Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Publication: Continuous Wave Laser Ignition Thresholds of Coal Dust Clouds
Keywords: Coal dust Coal mining Ignitions Instruments Storage structures 
 Underground mining
Original creation date: August 2003
Authors: TH Dubaniewicz, KL Cashdollar, GM Green
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - August 2003
Download PDF Document (0.10 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20023572
J Laser Appl 2003 Aug 15(3):184-191
Laser-based instruments are used in areas where coal dust ignition presents a safety hazard. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Pittsburgh Research Laboratory is conducting a study to help determine when an optical beam may be considered a potential ignition source in underground coal mines or coal storage facilities. Researchers conducted experiments to determine threshold igniting powers for Pittsburgh Seam bituminous coal dust clouds using an 803-nm continuous wave laser. For fine-sized coal dust dispersed in air, concentrations ranging from 600 to 2,000 g/m3 were the most easily ignited. A heated layer of coal dust that deposited on the fiber tip during dispersion ignited the dust clouds. Minimum observed igniting powers for laser beams delivered by 200-, 400-, and 800-micrometer core fiber-optic cables and directed into coal dust clouds were 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 W, respectively. Threshold igniting power was proportional to beam diameter, and threshold igniting power density decreased with larger fiber diameters. Ignition delay times averaged 0.6 sec and did not vary significantly with laser power under initially turbulent test conditions and with flammable targets. Comparisons are made with the results of other researchers.
Image of publication Continuous Wave Laser Ignition Thresholds of Coal Dust CloudsPeer Reviewed Journal Article - August 2003
Download PDF Document (0.10 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20023572
J Laser Appl 2003 Aug 15(3):184-191
See Also
Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Underground and Surface Coal Mining Categories: 1990-1999
Battery Safety Enhancements for Underground Coal Mines
Coal Dust Explosibility Meter Evaluation and Recommendations for Application
Coal Mine Explosion Prevention
Lasers
NIOSH Research for Monitoring and Controlling Methane at U.S. Underground Coal Mining Operations
Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
Safe and Economical Inerting of Sealed Mine Areas
Ultra-Low Frequency Through-the-Earth Communication Technology
Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue