Dust Controlling Method Using A Coal Cutter Bit

摘要

The patent application relates to a method of augmenting the cutting operation of a cutter bit to reduce the cutting energy required and to reduce the respirable dust generated during the cutting operation. During the cutting operation of coal with a continuous mining machine, greater than 90 percent of the primary respirable dust generated occurs in the crushing zone around the tip of bit. By applying a high pressure (2,500 to 5,000 psi) spray of water at or near the center of the cutting tip, as the tip touches the coal, tests have shown very substantial reductions in the airborne respirable dust generated and that there is lubrication and cooling at the cutter tip/mineral interface to provide for reduced sumping forces and lowered methane ignition potential.