February 2025

Featured in Dry Cargo International: How Wind Fences Are Revolutionizing Coal Storage & Handling

We’re pleased to share that WeatherSolve Structures has been prominently featured in the February 2025 issue of Dry Cargo International, a leading global publication for bulk handling and materials management. The article, titled “How wind fences are revolutionizing coal storage & handling,” highlights wind fences in the fight against coal dust, environmental pollution, and the costly loss of precious BTUs (heat content) from stockpiles.

The editorial mentions that traditional dust control methods (like water, pile shaping, or chemicals) often “fall short of the mark” for long term dust control solutions. Given the substantial financial and environmental implications of under-protected coal stockpiles, wind fences offer a reliable, long-term solution. 

Wind fences work by erecting a porous barrier to reduce wind velocity and create a “sheltered zone,” to diminish dust generation and wind erosion.

Proven Results: Protecting Mass and Heat Content

The feature discussed the benefit of wind fences for both dust mitigation and product preservation.

 

  • A Spanish study conducted on an Endesa power plant revealed that wind-fenced coal piles experienced significantly lower mass and BTU losses compared to standard stockpiles.
  • For an unprotected, pyramid-shaped stockpile, annualized total losses were as high as 26%, but this loss dropped to 8% when protected with a wind screen. 

 

WeatherSolve in Action

The article highlights a real-world project in a South American port city where WeatherSolve’s expertise was enlisted to provide a dust control solution. Thorough CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis of the site confirmed that the WeatherSolve wind fence design could potentially reduce dust emissions by 78%. The final construction used WeatherSolve’s proprietary porous fabric and stress-release clip system.  The outcome was effective dust suppression in alignment with the CFD analysis.

The success of this project further demonstrates WeatherSolve’s position as a global leader in environmental control structures.  We deliver engineered solutions that present a holistic approach to coal management; shaping a cleaner and more efficient future for the industry.

Read the full feature on page 9 of the February 2025 issue of Dry Cargo International to learn more about how custom wind fences are transforming coal operations worldwide.