Date of Graduation

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mining Engineering

Committee Chair

Vladislav Kecojevic

Committee Co-Chair

Brijes Mishra

Committee Member

Ashish Nimbarte

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to conduct an analysis of dust emission and to develop a dust emission factors (EFs) model for coal train loading operations. To achieve these objectives, field measurements and data collection were carried out at a facility operating along with a coal mine in West Virginia, U.S. The dust emission for the train loading point was determined by two methods: (i) the EPA AP-42 emission factor estimation equations (AP-42 Dust Emission Estimation), and (ii) the methodology used in the development of AP-42 equations (Type-2 Dust Emission Estimation). The analysis of dust emission revealed that dust emission obtained by the former method exceeded the field-based emission determined by the Type-2 Dust Emission Estimation method for this particular loading facility. Based on the data analysis, reconsideration of EFs for train loading operations and development of improved methods for estimation of EFs was suggested. A new model for estimating EF equations for train loading operations was developed based on multiple regression analysis. The development of new EFs was based on the use of on-site meteorological data, i.e., temperature, wind speed, moisture content of coal, and humidity. The wind speed and moisture content of coal were found to be statistically significant and were included in the final model. Though the temperature and humidity had some effect on the EFs, they were excluded from the final model due to statistical insignificance. This research may assist mining and environmental professionals in quantifying dust emission at train loading facilities and developing strategies for reducing its health and environmental impacts.

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