30 Dust Control Handbook Dust Prevention Measures to discharge, which results in spillage. This spillage may also prevent the bag valve from sealing properly, which may cause another dust source as the bag is handled. Dust generation and emission during barrel- or drum- filling operations result primarily from— Displaced air carrying fine dust Spillage of material during the filling process and subsequent handling of drums and barrels Dust emissions caused by bagging machines can be minimized in the following ways: © The bag should be properly attached to the spout to reduce dust leakage or material spillage. © Where possible, the bag's outer surfaces should be wetted to prevent the surface dust from becoming airborne, Dust emissions due to poor bag quality can be minimized by— Following proper bag specifications Eliminating sharp obstructions during _bag- handling processes Using proper compressed-air pressures to fill the bag, which can significantly reduce the number of broken bags Storing bags at recommended temperatures and humidity levels to prevent drying and cracking In the case of spout fluidizing packers, the following additional meesures are suggested: ‘The fluidized air in the bag should be vented to control dust emissions during filling. This can be done by using bags with perforations staggered through the layers of bag paper. This eliminates a direct path for the product and reduces dust spillage, while maintaining adequate air relief through’ the bag. The porosity of the paper further aids air relief and has a filtering effect.