1 INTRODUCTION 

There has been an increased recognition of worker 

exposure to DPM as a problem in the mining industry 

by various health organizations [ACGIH 2001] 

[NIOSH 1988] [EPA 2000]. Consequently, legislation 

was recently passed by the Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (MSHA) to limit DPM concentrations 

in underground metal/non-metal mines. Provisions of 

this DPM health standard are found in “Diesel 

Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and 

Nonmetal Mines,” published in the Federal Register on 

January 19, 2001 (66 FR 5706) and amended on 

February 7, 2002 (67 FR 9180) [MSHA 2001]. 

 Shortly after the standard was published, legal 

challenges ensued and an interim DPM standard of 

400TC μg/m3

 went into effect on July 20, 2002, with 

that level to be reduced to 160TC μg/m3

 on July 19, 

2006. 

 This paper addresses the ventilation needs of 

metal/nonmetal mines with large openings in particular, stone mines, although operators of other metal/ 

nonmetal mines may find it useful. A large opening 

mine generally has entries at least 40 ft–50 ft wide and 

20 ft – 30 ft high. Because of the new DPM standards, 

operators with large opening mines will find it 

necessary to implement a combination of the following: 

increase the ventilation airflow in the mine; direct air to 

working areas by using stoppings or auxiliary fans; 

decrease DPM emissions from engines by using 

catalytic converters, filters, low-sulfur fuel, and cleaner 

burning engines; and employ administrative controls to 

limit DPM emissions underground. In addition, mine 

planners must consider ventilation needs when 

planning future mine layouts [Head 2001] [Grau et al. 

2002a] [Grau et al. 2002b] [Mucho 2001]. 

 A critical task for the ventilation planner is to 

determine the air quantity required to meet the DPM 

concentration limits when a particular fleet of engines 

is in operation. To meet this challenge, NIOSH has 

developed an Air Quantity Estimator (AQE) 

[Robertson 2001] as a mine planning tool to help 

underground mine operators determine the air 

requirements necessary to dilute DPM in the main air 

stream of their mine to statutory levels. The AQE is a 

user-friendly computer (PC) program that comes as a 

stand-alone package – it will run on any computer and 

is not dependent on the installation of spreadsheet 

programs, e.g., Microsoft EXCEL. The AQE also 

provides diesel engine performance test data from both 

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and 

MSHA [EPA 2002] [MSHA 2002]. 

 The AQE user must input specific engine data and 

operating parameters to run the program. The program 

calculates two different air quantities that will dilute 

DPM in the main air stream: the first to the current 

A computer software program that estimates air quantity requirements 

in large opening stone mines 

S. B. Robertson, R. H. Grau, J. Dolgos, & T. P. Mucho 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 

ABSTRACT: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a computer 

program called the Air Quantity Estimator (AQE). The purpose of the program is to provide a starting point for 

estimating the air quantity needed to dilute diesel particulate matter (DPM) in an underground large opening mine, 

albeit taking into account various input assumptions. The AQE estimates the total air quantity needed to dilute DPM 

emissions that enter the main airstream of the mine to current statutory levels. It helps operators pinpoint vehicles 

that are high DPM contributors. In addition, it allows the user to make “what if” scenarios by varying the input 

parameters to achieve the most efficient and practical ventilation system. The AQE is a stand-alone software 

program that does not require any type of spreadsheet software. Engine data must be known or estimated with some 

accuracy and assumptions must be made in order to limit the variability of the program output. Program calculations 

and two case studies, for validation purposes, are included in this report. It should be noted that the program does 

not ensure adequate face ventilation and personal exposure compliance. 
interim limit of 400TC μg/m3

, and the second to 160TC

μg/m3

. The user can save the input parameters used in 

the original calculations, then take these data and 

theoretically add filters to selected engines, replace 

engines, or change other input parameters. The 

program will then calculate new ventilation 

requirements. Thus, mine planners can experiment with 

many scenarios until an appropriate ventilation system 

for the site specific conditions at their mine has been 

attained for the various DPM standards. This program 

also displays the amount of DPM each vehicle is 

emitting into the air stream. With this information, the 

ventilation planner will be able to identify vehicles that 

emit high DPM emissions. DPM engineering controls 

may be considered for these vehicles to reduce 

emissions. [Schnakenberg 2002]. 

