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Abstract
Respirable particulate control is a major concern in the underground mining environment. The Elliot Lake Mining Research Laboratory recognized a need for and contracted the development of a real-time particle counter to further their dust control studies. Resulting from the contract, extensive modifications to the commercially available HIAC/ROYCO model 4102 ‘clean-room’ aerosol counter, have customized the unit for use in underground environments.
The particle counter uses near forward light scattering to count particles into six size ranges, five of which start in the respirable range. Applications of the counter include: 1) characterizing dust from different mining operations; 2) evaluating the efficiency of dust removal/suppression methods; 3) determining dust transportation/sedimentation characteristics of mine ventilation systems; and 4) quantifying size dependent characteristics of other dust/particulate measurement methods.
The aerosol counter has the following specifications: size range detection thresholds of 0.5, 1.5, 2.0, 3.5, 5.0, and 10.0 μm optical equivalent diameter; maximum count of 4 × 105 particles/L without dilution; and normal sample flow rate of 2.8 L/min with optional 100:1 dilution. A rechargeable, hand-held computer provides on-line remote control and logging facilities, and off-line communicates with a standard PC computer which analyzes data with an electronic spreadsheet.
To date, two particle counters have been used in the evaluation of a dust filtration unit and a dust transportation study. Evaluation of two similar filter units highlighted how aerosol mass distribution by size has a significant effect on the filters' bulk efficiency. Such is the potential of the units in mining environmental dust control studies. Hardcastle, S.G.; Cavan, J.: A Portable, Computer-Controlled, Multisize Range, Aerosol Counting System for Use in Underground Mining Environments.