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Mining Publication: Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
Keywords: Coal dust Coal mining Explosions Rock dusting Sampling 
 Underground mining
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: June 2010
Authors: ML Harris, ES Weiss, C Man, SP Harteis, GV Goodman, MJ Sapko
Conference Paper - June 2010
Download PDF Document (0.26 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20037121
Proceedings of the 13th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, June 13-16, 2010. Hardcastle S, McKinnon DL, eds., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada: MIRARCO - Mining Innovation, 2010; :267-271
Rock dusting to prevent coal dust explosions has been in widespread use in U.S. underground coal mines since the early 1900s. Underground coal mining technology has changed significantly over this same time period, becoming highly mechanized and produces finer coal dust particles which are more explosive. Despite the advances in mining technology, mine-wide dust sampling practices have remained essentially unchanged. There are many factors associated with the practice of rock dust sampling that, if not properly considered, can adversely impact the effectiveness of the rock dust and the potential explosibility of the coal dust. Dust on elevated surfaces is dispersed and entrained by the developing explosion much more readily than dust on the floor. The increased use of meshing to control roof and rib spall provides elevated surfaces for coal dust to collect which significantly increases the potential for dust explosion propagation if not adequately inerted. In addition to holding more coal dust, the meshing makes the collection of representative dust samples by using current band sampling equipment inadequate. This paper discusses these and other related factors that could result in a potential undetected dust explosion hazard, when using current dust sampling procedures, in an area that otherwise appears to be adequately protected with rock dust. Recommendations are made for further investigation into how these and other factors affect explosion propagation and the need for sampling procedure changes.
Image of publication Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal MinesConference Paper - June 2010
Download PDF Document (0.26 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20037121
Proceedings of the 13th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, June 13-16, 2010. Hardcastle S, McKinnon DL, eds., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada: MIRARCO - Mining Innovation, 2010; :267-271
See Also
Coal Dust Explosibility Meter Evaluation and Recommendations for Application
Historical Development of Technologies for Controlling Methane in Underground Coal Mines
How Does Limestone Rock Dust Prevent Coal Dust Explosions in Coal Mines?
Mitigating Coal Dust Explosions in Modern Underground Coal Mines
Observations of Post-Explosion Dust Samples From an Experimental Mine
Particle Size and Surface Area Effects on Explosibility Using a 20-L Chamber
Progress Toward Improved Engineering of Seals and Sealed Areas of Coal Mines
Respirable Quartz Hazard Associated with Coal Mine Roof Bolter Dust
Rock Dusting
Technology News 515 - Float Coal Dust Explosion Hazards
Technology News 535 - NIOSH Releases New Educational Video: Escape from Farmington No. 9: An Oral History
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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