Abstract
This user's manual contains the following practical information concerning improved water spray systems for dust control on longwall shearers: (1) description and capabilities, (2) design, (3) installation, (4) testing and modification, and (5) operation and maintenance. All of the systems and techniques described are aimed at reducing the respirable dust exposure of the shearer operators from shearer-generated dust sources. Information is provided on upgrading water supply systems, making more efficient use of cooling water and drum spray systems, and using a shearer clearer passive barrier system to control shearer dust. The shearer clearer is an improved water spray system that consists of strategically mounted water sprays and passive barriers (conveyor belting). The system reduces the dust concentrations in the operator's walkway by splitting the airflow on the upwind side of the shearer and confining the dust cloud to the face side of the shearer. Extensive underground evaluations, tests by MSHA, and independent installations by coal producers have confirmed the performance of the shearer clearer system. The system has shown reductions of 50% in shearer-generated dust measured at the operators' positions.
