A technique being used abroad to suppress or prevent the formation of dust, in
advance of mining a coal seam. Water (or sometimes foam or steam, which is
costlier but more effective) is injected into the coal ahead of the face
through long drill holes, as many as four to six per face and 6 to 20 m in
length. The liquid infuses into the seam along fractures and cracks and, under
pressure, penetrates a considerable distance from the hole radially, wetting
the coal well. It has proved very effective in reducing dust concentrations
during subsequent mining--in some instances, as much as 80%. Water infusion
originated in Great Britain (it is used in 25% of the dusty mines) and has been
tried experimentally with some success in the United States. See also:
pulsed infusion shot firing Hartman, 1
Source:
Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms
