Experimental investigation of the performance of a novel foam generator for dust suppression in underground coal mines

• An innovative design of foam generator used for dust control was introduced.
• The main performances of this new foam generator have been investigated.
• The new foam generator has a strong air self-suction ability of 20–40 m3/h.
• The water flow that this new foam generator requires is as low as 0.4–0.6 m3/h.
• The new foam generator is of convenient operation and low running cost and can control dust effectively.

Dust in underground coal mines is a serious threat to workers’ health and safety. Foam is used as an efficient means of dust suppression in these confined workplaces. A novel foam generator has been designed to overcome the problem of bottlenecks due to the complex operation and high cost of existing foam technology. Experimental performance testing and evaluation showed that a 20–40 m3/h gas source for generating foam is produced by a small 0.4–0.6 m3/h flow-rate jet, and the device consumes as little as 4–6 kg/h of foaming agent. It requires only a normal pipeline water pressure, eliminating the need for a compressed air supply (compressor, pipelines and/or hoses). Its simplified structure combines the advantages of safe, reliable and convenient operation with compact size. The marked reduction in the consumption of water and foaming agent significantly reduces foam production cost. The foam generator was tested at a coal face and successfully controlled dust produced by a longwall double-drum shearer.

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