| Title | A portable computer controlled multi-size range, aerosol counting system for use in underground mining environments |
| Download | Downloads |
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| Licence | Please note the adoption of the Open Government Licence - Canada
supersedes any previous licences. |
| Author | Hardcastle, S G; Cavan, J |
| Source | Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology, Mining Research Laboratories, Division Report 87-167 (OP), 1987, 30 pages  Open Access |
| Image |  |
| Year | 1987 |
| Publisher | Canada Department of Mines and Technical Surveys |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf |
| Released | 1987 01 01; 2020 04 22 |
| Abstract | Respirable particulate control is a major concern in the underground mining environment. The Elliot Lake Mining Research Laboratory has recognized a need for, and have had developed, a real-time
particle counter to further their dust control studies. Extensive modifications to a commercially available 'clean-room' aerosol counter have customized a unit for use in underground environments. The particle counter uses near forward light
scattering to count particles into six threshold size ranges, five of which start in the respirable range. Applications of the counter include: i) characterizing dust from different mining operations; ii) evaluating the efficiency of dust
removal/suppression methods; iii) determining dust transportation/ sedimentation characteristics of mine ventilation systems; and iv) quantifying size dependent characteristics of other dust/particulate measurement methods. The aerosol counter has
the following specifications: threshold size ranges of 0.5, 1.5, 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 and 10.0 gm (optical) diameter; maximum count of 4x105 particles/L without dilution; and normal sample flow rate of 2.8 L/min with on-line optional 100:1 dilution. A
rechargeable hand-held computer provides remote control and logging facilities, and off-line communicates with a standard PC computer which analyzes data with an electronic spread sheet. To date, two particle counters have been used in the evaluation
of a dust filtration unit and a dust transportation study. Evaluation of two similar filter units highlighted the size dependency of the filter units and how aerosol size distribution has a significant effect on the units bulk efficiency. Such is the
potential of the units in mining environmental dust control studies. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 325595 |
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