Mining Publication: Technology News 440 - Improved Dust Control for Surface Coal Mine Drills With Rotoclone Collectors

The U.S. Bureau of Mines field tested a method for reducing dust emissions on small drills, such as Davey, used in surface coal mining. These drills typically use a dust collection system called a Rotoclone. The Rotoclone, not a high-efficiency collector of very small dust particles, discharges significant amounts of visible dust. Typically, the Rotoclone discharge goes through a short section of pipe where it is directed vertically so that prevailing winds will disperse the dust away from the drilling operation. However, new Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations on dust emissions require that no visible dust be discharged to the atmosphere. Many operations will find it difficult to meet these new requirements.