Mining Publication: A Computer Software Program that Estimates Air Quantity Requirements in Large Opening Stone Mines
Original creation date: May 2004
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a computer program called the Air Quantity Estimator (AQE). The purpose of the program is to provide a starting point for estimating the air quantity needed to dilute diesel particulate matter (DPM) in an underground large opening mine, albeit taking into account various input assumptions. The AQE estimates the total air quantity needed to dilute DPM emissions that enter the main airstream of the mine to current statutory levels. It helps operators pinpoint vehicles that are high DPM contributors. In addition, it allows the user to make "what if" scenarios by varying the input parameters to achieve the most efficient and practical ventilation system. The AQE is a stand-alone software program that does not require any type of spreadsheet software. Engine data must be known or estimated with some accuracy and assumptions must be made in order to limit the variability of the program output. Program calculations and two case studies, for validation purposes, are included in this report. It should be noted that the program does not ensure adequate face ventilation and personal exposure compliance.
Authors: SB Robertson, RH Grau, J Dolgos, TP Mucho
Conference Paper - May 2004
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20024925
Ganguli R, Bandopadhyay S, eds. Mine Ventilation: Proceedings of the 10th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (Anchorage, Alaska, May 16-19, 2004). Leiden, Netherlands: Balkema, 2004 May; :363-369
See Also
- Aerosols Emitted in Underground Mine Air by Diesel Engine Fueled with Biodiesel
- AQE - Air Quantity Estimator - 1.0.3
- DEEP Project on Evaluation of Diesel Particulate Filters at Inco's Stobie Mine
- Effects of Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment Devices on Concentrations and Size Distribution of Aerosols in Underground Mine Air
- The Effects of Water Emulsified Fuel on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Underground Mines
- Near Real Time Monitoring of Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Mines
- Real-time Diesel Particulate Monitor for Underground Mines
- Real-Time Estimation of Elemental Carbon Emitted from a Diesel Engine
- Technology News 514 - The Air Quantity Estimator (AQE): A New Computer Software Tool for Large-opening Mine Ventilation Planning
- Underground Mine Diesel Particulate Monitor Network
- Page last reviewed: 9/20/2012
- Page last updated: 9/20/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program