The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (Mine Act) requires that the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspect all mines each year to ensure safe and healthy work environments for miners. Section 75.1914(g) requires mine operators to develop and implement written standard operating procedures for weekly testing and evaluation of undiluted exhaust emissions from permissible and heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment in use underground.
Increased Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Emissions in Coal Mines
Some underground coal mine operators have experienced excessive Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions on several heavy-duty diesel powered locomotives and light-duty service machines while trying to meet the requirements for diesel particulates for the MSHA Health Hazard Alert. Symptoms of overexposure to NO2 include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, cough, chronic bronchitis, breathing difficulty, chest pain, pulmonary edema, and rapid heartbeat.
Exhaust Gas Monitoring: 30 CFR § 70.1900
As required by 30 CFR § 70.1900 for Exhaust Gas Monitoring, both carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are measured.
How Testo Can Help...
Testo has a complete line of products to assist in testing the exhaust gas of each diesel powered unit. The testo 340 four-gas analyzer is perfect identifying concentrations of O2, CO, NO, and N2SO. Your maintenance team can better evaluate the source of high concentrations. The testo 340 helps you understand the combustion characteristics of your engines so they can be tuned for higher performance and minimal pollutants. The testo 340 provides the following benefits...
- Direct reading for O2 and NO2
- Probes with sintered filters for diesel exhaust
- easyEmission software for documentation and reporting
- Rugged for tough mining environments
Portable Emission Analysis
For compliance level documentation and reporting, the testo 350 portable emission analyzer with easyEmission software may be the right solution for you.
To learn more about the testo 340 four-gas analyzer or the testo 350 portable emission analyzer for exhaust gas testing in mines, email us at info@testo.com or call toll-free 800-227-0729.
