Laboratory of Technical Acoustics.
Certificate of Accreditation No. AB005. Services covered by PCA accreditation.
Testing the acoustic power levels of machines and technical devices by a direct method:
- orientational;
- technical.
according to the standards: PN-EN ISO 3744: 2011 and PN-EN ISO 3746: 2011.
Advanced Energy Technology Laboratory.
Autosorb iQ gas and steam sorption analyzer.
Determination of the surface area, total pore volume and distribution of pore size of solids. Measuring range: specific surface area from 0.0005 m 2 / g, pore diameter 0.35-500 nm, pore volume from 0.0001 cc / g.
Research and selection types of backfill and backfill materials for various mining and technical conditions.
The Conformity Assessment Body conducts complex activities in the field of evaluation of products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Conformity Assessment Body conducts activities based on the requirements of the “ATEX” Directive and the International Electrotechnical Commission IECEx.
An important element of the assessment is the research conducted by the Laboratory of Explosion-Proof Systems and Protection and Explosimetry which operates within the structure of the Department. The Laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the scope of research covered in the harmonised standards for the “ATEX” Directive. Employees of the Conformity Assessment Body also carry out scientific research in this area of expertise.
Certification in accordance with the requirements of the ATEX Directive (Directive 2014/34 /EU, formerly Directive 94/9/EC) for the following product types:
- Electrical equipment;
- Combustion engines;
- Non-electrical equipment;
- Components;
- Safety, control and regulation equipment;
- Protection systems.
Implemented conformity assessment modules:
- EU type examination (Module B);
- Conformity to type based on quality assurance of the production process (Module D);
- Conformity to type based on product verification (Module F);
- Conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised product testing (Module C1);
- Conformity to type based on product quality assurance (Module E);
- Conformity based on unite verification (Module G).
R & D work on prospective chemical technology for coal, biomass and waste processing, and in particular:
- The process of underground coal gasification of pressure and non-pressure, aimed at obtaining synthesis gas with high hydrogen content and gases for energy applications;
- Pressurized gasification of solid fuels under surface conditions;
- The process of direct liquefaction of coal aimed at the production of liquid fuels and chemical raw materials;
- Production of liquid fuels and chemical raw materials from biomass and waste materials by hydrothermal method;
- Processes of hydrogenation and refining of carbonaceous substances;
- Utilization of gases from gasification processes for energy purposes;
- Generation and storage of hydrogen for energy and chemical synthesis;
- Performing expertise and studies on the technical and economic aspects and environmental technologies of chemical processing of coal and methods of hydrogen production and storage;
- Feasibility studies and process design of coal gasification and liquefaction technologies and process gas purification.
DSC Q2000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter
Determination of the heat transfer associated with the phase change of materials as a function of time and temperature. Qualitative and quantitative determination of heat absorbed or released in the phase transformation processes of materials, such as melting, oxidation or other heat-related changes. Temperature range: -90C ÷ 550C.
Scope of activities:
- Diagnosis of organizational, competency and social determinants of safety in work environment - especially in high-risk enterprises (own research tools verified by the PBS project);
- Diagnosis of safety culture state in enterprise (own research tools - verified in coal and copper mining);
- Safety culture improving in enterprise using its own method, which effectiveness has been proven in mining company;
- Identification of risky behaviors of employees and their causes;
- Identification of factors (characteristics / variables) relevant for psychoacoustic and subjective reception of noise nuisance - according to methodology developed for subjective assessment of noise nuisance;
- Research on structural mismatches in labour markets;
- Research on demographic change impact on labour markets;
- Examination of professional qualifications demand in enterprise;
- Apply of managing diversity method in enterprise.
Scope of services:
- Investigation of the electrostatic properties of materials, products and devices by standardized methods;
- Research on the effectiveness and stability of anti-plasticisation methods of plastics;
- Development of plans and realization of EPA zones (ESD ProtectedArea);
- Implementation of EPA requirements and audits;
- Expert's opinions in the field of static electricity.
- Environmental analysis using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), using commercial versions of SimaPro, Umberto and Ecoinvent;
- Eco-efficiency analyzes including LCA analyzes;
- Lifecycle Costs Assessment (LCC);
- Financial analysis of investment projects in environmental protection, together with sensitivity and risk analysis;
- Economic-social analyzes of investment projects, products and technologies by Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA);
- Evaluation of the environmental, economic and social effectiveness of investment projects, products and technologies using multi criteria analysis using MATLAB software.
