Panel discussion of new MSHA diesel engine regulations planned for ASME ICE Division conference

A panel discussion of new MSHA diesel engine regulations is planned for the 1998 Fall ASME ICE Division conference to be held September 26-30 in Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, NY.

Proposed new federal (MSHA) and state level (PA, WV, VA, OH) mining regulations address diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure. Because DPM and coal dust are mostly made up from the same material (Carbon), ambient PM measurements in coal mines are difficult at least. However, laboratory test results from an 8-mode cycle combined with the known ventilation air can be used to calculate ambient exposure levels for DPM.

To meet the proposed MSHA regulations, DPM must be reduced by 95% from existing engine-out levels. MSHA regulations also require that the entire engine system meet explosion-proof performance standards to operate in certain parts of the coal mine. This panel will explore the issues and challenges of the proposed DPM regulations and review the currently available solutions.

PANEL: Controlling Diesel Engine PM in Underground Mines

Moderator: Steve Fritz, SwRI

Part 1: The Issues

Government:

AN OVERVIEW OF MSHA DIESEL ENGINE REGULATIONS, George Saseen - MSHA Approval and Certification Center

METHODS TO DETERMINE AMBIENT DPM LEVELS IN COAL MINES, Bob Haney - MSHA

Industry:

THE CHALLENGE AND INCENTIVES OF DPM EXPOSURE CONTROL TO THE MINE OPERATOR,
Michael Peelish - Cyprus Mineral Company

Labor:

CONCERN ABOUT WORKERS EXPOSURE TO DPM, Joe Main - United Mine Workers of America

Part 2: Solutions

Engines:

APPROVAL CHALLENGES TO THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER, speaker to be determined (Isuzu?)

Manufacturers:

RETROFIT OF DPM CONTROL SYSTEMS TO EXISTING MINING MACHINES, Ronald Eberhart - Goodman Technologies, Inc.

MACHINE APPROVAL ISSUES UNDER THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS, Dennis Gaibler - Wagner Mining Equipment Corp

Emissions Control:

MODERN DIESEL EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR UNDERGROUND MINING
EQUIPMENT - CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS, Norbert Paas - Dry Systems Technologies

The presentations will be divided into two one-hour sessions. Each session has four 15-min presentations by the panel speakers. Following the presentations will be a one-hour open discussion with all panelists.

Contact: Steven G. Fritz, P.E., Department of Emissions Research, Southwest Research Institute, 210.522.3645 voice, 210.522.3950 fax.