Real-Time Diesel Particulate Matter Monitoring in Underground Mine Atmospheres, Association with the Standard Method and Related Challenge

Diesel-powered equipment is a significant component of underground mining operations. Miners' exposure to diesel exhaust is harmful. The standard Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) monitoring method (NIOSH 5040 method) has limitations that preclude rapid DPM estimation and detailed understanding of DPM variations over time. However, real-time DPM monitors do not inherit these limitations. Biodiesel is often used as a substitute for regular petroleum-diesel because of its ability to emit less DPM. However, accuracy of available real-time DPM monitors has not been determined in mines using 70% to 99% (high-percent) biodiesel. The present research addresses this need by rigorous testing of a commercial real-time DPM monitor against the NIOSH 5040 method in active underground metal mines using high-percent biodiesel.;The real-time DPM monitor was used to collect transient DPM data at mines' work faces, in exhaust air and intake air drifts. The extensive amount of data is characterized by use of Frequency Distribution (FD) models. The collected data revels strong variations in local DPM levels and suggests that attention to DPM area concentrations would provide a valuable complement to the miners' personal DPM exposure determinations. The results also highlight the potential importance of monitoring miners' short term DPM exposure. The measured data also revels the significance of DPM recirculation by auxiliary fan and ventilation duct systems. This research uses a 2D CFD model to examine stope ventilation parameters for a dead-end mine entry and identifies improved ventilation practices for efficient ventilation. Lastly, good work practices for the real-time DPM monitor (FLIR Airtec) used in this research are suggested.