Date Available

12-8-2016

Year of Publication

2016

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mining Engineering (MSMIE)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Engineering

Department/School/Program

Mining Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Kyle A. Perry

Second Advisor

Dr. Jhon J. Silva-Castro

Abstract

The popularity and implementation of light emitting diode (LED) lighting have increased drastically over recent years into both residential and industrial applications. However, due to MSHA permissibility requirements, LED lighting is not currently being fully utilized in underground coal mining. While previous research has focused on examining the benefits that LED lighting possesses over other common light sources, very few have been done to find the optimum configuration to illuminate underground excavations better for the safety of the miners. In this research, multiple experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential impacts LED lighting can have on underground mine safety. The optimal light setup that provided the most roof coverage was found to be between 5 and 7 feet of separation, which is similar to what is usually used on roof bolting machines. It was also determined that LED lighting performs well in terms of discontinuity identification compared to what is commonly used in underground coal mining. The results of this research will serve as a design parameter for lighting manufacturers to use. These tests were done to simulate possible lighting locations on a roof bolting machine, but the results can be employed for other underground equipment as well.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2016.513

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