Modified shearer clearer system for dust and methane control. Information circular/1994

Technical Report · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:6800592

Cecala, A; Jayaraman, N I

This report provides a detailed description of the Bureau of Mines designed modified shearer clearer system. Engineering drawings are provided for all major components of this system. The modified shearer clearer system is a revised version of the original system intended to improve the ventilation around both cutting drums. The original shearer clearer technique was solely a dust control technique that has been effective in lowering shearer operator's dust exposures. The technique uses a series of water sprays that not only knock down a portion of the dust cloud but also act as small fans that move a substantial amount of air and keep the dust cloud from dispersing over the shearer body. The modified version is composed of two additional spray blocks for improved air movement around both cutting drums, thus lowering methane levels and the likelihood of an ignition. A laboratory study performed with the modified version in a full-scale longwall gallery resulted in a 73 pct reduction in methane concentrations at the shearer machine for both cut directions. The air moving capabilities of the system provides more turbulence at the cutting drums and reduces methane levels.

• Research Organization: Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Pittsburgh Research Center
• OSTI ID: 6800592
• Report Number(s): PB-95-104873/XAB; BUMINES-IC--9404
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012030* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Underground Mining-- (1987-)
012033 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Underground Mining-- Mine Environment-- (1987-)
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ALKANES
CONTROL
CUTTER LOADERS
CUTTING MACHINES
DUSTS
EQUIPMENT
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
HYDROCARBONS
LOADERS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
METHANE
MINING EQUIPMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
SHEARER LOADERS