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Evaluation of a combined face ventilation system used with a remotely operated mining machine. Information circular/1982

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6081407

This Bureau of Mines report presents results of an underground evaluation to determine the respirable dust and gas control effectiveness of a combined (push-pull) face ventilation system for coal mines. The system utilizes both blowing and exhaust curtain, continuous miners equipped with radio remote control, and flight conveyors. Bureau of Mines tests showed a 97% reduction in respirable dust concentrations from the usual cab position. This allowed the remote control operator to be well within, and the usual cab position to exceed, Federal respirable dust standards. Tests utilizing a safe tracer gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), to determine the face ventilation effectiveness of the combined blowing and exhaust system showed that the system also has excellent methane dispersion capability.

Research Organization:
Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Pittsburgh Research Center
OSTI ID:
6081407
Report Number(s):
PB-83-156794; BM-IC-8899
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English