The Application of Flooded Bed Dust Scrubbers to Longwall Mining Systems

This concept paper proposes the application of flooded-bed dust scrubbers to longwall mining systems. The proposed work addresses two problematic areas associated with coal dust – respirable dust and float dust – through research, development, and the application of technology to capture and remove dust that is generated at its source, in this case the longwall shearer. The dust generation of the shearer and its interaction with the air quantity and velocity across the face will be studied through observation and modeling, along with the air- and dust-handling capabilities of the scrubber. Additionally, the mechanics of installing a scrubber system with the optimum placement of its dust inlets, within the confines of the longwall environment, will be analyzed and designed. The ultimate objective of the proposed project is to design and fabricate a functional prototype scrubber system with high capture and cleaning efficiencies that can be fitted to a longwall mining system.