A Disposable Filter To Reduce Diesel Exhaust Particulate Emissions - Objective

Develop a safe, efficient filter for removing diesel particulate matter (soot) from the exhaust of underground mining machines equipped with water scrubbers. Approach The Bureau of Mines and the Donaldson Company, Inc., jointly developed a low-cost, disposable, pleated-media filter (PMF) system. The system is intended for use on Part 36 permissible equipment or other machines equipped with water scrubbers. The PMF is installed downstream of the water scrubber to take advantage of the cool exhaust produced by the water bath. This demonstration system was tested on three Jeffrey 4114 Ramcars and a Wagner LST-5 scoop at Utah Fuel Company's Skyline mine near Scofield, Utah. Figure 1 illustrates a clean filter element being inserted into the canister on the Ramcar. How It Works The PMF system consists of a water trap, an optional over-pressure relief valve, filter canister, and PMF Under normal operations exhaust from a vehicle equipped with a water scrubber is heavily laden with water, especially on immediate startup of the engine. The water trap is designed to remove most of the water droplets from the exhaust before they enter the PMF, thus improving PMF performance. The over-pressure valve is designed to limit the exhaust backpressure by venting off some exhaust gas before the: filter. It is attached to the water trap upstream of the PMF. Figure 2 illustrates and shows a break out sectional view of the location of the PMF on the Ramcar.