Annual Meeting Preliminary Program - Full Brochure (PDF) - SME

TECHNICAL PROGRAM
tomization of learning materials for specific audiences, mine methods, and sites,
with a particular emphasis on workplace literacy; and (3) to empower trainers to
evaluate user understanding and decision making through a suite of integrated
evaluation tools. In this work, we discuss the design and architecture of the
MineSAFE platform. We give examples of training tools that are being developed
through MineSAFE, including an interactive fatalgram simulator and a
mine emergency preparedness game. We look at possible usage cases and discuss
initial user feedback.
2:25 PM
The Transformation of Underground Coal Contractor Injury Rates
S. Bealko and J. Helbig; Safety, GMS Mine Repair and Maintenance,
Mt. Lake Park, MD
Injury rates for underground coal contractors transformed from mediocre to considerably
improved in recent years. A 2011 NIOSH report showed that u.g. coal
contractors (1992 2007) had a higher injury rate (IR) than coal operators but
started to converge towards the end of the study. They also concluded that larger
companies had higher IR than smaller ones. Since then, contractor safety has improved.
Same data analysis from 2008 2011 tell a more encouraging story. This
paper discusses a brief history and role of underground contractors and describes
the challenges unique to contractors. It verifies trends in improved contractor incident
rates as well as enhanced production hours and specialty functions.
Finally, this paper provides a comprehensive case study of the largest coal contractor
in the U.S. that has maintained an IR two to three times lower than underground
coal operators and main competitors for over three years. Much of
their company success comes from strict background checks and pre-employment
screening, 100% drug testing policy, underground hands-on safety training, continuous
safety education, and a sheer determination to improve safety.
2:45 PM
Program to Reduce Personal Injuries to Ukrainian Coal Miners
J. Sottile 1 , R. Sweigard 1 and B. O’Dea 2 ; 1 Mining Engineering,
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and 2 Alpha Natural
Resources, Julian, WV
This paper describes a project undertaken to reduce personal injuries suffered by
Ukrainian coal miners. The approach used is based, as much as practical, on the
framework adopted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) for injury research and prevention. Several visits were made to Ukraine
to visit coal mines to meet with mine managers and observe various mining operations.
Visits were also made to government offices to collect injury data and discuss
the injury reporting system. Analysis of injury reports were conducted to determine
type and frequency of injuries and the locations and conditions under
which they were occurring. During this process, it was recognized that the collection
and analysis steps could be significantly enhanced by the development of an
electronic injury reporting system designed specifically to facilitate collecting and
analyzing injury data. As a result, one outcome of the work was the development
and testing of an on-line injury report form. Subsequent analysis of the injuries
led to recommendations for additional mining equipment/tools, personal protective
equipment, and changes to some mining operations.
3:05 PM
Automatic Land Movement Monitoring Using Terrestrial Based
Static LiDAR
M. Leslar, D. Adams and A. Pelkie; Optech Inc., West Henrietta, NY
Change detection has been an important part of the static terrestrial LiDAR industry
since its inception (Field Note: ILRIS 3-D, One Tool, Multiple Uses: Mine
Safety, Volume Calculation, Change Detection, 2006). The ability of LiDAR to
provide accurate and timely comparisons between two separate objects, or a single
object over time, has made LiDAR a valuable tool to a variety of occupational
disciplines and industries, including mining, geology, and engineering. Recently,
interest has been generated in the automation of a terrestrial laser scanner for the
purposes of change monitoring in three dimensional landscapes. To this end, an
automated monitoring solution was recently developed and successfully implemented
for a large mining operation in the United States. This automated system,
coupled with the mines internal alarm system, is programmed to activate the
alarms when there is movement outside of the acceptable tolerance limits, allowing
for the pit to be vacated quickly and safely.
3:25 PM
Computational Fluid Dynamics Validation Utilizing a Tracer Gas
Study Related to a Mine Mill Area Toxic Gas Release for
Emergency Response Planning
D. Hall, C. Strode, E. Rasmuson, A. Korchevskiy, J. Rasmuson and
R. Strode; Chemistry & Industrial Hygiene, Inc., Wheat Ridge, CO
CFD, an occupational and community exposure modeling tool, was utilized to
determine personnel emergency evacuation response times based on a potential
toxic gas release at a mine mill area. Initially, the Area Locations of Hazardous
Atmospheres (ALOHA) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) software was used to characterize the toxic gas dispersion, however due
to the varied terrain and building arrangements a more complex model was utilized
to refine the contours. This presentation will cover the details, drawbacks
and benefits of conducting an onsite tracer gas validation study and comparing
those results with the CFD model results. Model validation case scenarios will be
presented based upon study findings. The unique advantages in using CFD models
for the mining emergency response planning will be demonstrated.
chair:
2:00 PM
Introductions
coal & energy:
research and development
2:00 PM • Tuesday, February 26
M. Trevits, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA
2:05 PM
Improvement on Mathematical Model for Studying Coals
Propensity of Spontaneous Combustion
X. Wang and Y. Luo; Mining Engineering, West Virginia University,
Morgantown, WV
It is believed that sulfur and volatile matter contents in coals are the main intrinsic
properties to cause the self-heating of coal. Their oxidation at lower temperatures
than that of fixed carbon to initiate coals self-heating should be quantified.
This study is aimed to improve the previous mathematical model developed by
the authors for studying the coals propensity for spontaneous combustion. It enhances
the models ability to consider the effects of sulfur, volatile matter and
moisture content in the coal three important factors affecting the coals self-heating
process. Sulfur exists in coal primarily in the form of pyrite which will be oxidized
rapidly under suitable conditions. Volatile matters, higher in low rank
coals, are more easily to be oxidized. The determination of the relationship between
oxidation rate and temperature for these two components are built in the
model. Heat of water condensation which provides initial energy for low temperature
oxidation is also incorporated into the model. Adiabatic tests on coal samples
are conducted in air from ambient temperature, similar to actual mining and
storage conditions, to verify the improved model.
2:25 PM
The Assessment of the Effect of Carbide-Silicone Particle Size and
the Type of Gating System on Composite Micro-Structure
Produced by Lost Foam Casting Method
M. Basiri 1 and E. Asadi 2 ; 1 Mining Eng., Tarbiat Modares University,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and 2 Metalurgy Dept., IUST,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
The application of aluminum matrix composites, due to their unique properties,
significantly is growing up in the variety of industries such as aerospace and automobile.
The aluminum has low price comparison with the other light metals
such as magnesium and titanium. These are the advantage that dominates this
metal to the others. In this research, first by applying the lost foam casting
method, the SiCp/A356 composite was casted in the bottom and side gate conditions
with 690 Celsius degree and volume fraction of 10%. Then the effects of reinforcement
particles (60 µm, 75 µm) were examined. The results presents the
particle distribution in the side gate methods are more uniformed than bottom
gate casting method. Also, by increasing the particles size, the fading rate, in the
side gate, are reduced from 22% to 19%, as well as from 26.4% to 25.4% in the
bottom gate.
This is the Technical Program as of September 1, 2012. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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Please see the Onsite Program for final details.