The scope of activities at the Department of Underground Research and Surface Maintenance comprises all the issues related to the excavation of raw materials. The main direction of the research is new mining technologies, the testing of prototype equipment in underground conditions and problems connected with hazards in the underground mining environment.
Department is not only dedicated to some mining projects but also undertakes complex tasks in almost all branches of industry, especially if the specific environment or process requires some research in the field of explosives and fire hazards.
The site of our research activity, located on two levels of the "Barbara" Experimental Mine, is fundamental for the department. The Subterranean infrastructure of the structure allows for the research of new technologies, solutions and prototypes of machinery and equipment in underground mining.
As regards industrial safety tests, research tunnels equipped with a modern measurement system make it possible to obtain various parameters of physical phenomena, dust and gas explosions and fires. There is also an integrated monitoring system on the surface and visualization of the development of the experiments.
The Department of Underground Research and Surface Maintenance is currently working on some new technologies and machinery to obtain methane from coal deposits.
Future activity of the department will be related to public safety issues such as gas and explosion hazard research in enclosed areas and underground (subway tunnels, etc.) as well as military research.
The scope of activities at the Department of Underground Research and Surface Maintenance comprises all the issues related to the excavation of raw materials. The main direction of the research is new mining technologies, the testing of prototype equipment in underground conditions and problems connected with hazards in the underground mining environment.
Department is not only dedicated to some mining projects but also undertakes complex tasks in almost all branches of industry, especially if the specific environment or process requires some research in the field of explosives and fire hazards.
The site of our research activity, located on two levels of the "Barbara" Experimental Mine, is fundamental for the department. The Subterranean infrastructure of the structure allows for the research of new technologies, solutions and prototypes of machinery and equipment in underground mining.
As regards industrial safety tests, research tunnels equipped with a modern measurement system make it possible to obtain various parameters of physical phenomena, dust and gas explosions and fires. There is also an integrated monitoring system on the surface and visualization of the development of the experiments.
The Department of Underground Research and Surface Maintenance is currently working on some new technologies and machinery to obtain methane from coal deposits.
Future activity of the department will be related to public safety issues such as gas and explosion hazard research in enclosed areas and underground (subway tunnels, etc.) as well as military research.
The Conformity Assessment Body conducts complex activities in the field of evaluation of products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Conformity Assessment Body conducts activities based on the requirements of the “ATEX” Directive and the International Electrotechnical Commission IECEx.
An important element of the assessment is the research conducted by the Laboratory of Explosion-Proof Systems and Protection and Explosimetry which operates within the structure of the Department. The Laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the scope of research covered in the harmonised standards for the “ATEX” Directive. Employees of the Conformity Assessment Body also carry out scientific research in this area of expertise.
Development of expert opinions and opinions on the following issues in industrial plants (e.g. chemical industry, petrochemicals, light industries, mining: underground, surface and oil, storage and transmission of gas and fuel) in which explosives atmospheres may occur:
- Explosion safety of equipment and installations;
- Protection systems;
- Non-electrical explosion-proof devices;
- Explosimetry and methanometry;
- Evaluation of repair shops;
- Assessment of lightning protection installations;
- Protection against static electricity.
The Conformity Assessment Body deals with wide-range explosion safety by providing the following services:
- Expertise concerning:
- Comprehensive assessment of explosion protection of industrial equipment and installations;
- Evaluating the correctness of selection of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive areas;
- Assessment of the correctness of the use of protective systems.
- Receipts of explosion-proof installations;
- Execution of crash reports, identification of the explosion cause;
- Assessment of the ability of repair factories to repair explosion-proof equipment.
The Conformity Assessment Body is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA), number AB005, in the scope of testing covered by harmonized standards for the "ATEX" Directive.
We also conducts non-accredited testing in which it can use explosive mixtures of gases and vapours of flammable liquids including oxygen-enriched mixtures.
