8
FTIR for quantification of RCS lab-generated and field-
collected samples is underway.
Development of a Personal Real-time Respirable Coal Dust
and Respirable Silica Dust Monitoring Instrument Based on
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy—University of Nevada-Reno
The focus area of this research is to develop a real-time per-
sonal coal and silica dust monitoring instrument. The new
monitor’s dust assessment system will be based on photo-
acoustic spectroscopy using optical design principles. The
newly developed hardware components and associated soft-
ware will enable the unit to continuously measure concen-
trations of coal dust and silica dust in underground coal
mines and metal/nonmetal mines as well as surface opera-
tions. A prototype photoacoustic spectrometer is being
tested using sources of alpha quartz, coal, and kaolinite.
Adaptation of Wearable Respirable Dust Monitor Prototypes
for Use in Underground Coal Mines -University of
Illinois-Chicago
This contract further develops the initial miniaturized
wearable respirable dust exposure monitor (WEARDM),
developed under a previous contract. This monitor provides
near real-time dust concentrations to the wearer. Prototypes
are to be fully adapted to use in underground coal mine
operations and evaluated in an operating underground
coal mine. The proposed adaptation includes the develop-
ment of rugged prototypes for continuous reliable opera-
tion in the mining environment, certification to achieve
MSHA permissibility requirements, and performing a
demonstration and evaluation of the adapted and certified
WEARDM technology in an actual mine environment.
Prior to a submission to MSHA for permissibility certifica-
tion, the WEARDM is to undergo a series of lab (Figure 4)
and field tests to demonstrate its ability to provide accurate
dust concentrations.
Filter Media and Holder Compatible with Personal Dust
Monitor and End-of-Shift Crystalline Silica Quantification
by Raman and FTIR Spectroscopy—Desert Research Institute.
DRI is testing filter media that can be used for both CPDM
mass measurement and RCS quantification. Different filter
material types were reviewed for suitability for silica mea-
surement using the CPDM. Recommendations were made
for the best material types for silica analysis and testing is
underway to determine their suitability. A redesign of the
CPDM filter holder so that the filter can be easily retrieved
Figure 3. An AethLabs MA200 personal real-time Black
Carbon/Elemental Carbon monitor
Figure 4. Testing the WEARDM (highlighted in red oval)
in the Marple chamber at the NIOSH Pittsburgh Respirable
Dust Laboratory
FTIR for quantification of RCS lab-generated and field-
collected samples is underway.
Development of a Personal Real-time Respirable Coal Dust
and Respirable Silica Dust Monitoring Instrument Based on
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy—University of Nevada-Reno
The focus area of this research is to develop a real-time per-
sonal coal and silica dust monitoring instrument. The new
monitor’s dust assessment system will be based on photo-
acoustic spectroscopy using optical design principles. The
newly developed hardware components and associated soft-
ware will enable the unit to continuously measure concen-
trations of coal dust and silica dust in underground coal
mines and metal/nonmetal mines as well as surface opera-
tions. A prototype photoacoustic spectrometer is being
tested using sources of alpha quartz, coal, and kaolinite.
Adaptation of Wearable Respirable Dust Monitor Prototypes
for Use in Underground Coal Mines -University of
Illinois-Chicago
This contract further develops the initial miniaturized
wearable respirable dust exposure monitor (WEARDM),
developed under a previous contract. This monitor provides
near real-time dust concentrations to the wearer. Prototypes
are to be fully adapted to use in underground coal mine
operations and evaluated in an operating underground
coal mine. The proposed adaptation includes the develop-
ment of rugged prototypes for continuous reliable opera-
tion in the mining environment, certification to achieve
MSHA permissibility requirements, and performing a
demonstration and evaluation of the adapted and certified
WEARDM technology in an actual mine environment.
Prior to a submission to MSHA for permissibility certifica-
tion, the WEARDM is to undergo a series of lab (Figure 4)
and field tests to demonstrate its ability to provide accurate
dust concentrations.
Filter Media and Holder Compatible with Personal Dust
Monitor and End-of-Shift Crystalline Silica Quantification
by Raman and FTIR Spectroscopy—Desert Research Institute.
DRI is testing filter media that can be used for both CPDM
mass measurement and RCS quantification. Different filter
material types were reviewed for suitability for silica mea-
surement using the CPDM. Recommendations were made
for the best material types for silica analysis and testing is
underway to determine their suitability. A redesign of the
CPDM filter holder so that the filter can be easily retrieved
Figure 3. An AethLabs MA200 personal real-time Black
Carbon/Elemental Carbon monitor
Figure 4. Testing the WEARDM (highlighted in red oval)
in the Marple chamber at the NIOSH Pittsburgh Respirable
Dust Laboratory