 As stated earlier, the results from this program do 

not ensure proper working face ventilation or personal 

exposure compliance. If the ventilation air is not 

effectively directed to the working faces, high 

concentrations of DPM can still exist even with 

extremely large amounts of ventilation air in the main 

mine current. 

2 OVERVIEW OF HISTORICAL STONE MINE 

VENTILATION TECHNIQUES 

Recent case studies conducted by NIOSH showed that, 

historically, natural ventilation has been their primary 

means of diluting airborne contaminates in large 

opening stone mines [Grau et al. 2002a]. But natural 

ventilation, by itself, did not guarantee a consistent 

measurable airflow [Head, 2001]. It provided some air 

exchange in specific portions of a mine, but the air 

quantities were generally insufficient and uncontrolled, 

i.e., not directed to the areas where it was needed. 

Some mines used fans to increase ventilation airflow, 

but ineffectively. Commonly, the main mine fans were 

not installed in a bulk head making them very 

inefficient. In many cases, the main mine fan and 

auxiliary fans were improperly sized and/or not placed 

at the strategic locations throughout the mine. There 

was modest mine planning in relation with future 

ventilation techniques. Also, there was minimal use of 

stoppings to control the direction of air movement. 

Without consistent ventilation airflow coursing, 

recirculation of ventilation air and high concentrations 

of contaminates could potentially be found. 

3 PROPER VENTILATION PLANNING IS 

CRITICAL 

As a consequence of the DPM legislation, ventilation 

practices are changing in the metal/non metal industry, 

in particular, the stone industry. To effectively improve 

the air quality in these underground mines, bulk headed 

fans with stopping lines need to be incorporated into 

the overall mine planning process. This air coursing 

scenario includes an entire array of ventilation 

considerations and requirements. Mechanical main 

mine fans, auxiliary fans, stoppings, and a general 

ventilation concept must be integrated into mine 

layouts and mining sequences. Also, areas with special 

air requirements, such as production faces, shops, 

benching areas, and haulage routes need to be included 

in the ventilation planning process. 

Criteria for proper fan selection, installation, and 

operation for both main mine fans and auxiliary fans 

must also be considered. Fan pressure and quantity 

characteristics should be matched to the specific 

operation. Utilizing stoppings as air walls helps control 

the mine ventilation air flow, i.e., the stoppings 

efficiently direct the air to where it is needed the most. 

The air walls also separate the intake and return 

airways. Stoppings can be constructed from man-made 

materials, by filling an opening with waste material, or 

by leaving areas of rock intact to direct ventilation 

airflow [Timko and Thimons 1987]. Furthermore, fan 

effectiveness is increased dramatically when used in 

conjunction with stoppings. 

Finally, fan and stopping locations need to be an 

integral part of the mine layout. Stoppings will need to 

be built, taken down, or moved with face advances 

and/or changes in the direction of mining. These 

measures will help to ventilate the active faces while 

providing adequate ventilation to any special-needs 

area noted above. These overall ventilation concepts 

are discussed more fully in Grau et al. [2002a]. 

4 USING THE AIR QUANTITY ESTIMATOR 

4.1 Assumptions Inherent with the Air Quantity 

Estimator 

The AQE does not ensure adequate face ventilation, but 

it provides a starting point as to how much air quantity 

is needed to dilute DPM contaminates to statutory 

levels in the main airstream of the mine. There are a 

number of factors and assumptions that affect the 

accuracy of the air quantity estimate. The program 

assumes there are sufficient amounts and thorough 

mixing of ventilation air where equipment is operating. 

