Comparative analysis of dust emission of digging and loading equipment in surface coal mining

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of dust emission of digging and loading equipment in surface coal mining. Field measurements and laboratory studies were completed, and dust emission for front-end wheel loader and cable shovel was determined by three methods: (1) the EPA AP-42 emission factor estimation equations (AP-42 dust emission estimation), (2) the methodology used in the development of AP-42 equations (Type 2 dust emission estimation) and (3) the methodology used in the EPA AERMOD model (Type 3 dust emission estimation). Collection of data on dust emission was conducted at an operating surface coal mine in the eastern United States. Results of this study revealed that dust emission obtained by the AP-42 dust emission estimation method exceeded the field-based emission determined by both Type 2 and Type 3 dust emission estimation methods. It was also observed that the dust emission determined by the Type 2 method exceeded the emission obtained by the Type 3 method. This research may assist mining professionals in quantifying the dust emission of digging and loading equipment, and developing strategies for reducing its negative environmental impact.