Scope of activity:
- Testing explosives for civil uses including blasting caps, fuses, boosters, bulk explosives and in cartridges, propellants and other;
- Testing and issuing "Article's certificate" or Technical Opinions for articles that are intended to use in mining industry;
- Control test, post-accident and other tests of explosives and blasting equipment;
- Performing detailed inspections of blasting equippment;
- Verification of the correct implementation of the periodic detailed inspection of blasting equipment in mines.
- Expert opinions on prediction, assessment and fighting fire hazard in coal mines;
- Expert opinions in the field of monitoring fire hazard in coal mines based on trace content of carbon oxides, ethylene, propylene, acetylene and hydrogen in the mine air;
- Organization and completion of equipment for laboratories performing research relating to:
- Early detection of endogenous fires based on the trace content of selected gases in air samples;
- Susceptibility of coals to spontaneous combustion.
- Investigation into susceptibility of coals and other materials to spontaneous combustion;
- Extinguishing of underground fires by means of active and passive methods;
- Fire hazard risk assessment;
- Selection of the equipment and measures necessary for extinguishing fires.
Since 1998 we have been accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation (Accreditation Certificate AB 005).
The Conformity Assessment Body conducts complex activities in the field of evaluation of products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Product Certification Team conducts activities based on the requirements of the “ATEX” Directive and the International Electrotechnical Commission IECEx.
An important element of the assessment is the research conducted by the Laboratory of Explosion-Proof Systems and Protection and Explosimetry which operates within the structure of the Department. The Laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the scope of research covered in the harmonised standards for the “ATEX” Directive. The Conformity Assessment Body also carry out scientific research in this area of expertise.
Full-scale testing of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres:
- Flameproof enclosures ‘Ex d’;
- Intrinsic safety ‘Ex i’;
- Increased safety ‘Ex e’;
- Pressurized enclosures ‘Ex p’;
- Protection by enclosure ‘Ex t’ housing;
- Intrinsically safe design and structure ‘i’;
- Protection of type ‘n’;
- Protection by encapsulation ‘Ex m’;
- Protection by powder filling ‘Ex q’;
- Protection by oil immersion ‘Ex o’;
- Flame arresters;
- Test of degree of IP protection;
- Test of degree of IK protection.
Research and assessment of the gas hazard for the subsequent stages of excluding the workings, areas, levels and shafts from the mining operation of a liquidated mine.
- Identification of radioactive pollutants in the natural environment and an assessment of the radiation hazard;
- Measurements of radon in soil gas concentration and radon exhalation rate;
- Measurements of radon in buildings;
- Measurements of air pollution caused by radionuclides;
- Environmental dosimetry;
- Measurements of aerosol's size distribution in range 3 nm – 20 µm;
- Monitoring of radiation hazard at nuclear facilities and their vicinity;
- Monitoring of radiation hazard at radioactive waste disposal sites and their vicinity.
- Research on the technology of production and use of alternative fuels (briquettes, pellets, process gas from gasification);
- Research on technology of production, modernization and construction of boilers;
- Research on the improvement of fuel quality for heat production processes in power equipment;
- Thermal and balance studies of energy equipment (boilers, fans, pumps) and production lines in terms of energy efficiency of energy production and use.
Testing of electrical and metrological parameters of laser devices, non-destructive testing of materials, monitoring of work environment parameters.
Numerical calculations together with ventilation network analysis of designed areas of operation in the conditions of methane and endogenous fires hazard occurrence.
- Mining area surface scanning;
- Structures scanning;
- Automatic continuous monitoring of the deviation of structures from the vertical.
- Geomechanical laboratory testing of properties of mineral resources and surrounding rocks different stress conditions and humidity, with different strain rate and load and research of selected technological parameters;
- The research of rocks deformability in complex stress state and research of deformation processes of loaded rocks in post-failure state;
- The research of proper energy of deformation of the loaded rocks;
- Penetrometrical in-situ testing of strength parameters in boreholes with classification of quality of coal seam roof and assessment of the rock mass fracturing;
- Testing by aerometric method of range of the rock mass cracks zone surrounding the mining workings;
- Research and assessment of caving debris stability as a ceiling of underground workings;
- Non-destructive testing of the rock mass strength by rebounding method;
- The data bank of physical and technological properties of rocks in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin;
- Assessment of the rock mass quality based on geotechnical classification of rock massifs;
- Testing and assessment of influence low and high temperatures for rocks behavior under static and dynamic load;
- Geological description of boreholes for mineral recognition for obtaining a concession for mining;
- Geostatistical analysis of geomechanical parameters of the rock mass –prognosis of distribution values of geomechanical parameters with estimating its accuracy in the area of planning mining;
- Monitoring of stand and roof bolting support.