It assumes that the contaminates from all the working 

faces or areas where equipment is operating are 

eventually dumped into the main air stream of the mine 

and then exhausted out of the mine through one portal. 

Also, the program assumes that a ventilation system is 

in place where there is little to no air recirculation in 

the mine and no air leakage across the main mine fans 

or stoppings. Finally, it assumes that the ventilation air 

is free from DPM contaminates before it enters the 

mine. An equally important factor is that the air 

quantity estimates are affected by the user’s 
presumptions for some of the input data, namely the 

engine DPM emission rate and the percent underground 

operating time. 

4.2 Getting Started 

The AQE is a 32-bit computer program that runs under 

all Microsoft Windows operating systems of Version 

95 or later. The program is distributed by NIOSH on 

CD-ROM and can be installed by clicking on the setup 

file located in the program’s main directory. After 

installation, the program can be opened the same way 

as any other Microsoft Windows program, i.e., by 

clicking on an icon, etc. The AQE is a stand-alone 

program, i.e., no commercial spreadsheet program is 

required for its use. 

 When the program launches, there is an option either 

to open the AQE User’s Guide or to continue with the 

program. If you choose not to open the User’s Guide, 

the next screen is the input sheet for entering data. This 

screen resembles that shown in Figure 1 except that no 

data will be present. Data must be entered into the rows 

and columns of the data table (spreadsheet). Although 

the data can be entered by either row or column, after a 

data value is entered into a cell or box, the enter button 

on the keyboard must be pressed. The next active cell 

will automatically be displayed to the right of the cell 

where data was last entered until the end of the row is 

reached. Therefore, entering data by rows is the easiest 

method which is also the organizational principle for 

describing vehicles. A sample sheet of input data, 

shown in Figure 1, is provided in the program. There 

are numerous file, editing, and sorting functions in the 

program to assist the user in entering and handling data. 

In addition, there is a help menu that includes engine 

DPM emission data, links to the MSHA and EPA 

websites, and the AQE User’s Guide. 

5 REQUIRED INPUT DATA 

Before entering input data into the program, one should 

first obtain all the necessary site specific performance 

and operating data required to run the AQE. The 

following input data, as shown in Figure 1, are required 

to be entered into the AQE program. Column headings 

correspond to speific input variables and are defined 

as follows: 

Type of Vehicle: For example, Pickup 1, Water Truck, 

or Drill 1. This information is for the users benefit only 

to distinguish between vehicles/engines. 

Year of Diesel Engine: The manufactured year of the 

engine, for example, 2002. 

Make/Model of Engine: The make/model of the diesel 

engine, e.g., CUMMINS QSK19-C. 

Engine Type: There are three choices for this item. The 

engine is either a New Direct, Old Direct, or Indirect 

Injection engine. Most engines manufactured prior to 

1988 are either Old Direct Injection or Indirect 

Injection engines. Old Direct Injection engines lack the 

features found on New Direct Injection engines such as 

electronic controls, turbo chargers, or after-coolers. 

Recent Indirect Injection engines are engines have less 

than 100 horsepower. The Engine Type parameter will 

help the user determine the DPM emission rate of the 

engine described below [Haney 2001]. 

HP: This is the rated horsepower of the engine. For 

example, 300 hp, entered as “300.” 

RPM: This is the revolutions per minute of the engine 

at the specified horsepower. For example, 1,200 rpm 

would be entered as “1200.” 

% UG Operating Time: This is the percentage of the 

time for which the equipment is contributing DPM into 

the main underground air stream of the mine during a 

full shift. For example, if a haul truck is operating in 

the mine 450 out of 600 minutes (10-hr shift), the 

percentage should be 75 percent (450/600), entered as 

“75.” Time studies can help determine these 

percentages. 

