Frequently Asked Questions about Our Coal CarTopping System®

In Coal Car-Topping System®, Coal-Utility, Dust Control by Jim Silva

Coal dust is more than just an inconvenience. We can help you handle it with our patented Coal CarTopping System®.

As long as there’s coal to be mined, there will be coal to transport. That’s why mining companies need to ensure that their railcars will be treated with an effective dust control product while their coal is in transit. To that end, Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc. offers turnkey coal car topping solutions that make fugitive coal dust a thing of the past.

How does a Coal CarTopping System work exactly? Let’s run through everything you need to know about our solution to fugitive coal dust and explore why it’s the best choice for your coal transit needs.

What does a Coal CarTopping System do? 

Midwest’s Coal CarTopping System (CCT) is a containerized application system that regularly sprays our polymer emulsion Soil-Sement® onto the contents of passing railcars, effectively trapping coal dust as soon as it’s generated. Designed to adjust as needed until it matches the profile of the coal, it reduces coal dust by 85% while protecting the coal itself from wind, precipitation, UV rays, and other possible sources of damage. As a result, it heightens efficiency, minimizes maintenance costs, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. 

Effective coal car topping to prevent fugitive dust depends on using a quality dust suppressant. Our patented CCT Soil-Sement Engineered Formula can be fed into a customizable application system that sprays as the rail cars pass underneath it. Backed by our always accessible service network, it’s a three-pronged turnkey strategy that delivers consistent results.

How is the Coal CarTopping System better than other options?

CCT is the most versatile and efficient solution to fugitive coal dust available, providing users with the lowest cost-per-ton and the lowest water usage. Automatically adapting to the contents of your car, it can be customized to meet your equipment’s exact specifications with little direct input from a supervisor.

Since the sprayer system extends above the coal itself and includes a heated operator’s booth with a clear view of passing coal cars, you can easily monitor it at every stage of transportation. In addition, CCT is designed to meet the most current laws and regulations, such as the latest BNSF Tariff rate for suppressing dust on in-transit coal cars. These user-friendly specifications make CCT a simple and intuitive system to navigate.

What kind of weather can I apply it in?

Because CCT relies on heated containers, it can function during any season. Indeed, CCT is designed for year-round application, making it an ideal choice for mining companies working in regions with harsh winters.

Do I need to reapply?

Since the CCT mechanism is permanently installed and meant to work automatically, you don’t need to reapply product yourself. You need only to replenish the supply of dust suppressant product once it’s exhausted. If you ever have any issues with the system, however, our service network will be there to help.

Whether you’re involved with small or large-scale coal transport, Midwest will be there to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Jim is Midwest’s Business Unit Manager for Global Mining. He is experienced in operations management, asset management, and business improvement.