Abstract:
The project was planned in two phases. The
first phase involved laboratory tests on a continuous
miner model for different ventilation and
spray systems at the newly built ventilation simulation
tunnel at the Klopperbos research centre. In
the second phase of the project, tests were
carried out underground based on the findings
and recommendations from the simulated tests.
This paper focuses on the results and findings for
the half-curtain system which have been encouraging.
The average dust concentration for the
sampling period at the operator’s position for the
half-curtain system was 3.20 mg/m3. On the other
hand, the equivalent average dust concentration
(TWA-CONC) for the half-curtain system for a 8-h
period was 2.04 mg/m3. The outcome of this
project has shown that the regulatory dust level of
<5 mg/m3 can be achieved through close collaboration
with all the interested parties.
