Publication
Title
Composition and size of individual particles from a gold mine atmosphere
Author
Abstract
Airborne dust particles were collected in a return airway of a South African gold mine using a 7-stage, single-orifice cascade impactor. Between 70 and 130 individual particles were analysed on each stage using automated electron-probe x-ray microanalysis (EPXMA). Particle size and shape parameters are given for different classes of particles sorted by elemental composition. Silicon-rich particles are the most abundant overall, while chlorine-rich particles dominate (up to 80%) in the range 0.21.0 μm. It is shown that EPXMA characterisation of particles can be used to infer relative contributions of various particle sources and dust generating processes to the total dust concentrations in mine atmospheres. An understanding of the nature and source of particles is essential for any source control strategy. We conclude that the EPXMA technique merits inclusion in the repertoire of techniques used for characterising underground dust.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Mining science & technology
Publication
1987
ISSN
0167-9031
DOI
10.1016/S0167-9031(87)90345-8
Volume/pages
5 :2 (1987) , p. 111-119
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.05.2014
Last edited 04.03.2024
To cite this reference