Full-scale measurements for evaluation of coal dust release from train wagons with two different shelter covers

Abstract

The paper describes a full-scale study performed to evaluate the amount of coal dust released by eolian erosion from partly covered train wagons over runs of 350 km. The experimental setup designed for this study is described along with the effectiveness assessment of two types of dust collectors. Airflow statistics are reported for the region immediately above the top level of the wagons. Visualisation tests for the fugitive dust indicate that most of it leaves each wagon primarily through the rear end. The releases from the partly covered wagons are compared against those from the uncovered wagons, to assess the performance of the covers in what concerns the reduction of fugitive dust. The amounts of dust collected after being treated through an error analysis yields an estimate for the total amount of coal released from each wagon under consideration.