Overviews

Controlling and Monitoring Diesel Emissions in Underground Mines in the United States (PDF, 248 KB, 2009)
The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of NIOSH conducts research to evaluate control technologies and monitoring instrumentation that can be used to reduce the diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure of mine workers. An overview of the strategies being utilized in underground US mines to reduce DPM concentrations is presented.

Software

AQE - Air Quantity Estimator
The Air Quantity Estimator provides a starting point for estimating the air quantity needed to dilute diesel particulate matter in underground large opening mines.

Guides

Diesel Aerosols and Gases in Underground Mines: Guide to Exposure Assessment and Control (PDF, 2414 KB, 2011)
A comprehensive guide to establish a program to curtail diesel particulate matter emissions, control pollutants after release in an underground mine environment and reduce exposures using administrative controls.

Hazards

The Fate of Metal (Fe) During Diesel Combustion: Morphology, Chemistry, and Formation Pathways of Nanoparticles (PDF, 1531 KB, 2007-04)
This report describes an investigation in which NIOSH used iron-doped diesel fuel to generate metal-bearing diesel particles and a subsequent analysis of the particles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

Accidents & emergencies

Impact of Air Velocity on the Detection of Fires in Conveyor Belt Haulageways (PDF, 245 KB, 2011)
This paper discusses the impact of ventilation airflow on alarm times of the smoke detectors and video cameras, CO levels, smoke optical densities and smoke obscuration, total smoke mass concentrations, and fire heat release rates, examining how these various parameters depend upon air velocity and air quantity, the product of air velocity, and entry cross-section.

Diseases, injuries & disorders

Diesel Exhaust Particulate Material Expression of in Vitro Genotoxic Activities When Dispersed Into a Phospholipid Component of Lung Surfactant (PDF, 337 KB, 2009)
The study objective was to compare some in vitro genotoxic activities between solvent-extraction and surfactant-dispersion preparations for a generally available diesel exhaust reference material, U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology DPM standard reference material SRM 2975. Assays were chosen to represent bacterial mutagenicity and mammalian cell chromosomal or DNA damage.

Measurement & analysis

Apparatus for Measuring Diesel Tailpipe Emissions in Underground Mines (PDF, 1483 KB, 1992)
A collaboration between the U.S. Bureau of Mines and Michigan Technological University to develop an apparatus for measuring diesel tailpipe emissions in underground mines.

Characterization of Nanometer and Ultrafine Diesel Aerosols in the Underground Mining Environment (PDF, 342 KB, 2007)
The objective of this paper is to identify and characterize nanometer and ultrafine aerosols emitted by diesel engines in the underground environment and evaluate the effects of selected contemporary control technologies on physical properties, chemical composition, and in-vitro toxicology of diesel aerosols.

Comparing Measurements of Carbon in Diesel Exhaust Aerosols Using the Aethalometer, NIOSH Method 5040, and SMPS (PDF, 2673 KB, 2007-04)
The objective of this paper is to compare the results among (1) a NIOSH published standard to determine the mass of EC and OC on filter samples, (2) the aethalometer, which uses light extinction to measure "black carbon" or BC, and (3) measuring particle size distributions using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) to investigate the role of OC when measuring the mass concentration of elemental carbon (or black carbon) in aerosols emitted by a medium-duty Diesel engine.

DEEP Project on Evaluation of Diesel Particulate Filters at Inco's Stobie Mine (PDF, 576 KB, 2006)
The objective of the Diesel Emissions Evaluation Program (DEEP)-sponsored project at Inco Ltd.'s Stobie Mine was to conduct a long-term field evaluation of diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems available to the underground mining industry. Some of the major issues studied were criteria for selecting the filter media, means of DPF regeneration, efficiency of DPF systems and the occurrence of unwanted secondary emissions, and reliability and durability of DPF systems.

Effects of Sampling Artifacts on Occupational Samples of Diesel Particulate Matter (PDF, 125 KB, 2008-07)
In this study, NIOSH investigated the effects of adsorption artifact on diesel particulate matter samples from occupational settings.

Effects of Trace Metals on Particulate Matter Formation in a Diesel Engine: Metal Contents from Ferrocene and Lube Oil (PDF, 593 KB, 2006-10)
In this study, the single particle mass spectrometer (SPMS) was applied to explore the composition of DPM, namely the origin of metals and size preferences of metals originating from metallic fuel additives and lube oil.

