Quantifying Productivity Gains From The Application of Emissions-Based Maintenance

The diesel engine became mainstream in the mid-20th century and is widely used in industries such as underground mining due to its inherent high torque at low speeds. Despite the potential of electric vehicle deployment, their full adoption in mines is limited because of specific infrastructure requirements and the high fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries. The high fire risk associated with electrical vehicle batteries is heightened in underground coal mining due to the presence of methane and combustible coal dust.

The continued use of diesel vehicles also poses health risks to underground workers. Diesel combustionreleases carcinogenic exhaust, leading to acute respiratory and eye irritation and increased risks of lung and bladder cancer. In underground mining, where mechanical ventilation is required, controlling diesel emissions using a combination of different control strategies is crucial. Conducting routine preventative engine maintenance is a common strategy to ensure engines are reliable and operating as designed. Emissions-based maintenance (EBM) programmes, which systematically collect and analyse engine emissions data to inform targeted maintenance, have shown promise in reducing emissions. These programmes incorporate emissions data and data from the engine systems to influence maintenance decisions. The use of EBM data has been demonstrated as a diagnostic tool that contributing to reduced emissions, resulting in decreased worker exposure. EBM programmes are also associated with certain operational incentives, such as reduced maintenance cost, reduced fleet downtime, improved fuel economy and reduced dilution ventilation rates.