An evaluation of fuels and retrofit diesel particulate filters to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions in an underground mine

Abstract

Through an industry wide collaborative project, this paper explores what potential exists for South African underground mines to reduce diesel particulate emissions, where the starting point is a mine using older engine technology (Tier 1 emission level compliant) and a diesel containing 500ppm sulphur. Comprehensive engine exhaust emissions tests were carried out in a test cell on seven diesel fuels and two retrofitted diesel particulate filters. For each evaluation, the engine was operated over a legislated non-road steady-state test cycle and a real-world transient cycle. The transient cycle was obtained from a recording of a working Load-Haul-Dump vehicle in an underground mine, which was used to replicate real-world emissions in a controlled environment. The emission data thus obtained was used also to assess the effectiveness of current dilution rates used in a typical underground mechanized platinum mine to meet proposed occupational exposure levels.