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Epidemiological surveys of coal workers' pneumoconiosis are only possible by means of periodic X-ray examinations, repeated with a reasonable frequency in order to allow an identification of the first X-ray anomalies of simple pneumoconiosis in exposed workmen. Incidence studies to detect simple pneumoconiosis at its first stages and its progressive increase in cohorts of coal-miners whose dust exposure is known are indeed theoretically the best way to approach these problems. For many reasons, discussed in this paper, such incidence studies are nowadays impossible in Belgium. The survey technique used in our country is based on repeated transversal surveys. Its results are illustrated and commented.

The application of process control to mine ventilation, as described in this paper, has two aims 1. to improve safety in mines, by a rapid and, if possible, continuous matching of the air distribution with the variable methane and heat emissions in the mine workings, 2. to limit the adverse effects of perturbation in the mine ventilation system. The principles are discussed and the computer flow sheets given. The colliery where the installation is proposed, is presented. Pressure, air flow, methane concentration, temperature and humidity are measured underground. Readings are collected and transmitted through the telephone network to a computer where they are processed in real time. The next step will be to install the airflow regulating devices and to control them remotely by computer. The computer programs will be progressively introduced in the control routine. Nevertheless, the important regulating actions will not, at least during the initial period, be automaticaly executed unless supervised by man.

This paper describes trials of pre-tele-infusion carried out at Zolder mine, of the Kempense Steenkolenmijnen, as part of a research project on the control of methane emission. An increase in output of more than 25% (accompanied by a reduction in dust concentration) with no significant increase in total methane emission is reported. Furthermore, a reduction in total emission of between 13 and 22% was observed when an infused panel was worked above a coal seam which had also been infused.

The paper describes the research activities that have been accomplished in recent years in order to realise a computer controlled ventilation-system at Watershei Colliery (Kempense Steenkolenmijnen) in Belgium. Chapter I sums up the original objectives and describes some changes in the philosophy of this project, the objectives already reached, those nearly accomplished and some others that were abandoned. Chapter II contains relatively precise data concerning Waterschei Colliery; this is justified by the fact that local conditions obviously play an important role in the development of any such project. Chapter III and IV give extensive information about those parts of the research-project that have known a major development: i.e. the design, the installation and the remote control of the regulators, especially regulating doors, as well as the development of dialogue procedures between the regulators and the computer.