The Effects of Water Emulsified Fuel on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Underground Mines (PDF, 664 KB, 2006)
The ambient diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentrations (at the intakes and exhausts of the mine) was evaluated as an entire vehicle fleet of a stone mine switched from using 35% biodiesel to a water-emulsified fuel (PuriNOx).

Evaluation of the SKC® DPM Cassette for Monitoring Diesel Particulate Matter in Coal Mines (PDF, 347 KB, 2004-12)
A commercial version of the BOM impactor, called the DPM Cassette, was recently introduced by SKC®. Tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the DPM Cassette for measuring diesel-source elemental carbon in the presence of coal dust.

Examination of Diesel Aftertreatment Systems at NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory (PDF, 417 KB, 2007)
This paper describes a series of engine/dynamometer tests which were conducted to assess the effects of three types of uncatalyzed diesel particulate filters (DPFs), a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) and three types of high temperature disposable filter elements (HT DFEs) on the concentrations and size distribution of diesel aerosols and concentration of nitric oxides in underground mine air.

Field Measurement of Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions (PDF, 172 KB, 2008-03)
This paper describes a quick and economic method which has been developed to estimate engine particulate emission levels.

A Handheld Electrostatic Precipitator for Sampling Airborne Particles and Nanoparticles (PDF, 300 KB, 2010-06)
Researchers at NIOSH are developing methods for characterizing ultrafine aerosols in workplaces. One method includes the detailed analysis of collected particles using electron microscopy (EM).

Instrumentation for Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions Research (PDF, 572 KB, 2006)
The results of a series of tests in an underground mine were used to evaluate several measurement methods that are currently used to characterize particulate matter emitted by diesel-powered equipment. This paper presents an overview of these techniques and examples of the results, along with a discussion of the advantages and information gained by each technique. The measurement methods include particle size measurements using a scanning mobility particle sizer, total particulate matter measurements using a tapered elemental oscillating microbalance, a size-selective sampling method for workplace and personal exposure assessment, and a size-selective high-volume sampling method for carbon analysis.

Measuring Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Mines Using Submicron Elemental Carbon as a Surrogate (PDF, 212 KB, 2006)
Elemental carbon (EC) is used as a surrogate for regulating the exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) of underground metal/nonmetal miners. Currently, EC represents DPM well in underground mines. Some control technologies have been shown to possibly alter the relationship between DPM and EC and characteristics of DPM. Therefore, future work will investigate the relationship between DPM and EC as new control technologies are implemented.

Morphological and Elemental Classification of Freshly Emitted Soot Particles and Atmospheric Ultrafine Particles using the TEM/EDS (PDF, 372 KB, 2010-03)
Airborne soot particles have a significant effect on atmospheric chemistry and their detailed properties are thus of interest to researchers. There are many different types of soot with a variety of shapes and chemical composition. This paper presents new information regarding the characterization of soot from different (known) sources, providing insight into identification of fresh and aged soot particles observed in the atmosphere.

A New Concept for Leak Testing Environmental Enclosure Filtration Systems (PDF, 201 KB, 2006)
A method (patent pending) has been developed to determine the quality of environmental cab filtration systems. It utilizes specially configured filter cartridges to remove carbon dioxide from the ambient air with the environmental cab's air filtration system. This report examines the elements of this patent pending method.

Potential Concerns with the use of Diesel Oxidation Catalysts in Underground Mines (PDF, 163 KB, 2010-02)
This paper discusses the potential concerns of using Diesel Oxydation Catalysts (DOC) in underground mines.

Real-Time Estimation of Elemental Carbon Emitted from a Diesel Engine (PDF, 317 KB, 2007-08)
This paper describes a simple, inexpensive, dependable, and field portable method for estimating the mass concentration of elemental carbon exiting the tailpipe of a diesel engine using a direct reading photometer in underground mines.

Relationship Between Elemental Carbon, Total Carbon, and Diesel Particulate Matter in Several Underground Metal/nonmetal Mines (PDF, 526 KB, 2007)
Elemental carbon (EC) is currently used as a surrogate for diesel particulate matter (DPM) in underground mines since it can be accurately measured at low concentrations and diesels are the only source of submicrometer EC in underground mines. A disadvantage of using EC as a surrogate for DPM is that the fraction of EC in DPM is a function of various engine parameters and fuel formulations, etc. In order to evaluate how EC predicts DPM in the underground mining atmosphere, measurements of total carbon (TC; representing over 80% of the DPM) and EC were taken away from potential interferences in four underground metal/non-metal mines during actual production. In a controlled atmosphere, DPM mass, TIC, and EC measurements were also collected while several different types of vehicles simulated production with and without different types of control technologies.

