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Mining Publication: Lowering Respirable Dust at an Iron Ore Concentrator Plant Through Improved Ventilation Practices
Keywords: Dust control Fan ventilation Respirable dust level Ventilation control
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: June 2006
Authors: AB Cecala, JA Zimmer, JF Colinet, RJ Timko
Conference Paper - June 2006
Download PDF Document (0.29 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20030310
In: Mutmansky JM, Ramani RV. eds. Proceedings of the 11th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (University Park, PA, June 5-7, 2006). London, UK: Taylor & Francis Group; :189-196
A cooperative research effort was established between Tilden Mining Co. LC, the United Steelworkers of America, and NIOSH to lower respirable dust levels in an iron ore grinding and concentrator plant. This cooperative effort involved three field studies to evaluate different techniques to lower respirable dust levels. The greatest impact on lowering respirable dust concentrations throughout this facility was achieved through ventilation changes. The most significant improvement was realized by changing the ventilation profile throughout the entire facility. The ventilation to this grinding and concentrator facility was provided by approximately 40 roof fans operating in either the intake or exhaust mode. The operation of these fans was significantly changed in an attempt to provide more of a directional flow pattern throughout the facility, as well as to more closely balance the intake and exhaust air volume. This change accounted for a 31% reduction in respirable dust levels in the primary grinding area of the mill. Another successful modification was to improve the sealing of a reclaim tunnel to the outside and to barricade the access point from the reclaim tunnel to the concentrator plant. This minimized the dust liberated in the conveyor tunnels from traveling through the reclaim tunnel and into the plant. These two modifications illustrate the impact that improvements in ventilation can have on lowering respirable dust concentrations in iron ore processing facilities.
Image of publication Lowering Respirable Dust at an Iron Ore Concentrator Plant Through Improved Ventilation PracticesConference Paper - June 2006
Download PDF Document (0.29 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20030310
In: Mutmansky JM, Ramani RV. eds. Proceedings of the 11th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (University Park, PA, June 5-7, 2006). London, UK: Taylor & Francis Group; :189-196
See Also
Benchmarking Longwall Dust Control Technology and Practices
Controlling Respirable Dust in Underground Coal Mines in the United States
The Effects of Water Spray Placement for Controlling Respirable Dust and Face Methane Concentrations
Field Evaluation of Air-blocking Shelf for Dust Control on Blasthole Drills
Laboratory Evaluation of Shield Dust Entrainment in High-Velocity Airstreams
Laboratory Testing To Quantify Dust Entrainment During Shield Advance
Performance of a Light Scattering Dust Monitor at Various Air Velocities: Results of Sampling in the Active Versus the Passive Mode
Status of a Tapered Element, Oscillation Microbalance-Based Continuous Respirable Coal Mine Dust Monitor
Testing and Evaluation of an Inflatable Temporary Ventilation Control Device
Using Ventilation Control Technology to Reduce Respirable Dust Exposures at U.S. Metal/Nonmetal Mining Operations
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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