Dust Control in Coal Mines of the United States.

This paper, based on the author's studies while working in the USA, deals with certain aspects of control of mine air dustiness, and also with explosion hazards in mine workings in the USA. Methods for suppression of dust in the operation of continuous miners and longwall machines (water spraying, use of foam and dust extraction, combined systems of ventilation and dust extraction) and in the coal haulage ways are discussed. The measurements of mine air dustiness are characterized. Methods for fighting the initiation and transmission of coal dust explosions are discussed. Results of tests on orthodox and trigger stone dust barriers are presented. Results of tests on the dust explodability of American coals are given.