Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/777939
AGGREGATES MANAGER / February 2017 37 SPECIAL REPORT At one of the last meetings, one slide that had a tremen- dous impact on the miners was comparing the outside and in- side gravimetric dust fi lters for the face drill machine for July 30 and 31, 2014 (Figure 1). Since these gravimetric samples were taken with a 10-mm Dorr-Oliver cyclone device, they represent the particles that are approximately 10 microns and less in size that would deposit into the inner regions of a miners' lungs. The white areas of the inside fi lters represent what the miner would be breathing inside the enclosed cab through his work- ing shift. The dark areas of the outside fi lters represent what the miner would have been breathing if there was no fi ltration and pressurization system to clean the air before entering the enclosed cab. Based on these fi ndings, it is not diffi cult to comprehend the tremendous impact of the improved air quality from the fi l- tration and pressurization system and the long-term effects on improving the health of miners and minimizing the potential for developing silicosis, black lung, chronic obstructive pulmo- nary disease, or any other types of lung diseases. AM Andrew Cecala is the principal supervisory mining engineer for the dust, ventilation, and toxic substances branch of NIOSH's Offi ce of Mine Safety and Health Research. John Organiscak is a senior research engineer. They are based at NIOSH's Pittsburgh, Pa., offi ce. Disclaimer Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The fi ndings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not neces- sarily represent the views of NIOSH. E X C E L M A C H . C O M 8 0 0 - 8 5 8 - 4 0 0 2 What can Excel Machinery Build for You ? • Turn-Key Aggregate Plant Manufacturing • Plant Upgrades • Conveying Systems • Crushing & Screening Systems • Custom Apron Feeders • Portable Plant Designing & Manufacturing • Washing Systems Surplus Aggregate Equipment ? We Buy Used Equipment ! • Competitive Offers • Quick Cash • Trade-Ins Welcome • Large Inventory of New & Used Equipment in Stock Figure 1: Respirable dust filter cassettes from inside and outside the enclosed cab of a face drill machine during testing on July 30 and 31, 2014, at underground limestone mine.