April 2025

Featured in Dry Cargo International: Fence it like Beckham: Tackling Dust & Wind in the Stockyard Game

We’re excited to share that WeatherSolve Structures has been prominently featured in the April 2025 issue of Dry Cargo International, a leading global publication for bulk handling and materials management. The article, titled “Fence it like Beckham: tackling dust & wind in the stockyard game,” likens effective dust management in dry bulk handling to a fast-paced soccer match. It positions the wind fence as the “striker” that “manoeuvres” the wind with the goal of scoring dust suppression, equipment protection, and optimized operations.

The editorial explains that a wind fence is a porous structure designed to reduce wind velocity and modify localized wind patterns. This prevents the formation of turbulence and wind eddies often seen with solid walls. This strategy is critical because dust is insidious and creeps into all manner of nooks and crannies, accumulating in equipment and clogging filters.

Proven Results: Reducing Repairs and Downtime

The feature highlights how controlling wind with a custom-designed wind fence protects substantial stockyard equipment investments and enhances operational continuity:

  • Wind fences can decrease wind speeds by up to 80% in localized areas and 50% over larger expanses.
  • A well-designed wind fence can reduce dust to as little as one-eighth that of an unprotected situation.
  • For stacker reclaimers and other machinery susceptible to high winds, even a slight wind increase can have severe impacts, but wind fences help machinery remain undisturbed and prolong equipment life.
  • A study at a large port in China showed wind fences reduced mean wind speed by 51.5% and entrapped 50-80% of total suspended particles.

WeatherSolve in Action

The article highlights a real-world example at a steel pelletizing plant in the Southern Hemisphere. The site was exposed to high winds, with large stockpiles up to 14m high, situated upwind across an open bay from a large housing area.

WeatherSolve was tasked with developing a solution that would effectively manage wind and dust while blending in with the surrounding environment.

  • Preliminary CFD analysis estimated dust reduction of approximately 80%.
  • A massive wind fence with spans totaling 9 km, heights up to 28 m, and 16 integrated access points was erected.
  • Post installation outcomes showed the overall dust reduction exceeded expectations. The project led to multiple fence expansions.

This recognition underscores WeatherSolve’s commitment to providing solutions for wind and dust-related problems that safeguard equipment, minimize repair costs, and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for both workers and nearby communities.

Read the full feature on page 52 of the April 2025 issue of Dry Cargo International to learn more about how wind fences protect your equipment investments and operations.