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Accurate estimation of particulate emissions is fundamental to assessing the air quality risks posed by existing and proposed open cut black coal mines. The currently available emission estimation techniques are based on a limited range of empirical studies, and the need for additional research and development of activity and region specific particulate emission estimation methods has been recognised. This paper presents the results of empirical testing of particulate emission rates for open area surfaces in open cut black coal mines in three Australian regions. The emission rates are provided for specific wind speeds, thus allowing adjustment of emission rates for prevailing meteorology in these regions. The influence of surface watering as a control technique is also considered. Particulate emission rates are presented for a range of coal mining sources, and for specific wind speeds. Comparison of the emission rates with the existing published research confirms the emission rates are consistent with current approaches. This research significantly expands our current understanding by presenting emission rates for a range of open area sources, for specific wind speeds and surface watering controls. This more detailed emission estimation dataset provides for adjustments to default particulate emission rates to allow site specific data to be integrated into emissions estimation. This will result in more accurate emissions estimates for existing and future projects and reduce the potential for significant over- or under-estimation of particulate emissions from surface sources in open cut coal mines., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The effect of recirculating the flue gas on the performance of a multi-cyclones unit as particulate collector in an actual plant scale was studied. The existing multi-cyclones unit was modified by connecting a recirculation duct between the inlet and outlet gas stream of the multi-cyclones attached with an external induced (ID) fan. The particulate samplings were done following the U.S. EPA method at boiler outlet (before multi-cyclones), stack (after multi-cyclones) and recirculation duct. Result shows that the amount of recirculated particulates increases with ID fan suction power. The collection efficiency increased slightly from 68% (0% or without recirculation) to 74% (at 11% recirculation) and dropped to 67% (at 17% recirculation). Moreover, the amount of the fine particulate size fraction emitted able to be reduced one fold at 11% recirculation flow rate. However, high amount of recirculated particulates results in re-entrainment of particulates into the outlet of the multi-cyclones, hence, results in increase of particulate emission in the stack. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]