Research activities of the United States Bureau of Mines related to using diesel equipment in underground coal mines were discussed. Interacting parameters that influence the use of diesel engines underground were summarized. These include Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration regulations that specify the mine ventilation requirements needed to obtain an acceptable air quality based on actual emissions from a specific diesel engine, pollutant concentrations from the engine and its control system when new and after use, and methods for controlling emissions. The Bureau of Mines' research program emphasized five functional areas that investigate the interactive parameters: emissions control, emissions characterization, field studies, instrumentation and monitoring, and noise. Emission control research emphasized evaluating existing and prototype control systems such as catalytic converters, scrubbers, alternative fuels, new engines, and external combustion engines. Emissions characterization research has emphasized developing reliable analytical procedures for sulfur oxides and polynuclear aromatics, laboratory evaluations of candidate diesel engines, and field studies. Field study research was directed toward developing effective sampling techniques for exhaust emissions, evaluating prototype air sampling instruments, and studying the effects of dispersion and dilution on pollutant concentrations. Instrumentation and monitoring research has focused on developing hand held instruments for determining air quality, personal dosimeters, instruments for use on vehicles, and area air quality monitoring instruments. Noise research has emphasized identifying noise sources and developing methods to control these sources. A transcript of a question and answer session was included.
Proceedings of a Workshop on the Use of Diesel Equipment in Underground Coal Mines, Morgantown, West Virginia, September 19-23, 1977; Morgantown, West Virginia, NIOSH