Page 229 - Advanced Mine Ventilation
P. 229

Respirable Dust Sampling and Measurement                          209

           Table 12.11 Specifications for Disel Particulate Monitor

            System Weight           1.35 lbs (611 g) Excluding Battery
            Power requirements      7.4 VDC (Li-ion battery)
                                    100e240 VAC (wall charger)
                                          3
            Sensitivity             <15 m/m elemental carbon (EC)
                                            3
            Dynamic range           9e600 m/m (8 h. TWA EC)
            Output                  LCD display with user-controlled backlight
                                    User selectable 1, 5, 15 min averaging EC and TC
                                     data logged 8 h TWA DPM levels
                                    Mini-USB connection
            Alarms                  Low battery, filter change necessary
                                    Pump flow
                                    LED/LCD alerts
            Battery life            >12 h
                                                      00
                                                              00
                                               00
            Dimensions              Approximate 6 (H) x 4.5 (W) x 2.75 (D)
           12.7   Diesel Particulate Monitor


           It has a potential application in metal mines but not in coal mines. The diesel particulate
           monitor (DPM) from ICx Technologies [22] displays elemental carbon levels in real
           time, taking the measurement out of the laboratory and placing it in the hands of the
           mine operator. Being sensitive, rugged, and easy to use, the DPM provides real-time re-
           sults that are time- and space resolved. This capability enables rapid modification of
           vehicle use, personnel placement, and mine ventilation. The monitor uses technology
           developed by the diesel particulate group at the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory
           and has been determined to precisely replicate results from their method 5040 test [22].
              In addition to being compact and lightweight enough to be worn on a miner’s belt,
           the DPM can be mounted in a vehicle cab, on a mine wall, or on ventilation equipment.
           The monitor operates on a Lithium-ion battery for more than a full shift or via AC
           power using an adapter. DPM readings are displayed on an LCD screen with a
           user-selectable backlight and may be downloaded via USB connection for review of
           extended monitoring operations. An integrated air pump and submicron particle size
           selector are included. Specifications of the instrument are shown in Table 12.11.
              Rigorous field testing and comparison with NIOSH 5040 method is yet to be done.


           References

            [1] Jacobsen M, et al. New dust standards in British coal mines. Nature August 1, 1970;227:
               445e7.
            [2] Hartman HL, et al. Mine ventilation and air conditioning. 2nd ed. Wiley-Interscience
               Publication; 1982. p. 105e11.
   224   225   226   227   228   229   230   231   232   233   234