In all the diverse industries-from food and agriculture to plastics- where combustibledust exists, the possibility of an explosion looms as an ever-present threat. Gathering awealth of practical , theoretical , and experimental data, this important work provides a‘state-of-the-art study of the Development and Control of Dust Explosions, promotingimproved control over such hazards.Comprehensive in scope, this single-source reference presents invaluable guidelines for awide variety of planning and operational activities , including calcu lation of explosionpressure and vent area required to minimize explosion damage . . . the development ofmathematical mode ls used in the evaluation of explosion phenomena . .. determinationof the effect of numerous factors on explosion development ... and control and preventionof the ignition of dust by eliminating the fines in a product.With this outstanding book, industrial, safety , mechanical , manufacturing, loss prevention, fire protection, and chemical engineers; as well as plant managers, operators, anddesigners ; and all other specialists concerned with the possibility of dust exp losions nowhave an authoritative reference. The book also serves as the basis for further research inthis important field. In addition , the unique range of data included makes th is volumeideal for in-house training programs, professional seminars, and college-level coursesstudying explosion safety and safety engineering .

"The most significant and powerful hazard that exists in an underground coal mine is a coal dust explosion. A coal dust explosion has the potential to propagate throughout a mine resulting in massive damage to the mine and equipment, as well as tragic loss of life. An assessment of current global regulations and practices uncovered four main control methods utilized to prevent coal dust explosions in coal mines world-wide. The United States is one of the few countries that does not regulate or employ all four of these safety practices. Additionally, a review of past research into coal dust explosions and their prevention and mitigation uncovered scientific need for the use of explosion barriers as an additional line of defense against deadly coal dust explosions since the early 1900s. This research project was developed to investigate the possibility of implementing the fourth prevention strategy in the United States, the use of explosion activated barriers as the last line of defense against the propagation of a coal dust explosion. The goal of this thesis was twofold. The first component was to demonstrate that explosion impulse, as opposed to explosion pressure, is the primary factor in the complete operation of the bag barrier system; meaning the rupturing of the bag, the release of the contained stone dust, and the dispersal of the released dust. The second component was to demonstrate that the bag barrier system can be effectively implemented into American underground coal mines. This goal was achieved through the careful examination and analysis of historical mine explosions and mine explosion prevention research, explosive testing of the bag barrier system, and trial bag barrier installations in operating coal mines"--Abstract, page iii.

Coal remains one of the principal sources of energy for the United States, and the nation has been a world leader in coal production for more than 100 years. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration projections to 2050, coal is expected to be an important energy resource for the United States. Additionally, metallurgical coal used in steel production remains an important national commodity. However, coal production, like all other conventional mining activities, creates dust in the workplace. Respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) comprises the size fraction of airborne particles in underground mines that can be inhaled by miners and deposited in the distal airways and gas-exchange region of the lung. Occupational exposure to RCMD has long been associated with lung diseases common to the coal mining industry, including coal workers' pneumoconiosis, also known as "black lung disease." Monitoring and Sampling Approaches to Assess Underground Coal Mine Dust Exposures compares the monitoring technologies and sampling protocols currently used or required by the United States, and in similarly industrialized countries for the control of RCMD exposure in underground coal mines. This report assesses the effects of rock dust mixtures and their application on RCMD measurements, and the efficacy of current monitoring technologies and sampling approaches. It also offers science-based conclusions regarding optimal monitoring and sampling strategies to aid mine operators' decision making related to reducing RCMD exposure to miners in underground coal mines.