Exit humidity of wet scrubbers for underground coal mines

A wet scrubber is a device used in underground coal mines for the exhaust treatment system of various internal combustion engines (generally diesel) primarily as a spark arrestor with a secondary function to remove pollutants from the exhaust gas. A pool of scrubbing liquid (generally water based) is used in conjunction with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Scrubbers are widely used in underground applications of diesel engines as their exhaust contains high concentration of harmful diesel particulate matter (DPM) and other pollutant gases. Currently the DPFs have to be replaced frequently because moisture output from the wet scrubber blocks the filter media and causes reduced capacity. This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies on the heat and mass transfer mechanisms of the exhaust flow both under and above the water surface, aiming at finding the cause and effects of the moisture reaching the filters and employing a solution to reduce the humidity and DPM output, and to prolong the change-out period of the DPF. By assuming a steady flow condition, heat transfer from the inlet exhaust gas balances energy required for the water evaporation. Hence the exit humidity will decrease with the increase of exit temperature. Experiments on a real scrubber are underway.

Base material characterisation of spoil piles at BMA coal mines

This project was an initiation to investigate slaking induced properties detrition of spoil pile materials with overburden pressure and time. The changes in the material properties over time are important parameters that control the behaviour and performance of the piles. The time dependent mechanical and hydraulic properties reported together with mineralogical changes. One chamber designed to apply slaking in the laboratory and geotechnical investigation conducted to fulfil the objective of this project.

Application of protection means against explosions in underground mines

Underground coal mines explosions generally arise from the inflammation of a methane/air mixture. This explosion can also generate a subsequent coal dust explosion. Traditionally such explosions have being fought eliminating one or several of the factors needed by the explosion to take place. Although several preventive measures are taken to prevent explosions, other measures should be considered to reduce the effects or even to extinguish the flame front. Unlike other protection methods that remove one or two of the explosion triangle elements, namely; the ignition source, the oxidizing agent and the fuel, explosion barriers removes all of them: reduces the quantity of coal in suspension, cools the flame front and the steam generated by vaporization removes the oxygen present in the flame. The present paper is essentially based on the comprehensive state-of–the-art of Protective Systems in underground coal mines, and particularly on the application of Explosion Barriers to improve safety level in Spanish coal mining industry. After an exhaustive study of series EN 14591 standards covering explosion prevention and protection in underground mines, authors have proven explosion barriers effectiveness in underground galleries by Full Scale Tests performed in Polish Barbara experimental mine, showing that the barriers can reduce the effects of methane and/or flammable coal dust explosions to a satisfactory safety level.

Mines and mineral resources of the counties of Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, by Walter W. Bradley [and others]

Mode of access: Internet.

Mines and mineral resources of the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yuba,

Mode of access: Internet.

Argument of Franklin B. Gowen before the Judiciary committee of the Senate of Pennsylvania, on behalf of the railroad and mining interests of Pennsylvania, March 30th, 1871.

Mode of access: Internet.

Engineering and mining journal.

Published by: Western & Co., 1869-1871; Scientific Publishing Co., 1871-1906; Hill Publishing Co., 1906-1917; McGraw Hill Co., 1917-1922.

Annual review of the iron mining and other industries of the upper peninsula of Michigan.

Mode of access: Internet.

Codes of rules in force in mines and quarries in the United Kingdon.

Mode of access: Internet.

Evaluation of existing data on discharges from active coal mines in Illinois /

"Project no. 60.040."

A philosophical and practical essay on the gold and silver mines of Mexico and Peru : containing the nature of the ore, and the manner of working the mines, the qualities and use of quicksilver, the cleansing and refining these metals : with many useful observations concerning the assay of metals, the manner of conveying them to Europe, and remarks on the gold mines in Hungary, and those of Asia and Africa /

No Spanish ed. in: NUC pre-1956, BLC, Sabin, Palau y Dulcet (2nd ed.).