Effect of diesel oxidation catalysts on nitrogen dioxide production from diesel mining equipment

摘要

Most underground diesel equipment is equipped with diesel oxidization catalysts (DOCs) to reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. DOCs do not alter nitrogen oxides concentrations but can promote the oxidization of nitric oxide (NO) to the more toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO_2). Vale and CanmetMINING have been researching how to reduce worker exposure to diesel emissions by testing mining equipment DOCs. Results indicate a > 77% decrease in carbon monoxide concentration but a 46-315% increase in NO_2 concentration for 8-mode test cycles. It is recommended that DOCs that increase NO_2 emissions be evaluated regarding their continued use in underground operations.