Definition of the Swinderman Scale
The Swinderman Scale of Fugitive Materials detailed below is one attempt to develop such a scoring system.
The material presented is intended as a sample or demonstration of this scale. Each operation develops its own scoring scale, to fit its specific situation, and uses that scale over time for measuring performance improvement.
The scale can be reviewed periodically, perhaps annually, with increases to the requirements to support continuous improvement as facility cleanliness improves. The scoring system and targets should not be changed too often, or progress will be lost.
The following is a definition of this system:
Dust
Definition: Particles of fugitive material small enough to become airborne, generally less than 10 microns in diameter. Dust generally distributes itself evenly throughout an area. Dust may be emitted from any process source.
Level D1: Extremely Dusty ____ points
- More than 10 milligrams of dust per cubic meter
- Opacity greater than 30 percent
- Able to see less than 15 meters (50 feet) through the dust
- Unable to breath without a respirator
- Eyes irritated and constantly watering
Level D2: Dusty ____ points
- 12 to 10 milligrams of dust per cubic meter
- Opacity of 11 to 30 percent
- Able to see less than 50 meters (150 feet) through the dust
- Possible irritation to mouth and/or nose with some minor difficulty in breathing
Level D3: Dust Free ____ points
- Less than 12 milligrams of dust per cubic meter
- Opacity 1 to 10 percent
- Able to see more than 100 meters (300 feet) through the dust
Spillage
Definition: Material that escapes from process equipment or a conveyor belt at unwanted locations. Spillage is usually granular in nature and typical of the bulk material size distribution. Spillage normally accumulates close to and/or below the source of leakage.
Level S1: Extreme Spillage ____ points
- Constant rain of material from leaks in chutes and process equipment resulting in buried walkways and equipment
- Weekly accumulations of more than 2 tons of fugitive material
- Difficult to walk along equipment or up conveyor walkways
- Particles become lodged in eyes, ears, and nose
- Constant manual clean up required to maintain production
Level S2: Frequent Spillage ____ points
- Layers of spillage with no readily apparent source or repeated operations errors
- Weekly accumulations of up to 2 tons of fugitive material
- Some difficulty walking on walkways and through accumulations Manual cleanup required every 1 to 2 weeks
Level S3: Spillage Free ____ points
- Spillage that is the result of an occasional process upset or intentionally delayed maintenance
- Characterized by no lumps or granules of material accumulating
- Requires occasional manual cleaning
See Also: Measuring Fugitive Materials from Belt Conveyors Part 1 | Part 3
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