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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.