Engine DPM Emission Rate: This is the average DPM 

emission rate that the engine contributes to the air 

stream. It is represented in grams per horsepower-hour 

(g/hp-hr). Because there is such little test information 

about the DPM emissions from diesel engines, 

especially for older models, the user will have to make 

the best estimate possible with the information 

available. Since there is no set method to arrive at an 

exact emission rate, we have provided the following 

steps to help guide the user in estimating an engine 

DPM Emission Rate: 

 Step 1: Check if the engine is MSHA approved 

under Part 7. Engines approved by MSHA will have a 

nameplate on the engine with an MSHA approval 

number on it. If the engine is an MSHA-approved 

engine or you believe that it is, go to step 2. If the 

engine is not an MSHA-approved engine, go to step 3. 

 Step 2: Locate the engine on the MSHA-Approved 

Engine Emissions list by consulting the HELP menu 

under “EPA and MSHA Information.” You can find the 

engine by looking for the MSHA Approval Number. 

The DPM emission rate, located in the last column, is 

given in g/hp-hr. There is a possibility that not all 

MSHA-approved engines are on this list because the 

engine may have been approved after this program was 

Figure 1. Sample sheet of input data for the AQE.
developed. Therefore, if you have an approved engine, 

but it is not on this list, find the engine on the MSHA 

website at www.msha.gov/TECHSUPP/ACC/lists/ 

07npdeng.pdf. Note that the DPM emission rate on the 

MSHA website is given as a Particulate Index and must 

be converted to g/hp-hr. To calculate the rate in g/hphr, multiply the Particulate Index of the engine by 

0.0017, and then divide by the engine horsepower. 

 Step 3: The EPA has tested a number of diesel 

engines starting in 1998 until the present. A list is 

provided in the program HELP Menu of EPAapproved, nonroad engines manufactured from the 

years 1998 to 2003. A specific engine can be located by 

looking for the Make/Model, manufactured year, 

engine hp/rpm and then finding the corresponding 

DPM. The last column in the list provides the emission 

rate for the engine. The emissions lists for both MSHA 

and the EPA are based on evaluations performed on the 

engines during an 8-cycle test where the emission rate 

is based on the weighted average of all eight cycles. 

Therefore, there is not a direct relationship between the 

cycle time of the engine in an underground 

environment and the cycle time of the engine during 

the testing cycle. If information is needed on an engine 

that is not on the EPA list in the Help File (newer than 

2003) or you would like additional information, go to 

step 4. 

Step 4: For years not available in the help file, EPA 

approved engines can be found on the EPA website at 

www.epa.gov/otaq/certdata.htm. Make sure the DPM 

emission rate (Particulate Matter Rate on website) is 

given in g/hp-hr. If not, convert g/kW-hr to g/hp-hr by 

dividing by 1.34. 

Step 5: If information is not available from MSHA 

or EPA for the particular engine of interest, check with 

engine manufacturers for engine DPM emission rates. 

If engine information is not available from the 

manufacturer, go to step 6. 

Step 6: If information is not available for a particular 

engine, an estimate on the DPM emission needs to be 

made. The estimate is dependent on whether the engine 

is a New Direct, Old Direct, or Indirect Injectionengine. Below is the range of DPM emission rates for 

each engine type [Haney et al. 2001]. 

NEW DIRECT 0.1 to 0.4 g/hp-hr 

INDIRECT 0.3 to 0.5 g/hp-hr 

OLD DIRECT 0.5 to 0.9 g/hp-hr 

 Estimating the DPM emission is subjective and 

depends on its age and how well the engine has been 

maintained. For example, 0.1 g/hp-hr would be an 

estimate for a newer, well-maintained New Direct 

Injection engine. A rate of 0.5 g/hp-hr would be an 

estimate for an Indirect Injection engine that is fairly 

old and not well maintained. A well maintained Old 

Direct Injection engine may have a DPM emission rate 

of 0.6 g/hp-hr. 

Catalytic Converter Efficiency: If the engine has a 

catalytic converter, the efficiency is generally 20%. 

Make sure the percentage is entered as “20” on the 

spreadsheet. 

Filter Efficiency: This is the efficiency of any filter 

system used in combination with a particular engine. 

