Impact of Control Parameters on Shearer-Generated Dust Levels

Previous research on continuous mining operations has shown that significant interactions exist between dust-control parameter application and the resulting respirable dust levels. However, simply increasing the level of the controls does not guarantee a reduction in respirable dust levels. Full-scale laboratory tests are being conducted to provide information to longwall operators that would assist them in selecting control parameters to reduce dust levels for mine-specific conditions. The interactions between face air velocity, shearer water quantity, drum water spray pressure, external water spray pressure and spray system design were evaluated in a simulated 2.13-m (7-ft) coal seam for two cutting directions. Locations around and downwind of the shearer were monitored to evaluate relative changes in respirable dust levels as a function of each control parameter.