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Mining Publication: Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure at Surface Coal Operation With a Retrofitted Filtration and Pressurization System

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Original creation date: February 2002

Image of publication Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure at Surface Coal Operation With a Retrofitted Filtration and Pressurization System

Many different types of mobile equipment used in surface coal mining utilize enclosed cabs to protect equipment operators. The overburden removal process is extremely dusty and can cause excessive exposure to respirable dust, especially crystalline silica. After equipment is used for years, many components of the enclosure deteriorate and its effectiveness is greatly reduced. This report discusses a cooperative research study performed on an Ingersoll Rand DM45E surface drill, retrofitted with a new Sigma pressurization and filtration system. Respirable dust concentrations were substantially reduced from 0.64 mg/m3 during pre-testing to 0.05 mg/m3 during post-testing with the new system, representing a 92% reduction in dust levels in the drill cab. This new system appears to be a very well-built and sturdy device, well-suited for the mining industry.

Authors: AB Cecala, JA Organiscak, WA Heitbrink, JA Zimmer, T Fisher, RE Gresh, JD Ashley

Conference Paper - February 2002

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20026083

2002 SME Annual Meeting, Feb. 25-27, Phoenix, AZ, SME Preprint 02-105, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.; :1-6

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