Abstract-A number of underground coal mines are using diesel-powered vehicles as the main source fuel for the transport. The primary concern with these diesel-operated vehicles is the diesel particulate matter (DPM), because it is known to be a carcinogenic agent after prolonged exposure. A well-designed ventilation system is necessary to dilute DPM, so that air quality is maintained to statutory guidelines. This paper outlines details of DPM characteristics, its health effects on miners, coal mine ventilation guidelines and some research investigations that underpin the control of DPM flow in underground coal mines. Keywords-Coal mines; Ventilation ; DPM; Diesel vehicles; I. INTRODUCTION Coal has been playing a vital role since the industrial revolution. In 2015, it has been generated 41% of electricity and responsible for 70% steel production for the world with the total production of 7708 Mt [13]. Australia was 4 th largest coal producer with 437 Mt of production in 2015. Of these, 33 operating underground coal mines have been produced 22 % of the total. Most of these mines have been using diesel-operated locos, utility vehicles and load haul dumpers for transportation of men and material.Usage of diesel-powered vehicles has greater flexibility than electric vehicles because they travel longest distances and between working sections of a mine. The use of diesel vehicles is efficient, evidenced by ease of maintenance and consistency. Many nations have been depended on these vehicles because of these reasons [1].The main issue with the diesel equipment is its exhaust fumes, which contain a mixture of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and other pollutant gasses such as Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrocarbons (HC) including either total hydrocarbons (THC) or only the non-methane hydrocarbons(NMHC) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) [2].DPM is the by-product of incomplete combustion of diesel fuel inthe diesel engine. These particles have solid core consisting of mainly elemental carbon and having very rich surface methodology, which adsorbs many other toxic substances [3]. More than 1,800 different organic compounds have been identified as adsorbed on the elemental carbon core, some of these areorganic chemicals (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs), condensed liquid hydrocarbons, inorganic compounds (sulphate compounds), Nitrous oxide(N 2 O), Dioxins and metal oxides.Recent research studies show that expose of miner with high concentration DPM in mine environment causes increase the risk of lung cancer. As per coal mine regulations, adequate airflow is required to dilute DPM concentration within the statutory limits in all underground places where the diesel engine works. However, some locations like developing tunnels, gate roads, closed cut-through and other isolated workings diesel vehicles need to operate at insufficient air quantity. Enormous time may require diluting these contaminants, but mine operators may have to be exposed to these high DPM concentrations.As underground coal mines go deeper and deeper and increa...
Diesel-operated vehicles are commonly used by personnel in underground mines. Although these vehicles facilitate travel within the mine, their main disadvantage is that they generate diesel particulate matter (DPM), a known carcinogenic agent. This calls for research to control the spread of DPM in underground mines in order to ensure the safety of mine personnel. In this article, the flow patterns of DPM generated by two types of diesel-operated vehicles are modeled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The simulation results are validated using field experimental measurements. The models show that if the vehicle is stationary, DPM particles are dispersed towards the center of the gallery and occupy the entire cross section of the road way. Vehicle movement induces air currents that may result in the miners being exposed to high DPM concentrations. The results show that if the DPM and the intake air counter-flow (flow in opposite directions), the DPM spread occurs throughout the entire cross-section of the roadway. This research is expected to contribute to the formulation of effective DPM control strategies in underground mines.
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