Mining Publication: Reducing Float Coal Dust: Field Evaluation of an Inline Auxiliary Fan Scrubber
Original creation date: December 2016
Controlling float coal dust in underground coal mines before dispersal into the general airstream can reduce the risk of mine explosions while potentially achieving a more effective and efficient use of rock dust. A prototype flooded-bed scrubber was evaluated for float coal dust control in the return of a continuous miner section. The scrubber was installed inline between the face ventilation tubing and an exhausting auxiliary fan. Airborne and deposited dust mass measurements were collected over three days at set distances from the fan exhaust to assess changes in float coal dust levels in the return due to operation of the scrubber. Mass-based measurements were collected on a per-cut basis and normalized on the basis of per ton mined by the continuous miner. The results show that average float coal dust levels measured under baseline conditions were reduced by more than 90 percent when operating the scrubber.
Authors: J Patts, JF Colinet, SJ Janisko, T Barone, LD Patts
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - December 2016
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20049028
Min Eng 2016 Dec; 68(12):63-68
See Also
- Airborne Dust Liberation During Coal Crushing
- Coal Dust Explosibility Meter Evaluation and Recommendations for Application
- Coal-Dust Explosion Tests in the Experimental Mine 1919 to 1924, Inclusive
- Continuous Miner Spray Considerations for Optimizing Scrubber Performance in Exhaust Ventilation Systems
- Determining the Spatial Variability of Personal Sampler Inlet Locations
- Full-Scale Testing of the Float Dust Deposition Meter
- Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
- Sensors for Automated Control of Coal Dust (SACCD)
- Status of a Tapered Element, Oscillation Microbalance-Based Continuous Respirable Coal Mine Dust Monitor
- Technology News 515 - Float Coal Dust Explosion Hazards
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program