The efficiencies will vary depending on the filter 

system and these data may be available from the 

manufacturers. If information is not available, 85% is a 

conservative filter efficiency estimate which should be 

entered as “85.” 

6 PROGRAM OUTPUT

As previously detailed, the AQE program output is 

highly dependent upon the accuracy of the input 

information. The program provides calculated results 

and displays five output values on the right side of the 

spread sheet, as shown in Figure 2. The first three 

values, “Average Vehicle DPM Emission Rate,” “Sum 

of Average Vehicle DPM Emission Rate,” and “Total 

HP” are general information that provides the user with 

a better understanding of the relationship between a 

particular vehicle and DPM emissions in the mine. The 

last two values, “Air Quantity to Meet 400TC μg/m3

DPM Standard” and “Air Quantity to Meet 160TC μ/m3

DPM Standard,” are calculated air quantities that 

provide the mine operator with an estimate of the total 

air quantity needed to reduce DPM to each respective 

concentration level. There is an assumption in the 

calculations that, for these air quantity values, the total 

carbon is approximately 80% of the raw DPM. A 

description of the calculated output values are as 

follows: 

Average Vehicle DPM Emission Rate: This is the 

average amount of DPM per shift that each vehicle 

contributes in grams per minute (g/min) into the main 

airstream. By examining the values in this column, a 

mine operator can pinpoint the vehicles that contribute 

higher amounts of DPM during the shift. These 

vehicles are leading candidates for engine replacement 

or DPM controls. 

Sum of Average Vehicle DPM Emission Rates: This is 

the sum of the average DPM emission rates for all 

vehicles given in grams per minute (g/min). 

Figure 2. Sample program output for the AQE.
Total HP: This is the sum of the rated horsepower of 

vehicles operated underground. 

Air Quantity to Meet 400TC μg/m3

 DPM Standard: This 

is the estimated air quantity, given in cubic feet per 

minute (cfm), to dilute the sum of average vehicle 

DPM emission rates to a DPM concentration limit of 

400TC μg/m3

. 

Air Quantity to Meet 160TC μg/m3

 DPM Standard: This 

is the estimated air quantity, given in cfm, needed to 

dilute the sum of average vehicle DPM emission rates 

to a DPM concentration limit of 160TC μg/m3

. 

7 PROGRAM CALCULATIONS 

Below are the input and output variable abbreviations 

along with the AQE program calculations: 

• Horsepower = HP (hp) 

• % Underground Operating Time = % UG Op (%) 

• Engine DPM Emission Rate (raw DPM) = EDER 

(g/hp-hr) 

• Catalytic Converter Efficiency = CCE (%) 

• Filter Efficiency = FE (%) 

• Average Vehicle DPM Emission Rate (raw DPM) = 

AVDER (g/min) 

• Sum of Average Vehicle DPM Emission Rate (raw 

DPM) = SAVDER (g/min) 

• Total Horsepower = Total HP (hp) 

• Air Quantity to Meet 400TC μg/m3

 Standard = AQ 

400TC (cfm) 

• Air Quantity to Meet 160TC μg/m3

 Standard = AQ 

160TC (cfm) 

AVDER g/min = (hp hp) [(0.01)(% UgOp)] (EDER 

g/hp-hr) [0.01(100-CCE)] 

[0.01(100 – FE)] (8 hr/shift) 

(0.00208 shift/min) 

SAVDER g/min = Σ AVDER g/min 

Total HP hp = Σ HP hp 

AQ 400TC cfm = 1 / [(400TC μg/m3

)(1-6 g/μg) 

(1/SAVDER raw DPM min/g) 

(1.25 raw DPM/ TC)(.0283 

m3

/ft3)] 

AQ 160TC cfm = 1 / [(160TC μg/m3 )(1-6 g/μg) 

(1/SAVDER raw DPM min/g) 

(1.25 raw DPM/ TC)(.0283 m3

/ft3)] 

8 VALIDATION OF THE AQE 

Two separate case studies were conducted by NIOSH 

at an underground limestone mine in southwestern PA. 

