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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a computer program called the Air Quantity Estimator (AQE). The purpose of the program is to provide a starting point for estimating the air quantity needed to dilute diesel particulate matter (DPM) in an underground large opening mine, albeit taking into account various input assumptions. The AQE estimates the total air quantity needed to dilute DPM emissions that enter the main airstream of the mine to current statutory levels. It helps operators pinpoint vehicles that are high DPM contributors. In addition, it allows the user to make "what if" scenarios by varying the input parameters to achieve the most efficient and practical ventilation system. The AQE is a stand-alone software program that does not require any type of spreadsheet software. Engine data must be known or estimated with some accuracy and assumptions must be made in order to limit the variability of the program output. Program calculations and two case studies, for validation purposes, are included in this report. It should be noted that the program does not ensure adequate face ventilation and personal exposure compliance.
| Author(s): | Robertson-SB, Grau-RH, Dolgos-J, Mucho-TP |
| Reference: | Ganguli R, Bandopadhyay S, eds. Mine Ventilation: Proceedings of the 10th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (Anchorage, Alaska, May 16-19, 2004). Leiden, Netherlands: Balkema, 2004 May; :363-369 |
cspeaq (PDF, 202 KB)
Related Products:
- AQE - Air Quantity Estimator - Analysis Software