Some Approaches and Methods for Real-Time DPM Ambient Monitoring in Underground Mines

Abstract

A number of real-time DPM monitors has been developed in recent years. Two of these have been developed by NIOSH in the US. The D-PDM, is based on an adaption of the successful NIOSH's PDM. The FLIR Airtech unit measures the EC component of DPM by a laser scattering approach. Both have been evaluated underground in robustness and reliability testing in coal mines in Australia to ensure they can assist mine management. Real time DPM monitors allow greater understanding of the sources and levels of DPM pollution. Studies are discussed that examine DPM concentrations from vehicles under varying ventilation conditions. Real-time monitoring readily allows engineering evaluation exercises to be undertaken which can usefully reflect the fast changing mine environment and the movement of individual diesel vehicles and allows the pin-pointing of high exposure zones such as those encountered where various vehicles work in areas of constrained or difficult ventilation. Identification of high DPM concentration zones allows efficient modification of mine ventilation, operator positioning and other work practices to reduce underground miners' exposures.

Meeting Name

2012 Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting and Exhibit (2012: Feb. 19-22, Seattle, WA)

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Australian Coal Association Research Program
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Keywords and Phrases

Coal Mine Ventilation; Elemental Carbon; Longwall; Real-Time DPM; Total Carbon

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2012 Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Feb 2012

Link to Full Text

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