Design guidelines for improved water spray systems

In underground mining operations, ventilation and water sprays are the common methods of controlling dust. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of technical literature dealing with water sprays for dust control. However, guidelines for the design of an effective water spray system have not been presented to the mining industry. This paper recommends guidelines for water spray systems to control dust in underground mining operations. These guidelines suggest type, number, location, and orientation of nozzles; desirable operating water pressure; and associated filtration system.