Mining Project: Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility Considerations in Underground Mines

Principal Investigator	Alan Zhang - Request information
Start Date	1/1/2019
Objective	This project will address the negative impact that electromagnetic interference (EMI) can have on mine safety systems and the hazards that EMI can cause for mine workers. The purpose of this study is to determine whether electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMI/EMC) challenges within the mining industry can be effectively resolved using existing standards and mitigation strategies applied in other industries. Researchers will develop mining-specific recommendations to overcome EMI challenges critical to mine worker safety.
Topic Areas	Electrical Safety Programmable Electronic Systems

Research Summary

Approach

The project will develop a measurement system and methodology to characterize the electromagnetic emission level of mining enjoinments, identify the potential for EMI in mining, and develop mitigation strategies and recommendations to overcome the hazards posed by EMI. The laboratory studies will focus on using established military protocols (e.g., RE101, RS101, RE102, and RS103) to quantify radiated emissions and radio susceptibility of electronic devices and exploring design considerations that may help to reduce or eliminate the effects of EMI. Where applicable, protocols may be adapted to investigate mining electronic devices with parameters different from those specified in the military standards.

Milestones and Accomplishments

Description	Audiences	Year
Characterized electromagnetic emission for multiple mining equipment	Equipment manufacturers, mine workers, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)	2022
Developed a database showing radiated/susceptibility thresholds of different electronic devices	Equipment manufacturers, MSHA, health and safety professionals at mining operations	2022
The PDM (personal dust monitor) and battery manufacturers are considering changing their product design based on NIOSH’s findings	Equipment manufacturers, mine workers, MSHA	2023
Conducted electromagnetic noise survey at two underground coal mines to identify potential areas of EMI issue	Mine workers, health and safety professionals at mining operations, MSHA	2023

Planned Impacts and Outcomes

There are two overall outcomes associated with this project: (1) Commercial vendors adopt/implement NIOSH design guidelines and methods for commercial products, and (2) MSHA adopts NIOSH recommendations on electromagnetic interference mitigation strategies and electromagnetic compatibility, as evidenced by MSHA referencing NIOSH research in guidance criteria. The results and findings from this project will be disseminated to key stakeholders through traditional methods such as conference proceedings and journal papers. The project team holds regular meetings with MSHA representatives to keep MSHA informed about project progress.

Outputs

Yan L, Lambie B, Carr J [2023]. Electromagnetic emission measurement of the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process. In the MINEXCHANGE 2023 SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 125th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 26- Mar. 1, 2023. Denver, CO.

Zhang Y, Zhou C, Carr J, Srednicki J, Jobes C, Tuchman D, Yekich M, Galanko J [2023]. A comparison of EM emission reduction methods for personal dust monitors. In the MINEXCHANGE 2023 SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 125th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 26-Mar. 1, 2023. Denver, CO.

Zhou C, Srednicki J [2023]. Characterizing radio emissions from electronic systems used in underground coal mines. In the MINEXCHANGE 2023 SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 125th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 26- Mar. 1, 2023. Denver, CO.

Girman M, Reyes M, Zhou C [2021]. An overview of existing EMI standards applicable to mining. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Journal 39:77–88.

Zhou C, Reyes M, Girman M [2022]. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) In underground coal mines: a literature review and practical considerations. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Journal 39:421–431.

Zhou C, Snyder D, et al. [2022]. Magnetic field noise in the ultra-low frequency (ULF) band and historical comparisons. IEEE EMC+SIPI Annual Symposium 2022.

Jacksha R, Zhou C, Justin S, Damiano N [2022]. Survey of electromagnetic emissions in underground coal mines. In: Proceedings of the SME Annual Meeting. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.

Homer J, Damiano NW, Jobes CC, Reyes MA, Carr JL [2021]. Prioritizing electromagnetic interference testing of devices used in underground coal mines. In: Proceedings of the SME Annual Meeting. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., Preprint 21-015, March 1-5.

Supporting Visual

Booth display at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration to promote NIOSH’s research on EMI and receive feedback from manufacturers and academia.

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