New water-spray technology reduces coal dust by 60% Technology that has been in development by Southern Illinois University (SIU) researchers for over four years is now ready to be sold.
Following a successful patent application for an individually tailored dust control system to limit the build-up of coal dust in miners� lungs. This accumulation of dust causes respiratory problems and is one of the primary long term dangers of coal mining.   
Professor of Mining at SIU, Paul Chugh estimates that this advancement may reduce coal dust levels �anywhere from 40 to 60 per cent�. The technology is free of chemicals and relies on existing principles of water spraying which have been used for nearly a century to minimise the levels of coal dust in the air.
The new technology utilises precise placement of water spray nozzles, designed to create an �umbrella� effect to seal dust clouds in with spray, causing the particles to fall out of the air. There is an increase in the number of nozzles used and the water flow in marginally increased, in comparison to standard spray setups.
Each configuration of the spray technology will be tailored to individual mines to provide a maximum coverage and take into account the specific characteristics of the operation. This technology is subject to on-going facility tests and field implementation. Whilst the problem of dust in coal operations is unlikely to ever be fully resolved, further innovation in reducing health hazards is crucial.