Computer program to relate dust generation to drum-type coal-mining machines. Report of Investigations/1985

The Bureau of Mines has developed an interactive computer program that enables mine operators and others to identify the effect of cutting system changes on relative dustiness at the face. The program, which simultaneously evaluates machine parameters, coal seam parameters, and operator-controllable parameters, was developed for use on any microcomputer using BASIC programming language. The program allows the user to change one or more of the cutting system parameters at a time to see how these changes affect relative dustiness. A complete program listing and flowchart are included along with operating instructions and sample outputs. An example showing how to use the program is also included.