The Application of Advanced Mine Air Monitoring Techniques to Mines Using Diesel Powered Equipment

摘要

Stratification of exhaust from a load haul dump was studied in an 80-foot-long dead end heading located in the White Pine mine section designated for exhaust emission studies. The mine air monitoring laboratory was used to gather temperature and CO2 concentration data at 10 locations. The data substantiate the presence of strong buoyant forces of the hot exhaust gases that result in stratification in dead end headings. Diesel mine-vehicle emissions were monitored in the laboratory by a portable tailpipe emissions measurement apparatus assembled for in-mine use. The results were compared with simultaneous measurements by standard laboratory exhaust monitoring instruments. These results indicate that accurate field source quality control measurements can be obtained for CO2, CO, and NO but NO2 results were low for all engine conditions. Diesel pollutant concentration data from the Orchard Valley mine were analyzed and compared with data collected earlier in the White Pine and Brushy Creek mines. Lognormal frequency distributions and CO2-based concentration ratios and correlations were calculated. In the three mines compared, pollutant concentrations were distributed similarly, and concentrations appear to be controlled to present standards.