Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

Mridul Gautam.

Abstract

This study was initiated to assist the WV Diesel Equipment Commission in its promulgation of initial rules, requirements, and standards governing the operation of diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines. Four different engines and various exhaust after treatment devices that represent current levels of in-use technology were selected for performance evaluation. Both eddy-current and water-brake dynamometers were used to load the engines according to an ISO 8-Mode test cycle. Experimental emissions data, sampled from a full-flow dilution tunnel, suggests that particulate traps can reduce the mass emission rates of particulate matter (DPM) by nearly 90%, while reductions in fuel sulfur content (0.04% compared to 0.37% by mass) can reduce DPM mass emissions by as much as 22%. The study concluded that the singular usage of catalytic converters is not recommended for the confined spaces of a mining environment, due to their tendency to enhance particulate matter sulfate production and possibly increase overall exhaust toxicity.

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