dilutions using a water bowsers.
Once applied, the need for reapplication is minimal. Mines which typically rely on continuously spraying untreated water on haul road networks in order to control dust will dramatically reduce water usage and water cart hours by switching to HydroTac.
HydroTac is conveniently delivered in a concentrated liquid form ready to use. It is typically diluted in a water bowser at a concentration of 1.5% up to 20% depending on the specific requirement.
What are the environmental and cost benefits of using HydroTac?
- Operational dust reductions
- Water savings of up to 80%
- Safer roads due to improved visibility.
- Operational cost savings and efficiencies due to a reduction in water cart operating hours of up to 75% and a reduction in road maintenance
- Reduced need for graders, other road maintenance equipment and regular replenishment of surface wearing course material
- Safer haulage conditions due to the reduced likelihood of a vehicle losing control as a result of over-watering
A full range of proven solutions
With well over 40 years of global research and refinement to rely on, Dust-A-Side has everything it takes – the experience, the personnel and in particular the products – to provide quantifiable results on every level.
Dust-A-Side have a complete range of dust suppression products to provide the most operationally and cost effective solution across any operation.
They can be used – effectively and economically – in a wide range of applications such as semi-permanent roads, temporary roads, underground work areas, laydown facilities, exposed areas, stockpile/embankment areas, veneering and construction areas.
Our products include bitumen and polymer based emulsions, as well as organic binders, surfactant technologies and a range of blended products. Each product is designed and developed to perform a specific task and can be applied in different ways to achieve your desired outcomes.