Domnick Hunter supplied a PNEUDRI MAXI adsorption dryer to deliver a flow rate of more than 6300 cubic metres per hour to the coal mine.

The dryer, a similar design to others delivered for surface applications in Australian mining and resources projects, is used to provide "extra-dry" air for the movement of cement powder to the point of application in the mine, Domnick Hunter Australian business development manager John Davis said.

The powder was brought together with water and used to fill the spaces between the steel tunnel construction erected on extraction of the coal, and the rock face. The hygroscopic nature of the powder makes its transportation impossible with anything less than dry air at a pressure dewpoint of –40C.

Before installation of the dryer, blocked pipes were a regular occurrence which led to expensive, time-consuming downtime and temporary stoppage of coal extraction.

Release of the new PNEUDRI systems in Australia is part of a worldwide product introduction.

Domnick Hunter recently doubled the size of its Australian headquarters to cope with expanding demand for its advanced technologies, which also include gas generation, breathing air purification, sterilising of process liquids and air, and safe disposal of compressed air condensate.