Mine Air Quality and Ventilation at CANMET-MMSL

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Mine Air Quality and Ventilation

THE CHALLENGE

Reducing harmful diesel emissions and optimizing mine ventilation systems are key to improving underground working conditions, while at the same time increasing productivity and reducing the cost of mine ventilation. Industry’s growing interest in deep mining increases the importance of temperature control and optimizing mine ventilation.

NRCan CAN HELP

CANMET-MMSL has established a group of specialists in mine ventilation, ventilation automation, diesel-engine emissions control and certification, as well as underground contaminants monitoring and control. The goal for this area of research is to improve air quality and safety in the underground mine environment, and to evaluate approaches that may provide savings in both capital and operating expenses. CANMET-MMSL collaborates with mine operators, workers, suppliers and regulators to provide cost-effective underground environmental technology solutions.

OUR EXPERTISE

CANMET-MMSL hasdeveloped a range of expertise through R&D activities:

Ventilation research

Computerized 3D modelling of ventilation systems
Mine ventilation automation
Ventilation networks evaluation (air volumes, re-circulation, leakage, residence times) using tracer gas
Tracer gas contaminant surrogate applications (blast fumes clearance, methane and dust dispersion)
Stench gas emergency warning system evaluation using tracer gas

Diesel research

Diesel engine emissions testing (CSA, MSHA, ISO Standards)
Development of diesel emissions standards
Performance assessment of diesel emissions control technologies
Air and Exhaust Quality Index applications

Underground Contaminants Sampling And Analysis Services

Diesel particulate matter sampling and analysis using NIOSH 5040 method
Airborne mineral dust (silica) sampling and analysis
On-site sampling of airborne dusts and gases

Non-destructive testing of hoisting wire ropes

Permascan NDT testing system
Rope damage index principle

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS

In a mine ventilation automation project, CANMET-MMSL automated part of a mine so that individual diesel vehicles would be recognized on entry, and the ventilation infrastructure adjusted accordingly. This technology along with updates in the provincial regulation allowed the operation to take advantage of modern diesel engine technology and Canadian diesel engine certifications to develop new ore bodies with the existing ventilation infrastructure, while maintaining high standards of air quality. A national standard has potential benefit for mining operations across the country.

CANMET-MMSL chairs the Technical Committee of the Diesel Emission Evaluation Program (DEEP), an industry consortium whose goals are to reduce diesel particulate matter exposure in underground mines, and to ensure that future diesel regulation is based on sound science. CANMET-MMSL also undertakes research projects approved by the DEEP. The consortium is looking at promising technologies to lower emissions underground. Two current projects involve specific applications of high-efficiency filtration technologies.


Last Modified: 2004-02-11		Important Notices