Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Explosive Dust at Large Open-Pit Coal Mines in Inner Mongolia, China and Dust Control Research

To further promote dust control efforts in Chinese open-pit coal mines, this study focuses on the research of coal dust and rock dust produced by different explosions in the Haerwusu open-pit coal mine in China. By investigating the relationship between the physical and chemical characteristics of dust particles from explosions in open-pit mines and the wetting properties of dust, the main factors influencing the wetting properties of explosive dust are identified. This provides a theoretical basis for subsequent dust control work in open-pit coal mines. Simultaneously, to formulate more effective dust suppressants and reduce explosive dust pollution, this study conducts experiments on the surface tension, contact angles, and complex solution compatibility to select suitable surfactants. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the dust suppressants is evaluated through permeability experiments and indoor dust suppression experiments. The research findings are as follows: (1) The significant factors affecting the wetting properties of coal dust are the fixed carbon content and D50, while the significant factor affecting the wetting properties of rock dust is D50. (2) The formulated dust suppressants can increase the permeation height of coal dust by at least 10 times, increase moisture absorption by at least 4 times, and reduce the TSP concentration by at least 81.4%.