A Feasibility Study on the Use of Foam to Reduce Respirable Dust on a Joy CM Continuous Miner.

摘要

Operating in the Illinois No. 6coal seam,the effectiveness of foam opposed to water was compared in reducing respirable coal dust. A combination of 39foam generators and 14water sprays were used during the foam tests. Sixty-one water sprays were operated during the water tests. Results of 45shifts of dust sampling (24with foam and 21with water) show no significant difference in dust levels at the miner operator,shuttle car operator,and belt transfer point when either foam or water was used. Results of this foam contract concur with results of previous foam contracts;that is,the use of a water spray system is currently the most feasible and economical means of abating respirable dust at the face.