Ongoing Projects

Dr. Charles Kocsis

Mining Safety

The objective of this research project is to investigate the characterization, deposition, monitoring, and mitigation of respirable coal mine dust (RCMD). Firstly, the RCMD characterization including size, shape, mineralogy, and bio-accessibility will be investigated. The investigators will utilize an innovative mobile aerosol lung deposition apparatus to study the relationship between RCMD characteristics and respiratory deposition. Secondly, comprehensive research studies will be conducted in order to understand the interaction of the particles with water droplets and the ways that capturing efficiency can be improved through modifications of water droplet characteristics. Thirdly, the accuracy of particle number-concentration based RCMD monitoring systems will be assessed, and their effectiveness will be compared with the mass-based monitoring method experimentally. In addition, a predictive model will be developed to identify and quantify the relationships between source, concentration, characterization, and respiratory deposition of RCMD.