Particle-capturing performance of South African non-corrosive samplers

Abstract

In view of the international drive to eliminate silicosis, it is critical that reliable and consistent results are obtained from respirable dust sampling and analysis so that effective control measures can be implemented on mines. Two locally manufactured samplers were evaluated to determine how they perform in terms of the sampling of respirable dust. Various laboratory controlled tests were conducted to determine the physical and aerodynamic properties of the samplers and the particle size distribution of each filter sampled with one of the samplers. Results showed that there was relatively good consistency among the samplers from the same supplier. However, the two groups of samplers produced different results from one another. It is recommended that respirable dust samplers be subjected to more tests after manufacturing to ensure good quality control. Measuring one or two properties alone is insufficient to deem a sampler suitable for use within the general mining industry.