| 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 88-83 (J), 1988, 21 pages  Open Access |
| Image |  |
| Year | 1988 |
| Publisher | Canada Department of Mines and Technical Surveys |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf |
| Released | 1988 01 01; 2020 04 22 |
| Abstract | Respirable particulate control is a major concern in the underground mining environment. The Elliot Lake Mining Research Laboratory recognized a need for, and 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 ?m (optical) diameter; maximum count of 4xi0e particles/L without dilution: and normal sample flow rate of 2.8 L/min with optional 100:1 dilution. A rechargeable hand-held computer provides
on-line 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 mass distribution by size has a significant effect on te unit's bulk efficiency. Such is the potential of the units
in mining environmental dust control studies. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 325783 |
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