The objective was to verify the accuracy of the AQE by 

comparing the AQE estimated output results to actual 

air quantity measurements and DPM area sampling 

concentrations taken in the field. 

 The mine chosen for both studies utilized a 

perimeter mine ventilation system where all the DPM 

from the mine vehicles eventually flowed into the main 

airstream of the mine and then exhausted out of the 

mine through a bulkheaded fan assembly (two, 12-ft 

propeller fans). Stopping lines and auxiliary fans were 

used to direct ventilation air to the working faces. Air 

readings were taken in the main airstream near the 

sampling locations periodically throughout the shift 

with vane anemometers. 

 The primary location of the DPM area sampling was 

in the main airstream of the mine near the exhaust fan. 

Sampling was also conducted near the working areas to 

detect whether sufficient ventilation air was effectively 

being directed to the working faces. For each study, 

DPM sampling began at the start of the shift and 

generally lasted the entire shift. The sampling apparatus 

used for both studies were respirable dust samplers 

with pumps that ran at 1.7 liters/minute that were 

configured with a two step process to eliminate the 

larger particles. First, A DORR Oliver cyclone was 

utilized to remove the largest particles. The remaining 

particles are separated by a sub-micrometer impactor 

which had a cut off point of 0.9 micrometers at a flow 

rate of 1.7 liters/min. Particles less than 0.9 

micrometers are deposited on a sampling cassette. 

These sample cassettes were analyzed in the lab at the 

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory for total carbon using 

the NIOSH Analytical 5040 Method and given as an 

eight-hour weighted average equivalent. All the pump 

flow rates were checked prior to, throughout, and at the 

end of the shift and were found to have functioned 

properly. 

 As part of collecting input data for the AQE, time 

studies of the haul trucks were conducted to calculate 

an accurate percentage of the underground operating 

time. The average percent of the time underground for 

the trucks was found to be 59%. The remaining 41% of 

their time was spent outside of the mine hauling stone 

to the crusher and stopping for maintenance. 

 For each case study, researchers entered the 

collected input data into the AQE program. An 

estimated ventilation air quantity was then calculated 

that could dilute DPM contaminates from all the 

vehicles contributing DPM underground down to a 

400TC μg/m3 concentration. This value would be 

compared to field study results. 

8.1 Case Study 1 

The average airflow reading near the exhaust fans in 

the main airstream of the mine was 752,000 cfm and 

the DPM concentration near the same location was 

361TC μg/m3 as shown in Table 1. The average 
sampling time was 487 minutes. The AQE provided air 

quantities to meet a higher DPM concentration of 400TC

μg/m3

, so the measured air quantity had to be 

normalized in order to compare the measured air 

quantity with the AQE estimated quantity. The 

normalized air quantity was 679,000 cfm. DPM 

sampling from locations near the working faces showed 

somewhat higher DPM concentrations than at the 

exhaust location indicating that improvements could be 

made directing more airflow to the working faces. The 

calculated result from the AQE was an estimated air 

quantity of 794,000 cfm to dilute DPM down to a 

400TC μg/m3 concentration. After comparison to the 

normalized measured air quantity, it was concluded that 

by using the AQE, the air quantity was overestimated 

by 17% (Table 1). 

8.2 Case Study 2 

During this case study, the equipment underground was 

the same as Case Study 1 except for there was 1 fewer 

haul truck, drill, and service truck operating. In 

addition, a new loader was being used that had a much 

lower emission rate than the loader that it replaced. 

The average air reading near the exhaust fan in the 

main airstream of the mine was 760,000 cfm and the 

DPM concentration near the same location was 285TC

μg/m3 (Table 1). The average sampling time was 567 

minutes. The normalized air quantity was 541,000 cfm. 

DPM sampling from locations near the working faces 

showed fairly low DPM concentrations indicating that 

the ventilation air was being effectively directed to the 

working faces. The calculated result from the AQE was 

an estimated air quantity of 586,000 cfm to dilute DPM 

down to a 400TC μg/m3 concentration. Again, after 

comparison, it was concluded that by using the AQE, 

the air quantity was overestimated by 8% (Table 1). 