Role of Lubrication Oil in Particulate Emissions from a Hydrogen-Powered Internal Combustion Engine (PDF, 503 KB, 2007-10)
The primary goal of this study was to investigate the formation of combustion-generated particles derived from lubrication oil in the absence of fuel-produced soot.

Sampling Results of the Improved SKC® Diesel Particulate Matter Cassette (PDF, 4710 KB, 2005-01)
Investigates the ability of the SKC DPM cassette to collect diesel particulate matter while segregating ore dust from the sample.

Submicrometer Elemental Carbon as a Selective Measure of Diesel Particulate Matter in Coal Mines (PDF, 874 KB, 2004-10)
A monitoring method for diesel particulate matter was published as Method 5040 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) proposed use of NIOSH 5040 for compliance determinations in metal and nonmetal mines.

Using Laser Absorption Techniques to Monitor Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure in Underground Stone Mines (PDF, 465 KB, 2007)
This paper describes research into a laser absorption technique that enables one to measure elemental carbon concentration in diesel particulate matter in near real time.

Engineering controls

Aerosols Emitted in Underground Mine Air by Diesel Engine Fueled with Biodiesel (PDF, 239 KB, 2010-02)
The results of this study provide more insight into potential advantages and disadvantages of using biodiesel fuels for controlling emissions of aerosols and gases. The role of diesel oxidation catalysts in controlling biodiesel emissions has also been re-examined.

Best Practices for Underground Diesel Emissions (PDF, 1235 KB, 2007)
Based on their findings, the task group offered several best practice recommendations that a mine may want to follow to implement a successful ceramic DPM filter program. The best practices identified are believed to be key elements for implementation of a successful effort using ceramic filters.

Breathing Easier (PDF, 209 KB, 2009-02)
This paper describes the research NIOSH has conducted to improve the ventilation of stone mines and consequently reduce the exposure of workers to harmful airborne contaminants.

Diesel Aftertreatment Control Technologies in Underground Mines: The NO₂ Issue (PDF, 126 KB, 2010)
This paper provides an overview of what effects the different exhaust aftertreatment technologies and control strategies available to the mining industry have on the NO₂ emissions. Specific focus is given to their effect on the ventilation strategy in an underground mine environment.

Effectiveness of Iron-Based Fuel Additives for Diesel Soot Control (PDF, 1756 KB, 1992)
This report is mainly about a ferrocene-based additive that reduced DPM between 4 and 45 pct, depending on engine operating conditions.

Effectiveness of Selected Diesel Particulate Matter Control Technologies for Underground Mining Applications: Isolated Zone Study, 2004 (PDF, 1146 KB, 2006-08)
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the state-of-the-art technologies for controlling DPM and gaseous emissions from underground diesel-powered mining equipment using the isolated zone approach.

The Effectiveness of Selected Technologies in Controlling Diesel Emissions in an Underground Mine: Isolated Zone Study at Stillwater Mining Company's Nye Mine (PDF, 1773 KB, 2004)
The objective of this study was to determine the in-situ effectiveness of the selected technologies available to the underground mining industry for reducing particulate matter and gaseous emissions from diesel-powered equipment. The protocol was established to determine the effectiveness of those technologies in an underground environment under operating conditions that closely resemble actual production scenarios.

Effects of Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment Devices on Concentrations and Size Distribution of Aerosols in Underground Mine Air (PDF, 227 KB, 2009-09)
This paper summarizes the results of a study conducted to evaluate the effects that several types of DPFs, DFEs, and a DOC have on the concentration and size distribution of diesel aerosols in an underground mine.

The Effects of Passive Diesel Particulate Filters on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Two Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines (PDF, 153 KB, 2010)
In this study, NIOSH measured the atmospheric concentrations of DPM and gases in two mines in order to evaluate the effects of various control strategies on the atmospheric DPM concentrations.

Effects of Sintered Metal Diesel Particulate Filter System on Diesel Aerosols and Nitric Oxides in Mine Air (PDF, 359 KB, 2008)
This NIOSH study was conducted to establish the effects of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system with sintered metal substrate on the concentrations and size distributions of nano and ultrafine aerosols and concentrations of nitric oxides in underground mine air, and focused on the formation and transformation of nucleation mode particles in mine air under prevailing test conditions.

Field Evaluation of a Passive Diesel Particulate Filter at a Limestone Mine (PDF, 190 KB, 2009-04)
In this study, the operators of a limestone mine retrofitted a loader used for clean-up operations with a passive DPF that was lightly catalyzed and used a fuel additive to initiate regeneration at low exhaust temperatures. The filter's performance was monitored for more than one month under actual mining conditions.

