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Mining Publication: Water Separator Shows Potential for Reducing Respirable Dust Generated on Small-Diameter Rotary Blasthole Drills
Keywords: Drilling Respirable dust Rotary drills Wet drilling
Original creation date: September 2007
Authors: JM Listak, WR Reed
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - September 2007
Download PDF Document (2.17 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20032538
Int J Min Reclam Environ 2007 Sep; 21(3):160�172
Drilling with water has the potential to significantly reduce the respirable dust concentrations generated from small-diameter rotary drills when drilling blastholes on surface mining operations. However, water adversely affects tri-cone drill bits commonly used in surface drilling operations, causing excessive wear and premature replacement. Consequently, dry drilling with a dust collector system has the most widespread use in the industry. Tests have been conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) on a newly designed device for smaller diameter drills that separates the water from the bailing air before it reaches the bit and thus provides the cost benefit of dry drilling while providing the benefit of wet drilling for dust suppression. The water that is delivered to the hole with the bailing air is separated from the air by a proprietary mechanical device that is encased in a drill sub (short section of drill rod/pipe) located immediately behind the cutting bit. A cascade cyclone and a real-time dust monitor were used to sample dust emissions from the holes. Dust concentrations and silica content were measured when drilling dry versus drilling wet. The tests show that drilling with this water separating sub can reduce both measured dust emissions from the boreholes and visible dust around the drill rig.
Image of publication Water Separator Shows Potential for Reducing Respirable Dust Generated on Small-Diameter Rotary Blasthole DrillsPeer Reviewed Journal Article - September 2007
Download PDF Document (2.17 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20032538
Int J Min Reclam Environ 2007 Sep; 21(3):160�172
See Also
Cableless Electronic Surveying Systems for Horizontal Holes
Comparison of Rotary and In-Hole Motor Techniques for Drilling Horizontal Boreholes in Coal
Degasification and Production of Natural Gas From an Air Shaft in the Pittsburgh Coalbed
Directionally Controlled Drilling To Horizontally Intercept Selected Strata, Upper Freeport Coalbed, Greene County, Pa.
Drill Rig Incident
Noise Exposure and Overhead Power Line (OPL) Safety Hazards at Surface Drilling Sites
Rotary Drilling Holes in Coalbeds for Degasification
Summary of NIOSH Research Completed on Dust Control Methods for the Surface and Underground Drilling
Technology News 463 - Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor
Technology News 509 - A New Method to Clean Dust From Soiled Work Clothes
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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