Accuracy of Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensor in Measuring Coal Mine Dust- a Wind Tunnel Evaluation

Abstract

Increased exposure to respirable coal mine dust leads to irreversible lung diseases in mine workers. MSHA mandates a maximum dust concentration of 1.5 mg/m3 in underground coal operations. Current ways of monitoring concentrations using a filter-Based method or expensive PDM3700 monitors cannot provide real-time concentration. Low-cost light-scattering particulate matter (PM) sensors have the potential to overcome these challenges. Tests were performed using factorial design to evaluate the impact of wind velocity and sensor direction on the sensor response. Three levels of wind velocity 3.0 m/s, 1.5 m/s, and 0.5 m/s, and sensor direction towards the stream, perpendicular to the stream and opposite to the stream and were evaluated. the results showed that the direction of the sensor has a significant impact on their response. for each input concentration of 0.0-1.0 mg/m3, 1.0-2.0 mg/m3, and 2.0-3.0 mg/m3, PSM 5003 sensor has a superior response than any other sensor. This study will provide valuable information on the feasibility of using these sensors to make real-time decisions.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Coal mine dust monitoring; Low-cost PM senors; Particulate matter

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-103255146-3

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Taylor and Francis Group; Taylor and Francis, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2023

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS