Mining Publication: Research Toward Direct Analysis of Quartz Dust on Filters Using FTIR Spectroscopy
Original creation date: January 1992
The U.S. Bureau of Mines is investigating fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for on-filter quartz analysis of respirable dust. A custom accessory is described for full-face examination of filters utilizing a large-diameter infrared (IR) beam. The accessory positions samples to match diameters with that of the diverging analytical beam. Sample absorbance is then measured. With nonuniform deposition of dust on collection filters being a major issue for such analyses, this approach is the most direct way to accomplish sample area averaging. The approach is unconventional since it utilizes large-beam geometries instead of the usually desired minimized beam dimensions. The issues and problems involved in the analysis of quartz on a filter matrix are discussed. Absorption bands chosen, light-scattering effects, curved baselines, random noise, interference fringes, and possible solutions to technical difficulties are the topics covered. The more significant findings include a 20-ug detection limit for quartz when the custom accessory is used and minimal occurrence of light-scattering effects at low wavenumbers. The custom accessory performance was satisfactory and merits further work. With continued research, an on-filter method for quartz analysis of respirable dusts seems achievable.
Authors: DP Tuchman
Information Circular - January 1992
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10011229
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, IC 9309, 1992 Jan; :1-17
See Also
- Best Practices for Controlling Respirable Dust in Coal Mines
- Coal-Dust Explosion Tests in the Experimental Mine 1919 to 1924, Inclusive
- Direct-on-Filter alpha-Quartz Estimation in Respirable Coal Mine Dust using Transmission Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Partial Least Squares Regression
- Evaluation of the Approach to Respirable Quartz Exposure Control in U.S. Coal Mines
- History of the Mining Program
- Identifying Sources of Respirable Quartz and Silica Dust in Underground Coal Mines in Southern West Virginia, Western Virginia, and Eastern Kentucky
- Respirable Quartz Hazard Associated with Coal Mine Roof Bolter Dust
- Respirable Size-Selective Sampler for End-of-Shift Quartz Measurement: Development and Performance
- Technology News 463 - Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor
- Technology News 509 - A New Method to Clean Dust From Soiled Work Clothes
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program