DPM Compliance & Worker Safety

Aletek’s approach to reducing DPM

• Implement best-in-class DPFs to tackle DPM at the source
• Reduce the load on ventilation systems
• Meet regulated emission exposure targets
• Minimise exposure risk for workers

Small particles, big problems from DPM

According to the World Health Organization in 2012, DPM (Diesel Particulate Matter) is a Class 1 carcinogen. Nanoparticles (50-1nm) can enter the alveoli, a membrane covering the lungs. There are both short- and long-term health risks associated with DPM exposure.

Combat DPM with Aletek DPF upgrades

Aletek wall-flow DPFs are better by design. Our DPF substrate catalyst coating is advantageous for underground machine duty cycles and operating temperatures. We’ve set an industry benchmark with DPM reductions of >99%. Our partnership with a leading filter supplier enables us to achieve these reductions.

Strategies for ongoing DPM reduction

As part of our commitment to providing cleaner air underground, we offer these services:

• Assistance with DPF maintenance and tech support
• Monitoring and management of DPF data via Exhaust Backpressure Monitoring (EBM)
• Testing of emissions onsite
• DPF cleaning and rotable frame management

Partner with us for ongoing emission control

Our team can work with you to develop a strategy to minimise diesel engine exposure in line with MDG 29 Guideline¹. Partner with Aletek to limit, manage, and assess diesel exposure for your underground crew.

It is crucial to develop an effective maintenance strategy² in addition to regular testing. In addition to our extensive experience, we are uniquely qualified to provide insights into DPF use for underground mining.

DPF-related emission guidelines

Guidelines and best practices for diesel emissions:

¹ MDG 29 Guideline (NSW)

Guidelines for managing diesel engine pollutants underground.

• 4.1 People exposure to diesel engine pollutants
  • 4.1.1 (A) Implement a strategy to minimise diesel engine exposure
  • 4.1.1 (B) Minimise, control and monitor diesel exposure to people
• 4.2 Gaseous and particulate pollutants
  • 4.2.2 (E) Emissions of particulates may increase due to: increased exhaust backpressure
• 4.3 Gaseous and particulate pollutants
  • 4.3.3 (A) Capture particulates with particulate filters
  • 4.3.3 (F) Monitor engine exhaust temperature
  • 4.3.3 (H) Monitor exhaust backpressure

² Diesel emissions management in underground (Qld)

Best practices and recommendations.

• Risk assessments – opportunities to assess nanoparticle exposure risks
• Emissions measurement – opportunities to evaluate DPM filter effectiveness with gas monitoring data
• Emission reduction devices – opportunities for most mines to test DPM filters work correctly
• Maintenance strategies – opportunities for most mines to adopt an ALARA approach to DPM