9 SUMMARY 

DPM legislation and a growing concern for miner 

health in underground metal/nonmetal mines has led to 

an increased awareness of the need to include 

ventilation planning in mining plans. With this in mind, 

the AQE is a valuable tool for estimating the total air 

quantity required in a mine for dilution of DPM to 

specified or statutory concentration levels. This 

estimate of required total air quantity gives the mine 

operator a starting point from which to plan a DPM 

control strategy. This user-friendly AQE program will 

not only provide air quantity estimates, but it will allow 

the user to interactively make theoretical changes to the 

input parameters leading to a more efficient and 

effective ventilation system. Results from case studies 

show favorable results towards the accuracy of the 

AQE. 

REFERENCES 

 

Grau, III, R.H., Robertson, S.B., Mucho, T.P., Garcia, F., and 

Smith, A.C. 2002a. NIOSH research addressing diesel 

emissions and other air quality issues in nonmetal mines. 

Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Annual 

Meeting, Feb. 26-28, 2002. Phoenix, AZ. 

Grau III, R. H., Mucho, T.P., Robertson, S.B., Smith, A.C., 

and Garcia, F. 2002b. Practical techniques to improve the 

air quality in underground stone mines, North America 

Ninth U.S. Mine Ventilation Sym. June 8-12, 2002. 

Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 

Haney, R.A. & Saseen, G.P. 2001. Estimation of Diesel 

Particulate Concentrations in Underground Mines, Mining 

Engineering, 52(4): 60 – 64. 

Head, R. 2001. Calculating Underground mine ventilation fan 

requirements. Aggregates Manager, 6(3):17-19. 

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), U.S. 

Department of Labor, 2001, Nonpermissible diesel 

engines approved under Part 7. http://www.msha.gov/ 

S&HINFO/DESLREG/1909a.HTM. 

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), 2001, U.S. 

Department of Labor, Final Rule 30 CFR Part 57. 

http://www.msha.gov/S&HINFO/DESLREG/ 

1909a.HTM. 

Mucho, T.P. 2001. Practical mine ventilation. Safety Seminar 

for Underground Stone Mines. Dec. 5, Louisville, KY.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH), Department of Health and Human 

Services, 1988. Carcinogenic Effects of Exposure to 

Diesel Exhaust. Publication 88-116: 30 pp. 

Robertson, S. B. 2001. The NIOSH Mine Air 

Estimator. Safety Seminar for Underground Stone 

Mines. Dec. 5, 2001, Louisville, KY. 

Table 1. Ventilation Results from 2 Case Studies

Field measurements and sampling at mine outlet AQE 

Case 

study 

Measure 

air quality 

(CFM) 

Sampled DPM 

concentration 

(TCμg/m3

) 

Normalized air quality 

for a 400 TCμg/m3

DPM 

concentration (cfm) 

Estimated air quality 

for a 400 TCμg/m3DPM 

concentration (cfm) 

%Difference in AQE air 

quality estimation 

Case 1 752,000 361 678,700 794,000 +15% 

Case 2 760,000 285 541,000 586,000 +9% 
Schnakenberg, Jr., G. H. and Bugarski, A. D. 2002. 

Review of Technology Available to the 

Underground Mining Industry for control of diesel 

emissions. IC 9462: 52 pp. 

Schnakenberg, Jr., G. H. 2001. Estimate of technically 

feasible DPM levels for underground metal and 

nonmetal mines. Mining Engineering, Sept.: 45-51 

Timko, R.J. and Thimons, E.D. 1987. Damage resistant 

brattice stoppings in mines with large entries. 

Engineering Mining Journal: 188(5): 34-36. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2000, 

“Health Assessment Document for Diesel Exhaust,” 

Report EPA/600/8-90/057E, July: 669 pp. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/certdata.htm#largeng