An investigation of the noise dynamics in a southern illinois underground coal mine.

Abstract

Noise in an underground coal mine has dominant components generated mainly from three sources: (1) continuous mining machine (CMM), (2) roof bolters, and (3) cars/vehicles which are transporting personnel end/or coal. Each of these three noise sources also has a number of well defined sub-sources with their own noise characteristics. The CMM noise is comprised mainly of noise generated by coal cutting drum, wet scrubber for dust control, and coal transport conveyor (called also the CMM’s tail). Roof bolter’s noise is generated during the drilling of the roof bolt holes in the bolting process. Personnel and coal transportation vehicles generate noise from the power driven system. The personnel most exposed to these noises are operators of these machines and associated support personnel. Three selected techniques with appropriate instrumentation were used to monitor exposure of the personnel to the noise and noise energy over a period of time. The most common technique is based on the use of personal noise dosimeters. The sound level meters (both pressure and power) were also used to collect noise data in form of instantaneous readings and also to check calibration of other sound measuring instruments. Most useful information was obtained from continuous recordings of the noise over time. This paper discusses the variability or dynamics of the generated noise in both frequency and time domains