Implementation of Diesel Particulate Filter Technology in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines (PDF, 835 KB, 2006)
Achieving substantial reductions in the exposure of underground miners to diesel particulate matter in a number of metal and nonmetal mines in the United States depends on the ability of the industry to widely implement advanced diesel emissions control technologies, primarily diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems. However, a number of relatively unique technical and operational challenges are limiting industry-wide implementation of this technology. This paper provides detailed analysis of some of those challenges and short overviews of several projects launched by the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory in an attempt to provide the underground mining industry with more adequate DPF systems.

Maximizing the Ventilation of Large-Opening Mines (PDF, 229 KB, 2006-06)
NIOSH research suggest that by incorporating ventilation planning into the mine planning process, using propeller fans, developing new stopping materials and construction methods, and using long pillars to eliminate crosscuts where possible, the ventilation of large-opening mines can be significantly improved.

Noranda Inc. - Brunswick Mine Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Field Study (http://www.camiro.org/DEEP/Project%20Reports/nordpf_final.pdf) (PDF, 4086 KB, 2004-10)
A summary of the investigation and findings of nearly three years of field and laboratory work looking at diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems.

Review of Technology Available to the Underground Mining Industry for Control of Diesel Emissions (PDF, 715 KB, 2002-08)
This report reviews the performance and applicability of technology for the control of emissions from diesel-powered equipment used in underground coal and metal/nonmetal mines.

Workplace Aerosol Measurement (PDF, 4617 KB, 2011)
Workplace aerosol measurement, while similar to other areas of aerosol measurement, differs somewhat in application and circumstance. In most cases the bulk aerosol composition is known or can be deduced from the processes or products in use. The mass concentrations involved are typically an order of magnitude greater than those in the general environment. Finally, sampling is carried out specifically for assessing human exposure, rather than characterizing the aerosol itself or the physical or chemical processes associated with it. While philosophies and approaches may differ, there is a great deal of commonality between methods used in the workplace, and those used in other areas of aerosol measurement. Thus, techniques and applications described elsewhere in this book will frequently be directly relevant to workplace sampling. Chapters 6 to 10 and 14 are particularly pertinent, providing detailed information on approaches to aerosol monitoring, filter collection, inertial, gravitational, centrifugal and thermal sampling, and direct-reading techniques. Chapters 23, 24, 26, and 27 on nonspherical particle measurement, bioaerosol measurement, ambient aerosol sampling, and aerosol exposure measurement are all relevant to the workplace. In this chapter, the emphasis is on the basic sampling philosophies and methods used on a routine basis in the workplace and the application of direct-reading monitors in workplace aerosol measurement.

Equipment

Mutagenicity of Diesel Exhaust Particles from an Engine with Differing Exhaust After Treatments (PDF, 210 KB, 2010-01)
This paper discusses the results of a study to investigate the effects of engine operating conditions and exhaust aftertreatments on the mutagenicity of diesel particulate matter (DPM) collected directly in an underground mine environment.

Near Real Time Monitoring of Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Mines (PDF, 116 KB, 2008)
This paper describes a portable device developed by NIOSH for measuring levels of elemental carbon in real time.

Laboratories

Diesel/Aerosol Research Laboratory
Analysis of diesel samples collected in the laboratory and field for elemental and total carbon and creation of an aerosol atmosphere simulating that seen in an underground mine.

Meetings, workshops & seminars

Practical Workshop on Strategies and Technologies to Reduce Miners Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases (HTM, 2007-06)
Sponsored by the Nevada Mining Association, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and Mine Health and Safety Administration, June 5-6, 2007, Elko, Nevada. Documents from the workshop available for downloading.

Practical Workshop on Strategies and Technologies to Reduce Miners' Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases (HTM, 2007-01)
Sponsored by the Nevada Mining Association, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and Mine Health and Safety Administration, January 25-25, 2007, Reno, Nevada. Documents from the workshop available for downloading.

Workshop on Diesel Emissions Control Technologies in Coal Mines (HTM, 2003)
Sponsored by NIOSH, July 30, 2003, Louisville, Kentucky. Documents from the workshop are available for downloading.

Workshop on Diesel Emissions Control Technologies in Metal/Nonmetal Mines (HTM, 2003)
Sponsored by NIOSH, February 27, 2003 (Cincinnati, Ohio) and March 4, 2003 (Salt Lake City, Utah). Documents from the workshop are available for downloading.