Page 228 - Advances In Productive, Safe, and Responsible Coal Mining

Diesel particulate matter: Monitoring and control improves safety and air quality 207

11.7.1 DPM curtailment before generation

Control of diesel emission by controlling its generation is an effective strategy to
prevent or reduce the underground miner’s exposure to DPM. DPM control before
its generation can be achieved in the following ways:
l Engine design: DPM reduction can be achieved by changing the engine design and
manufacturing such engines that promote complete fuel combustion. Different types of
engines are currently in use by the mining industry with final Tier IV engines expected
to generate minimum DPM concentrations.
l Improving fuel properties and quality: DPM emissions in mines can be controlled by
improving fuel properties and quality as well as by decreasing the amount of impurities pre-
sent in fuel.
l Alternative fuels: One noteworthy way to control DPM generation is by the use of alternative
fuels. Several biodiesel fuels have been found to produce lower DPM concentration than
regular diesel, so the use of biodiesel in mines should be promoted.
Improving engine repair and maintenance: DPM emissions from any diesel engine depend
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upon the fuel combustion efficiency of the engine. A single poorly performing engine can
create a huge DPM imbalance in the mine atmosphere. In mines, DPM concentrations can be
reduced by maintaining an effective engine maintenance program and by hiring skilled labor
as proper repair of engines is critical in controlling DPM emissions.

11.7.2 DPM curtailment at the point of generation (source)
Diesel emissions can be controlled just before their release into the mine atmosphere
by utilizing different available technologies. These are lumped into the broad strategy
of DPM control at the generation source achieved using various exhaust after-
treatment devices.
l Exhaust after-treatment technologies: Different exhaust after treatment devices can be used
in order to control the DPM concentration. These include diesel particulate filters (DPFs),
diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Several after-
treatment technologies/devices have been reported for controlling DPM concentrations
efficiently.

11.7.3 Engineering controls
Several engineering control are commonly implemented in the mining industry in
order to control miners’ exposure to DPM. Some of the engineering controls are
described here:

Dilution by ventilation: Ventilation of underground mines is an important aspect in any
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mining operation as it is required to provide a safe and comfortable working environment
for miners. McPherson stated that ventilation is the lifeblood of a mine; and underground
facilities that require personnel to stay below ground cannot operate safely without an
effective ventilation system. In any underground facility where personnel are required
to enter, the dilution of pollutants by providing sufficient airflows is a main objective
of an underground ventilation program [75]. In mines that are deeper than 60m, ventilation