- Measurements of doses and dose rates of ionizing radiation:
- Roentgen (X) and gamma (γ) radiation;
- Alpha (α) and beta (β) radiation;
- Neutron radiation.
- Measurements of potential alpha energy and concentration of potential alpha energy of short living radon decay products.
- Measurements of personal dose equivalent Hp(10) and the personal dose equivalent rate.
- drinking water samples, mineral and healing waters and other aqueous samples (+ estimation of the total indicative dose caused by drinking water consumption);
- raw and construction materials, in the waste parameters (f1 and f2);
- environmental samples (air, soil, water, waste products, sediments and sewage samples) in industrial by-products, metal products and scraps, food and consumption goods, fed, biological samples, biota.
We have accreditation of Polish Centre of Accreditation for measurements we performe. Our methods for measurements of drinking water samples in terms of standards have an approval of Regional Health and Safety Inspectorate.
- Measurements of radon in air (outdoors, in dwellings, at underground sites);
- Radon exhalation rate from the ground.
- Cuttability assessment;
- Pull-off set;
- CAPO-TEST set - concrete strength test;
- Core drilling machine;
- Ultrasonic pulse velocity tester;
- Schmidt hammer;
- Georadar;
- Laser scanner;
- Thickness gauge;
- Hydraulic penetrometer;
- Endoscope camera;
- System for remote roadway support monitoring;
- Gauged rockbolt;
- Rockbolt pull-out tester;
- Shaft lining visual inspection set.
The Department of Material Engineering has experienced staff as well as measuring and research equipment of the latest generation. The rich research and development equipment of the latest generation allow for:
- Testing of non-metallic materials and polymer materials (1-15);
- Comprehensive testing of plastic pipes;
- Comprehensive testing of combustibility of materials and products made of non-metallic materials;
- Comprehensive testing of material properties and assessments of utility values of polymer materials, conveyor belts and other non-metallic materials;
- Development of new polymer materials with unique properties such as slow burning and antistatic properties for mining and other industrial applications;
- Production and testing of biomaterials, polymer membranes and polymer composites with significant high mechanical strength;
- Developing of recycling technology for polymer materials.
Research on the kinetics and intensity of the mining gases inflow to the subsurface zone in the mining area of liquidated coal mine.
The main directions of the current activity result from tradition and experience of the Department of Material Engineering in the field of research on new special- purpose polymer materials of special purpose and on determining their mechanical and combustible properties. Product testing for certification and conformity assessment, as well as issuing expert's opinions remain an important element of servicing and research potential of the Department.
The Department of Material Engineering has at their disposal the experienced staff, and research equipment of the latest generation providing services in the field of polymer properties determination such as as mechanical rheological properties and the degree of flammability.
- In situ uniaxial tensile and compressive strength assessment;
- Fractured rockmass range determination;
- Rock cuttablity determination;
- Rockmass quality assessment: RMR, RQD;
- Gobs reconsolidation assessment;
- Determination of gobs equivalent strength - Rcg obl.
Modelling of rockmass by means of specilised software: FLAC, FLAC3D, UDEC, Phase2, RS3, PFC3D.
- Unmanned technical inspection of mine shafts and underground tanks with use of vision cameras;
- Technical inspection of vertical mine shafts with use of climbing techniques;
- Research of mining support work in underground conditions, research of rock mass pressure in the fields of longwall operation.
- Longwall system design;
- Room and pillar system design;
- Roadways system design;
- Alternative extraction system design.
- Thermal insulation tests of walls of buildings, structures;
- Investigation of thermal state of district heating pipelines;
- Investigation of the thermal state of industrial waste dumping sites, especially coal mines and landfills;
- Investigation of the thermal state of machinery, technical equipment, power and horizontal mining transport;
- Human research for medical diagnostics.
- Research on thermochemical conversion of solid fuels for energy and chemical synthesis, including pressure and non-pressurized combustion, pyrolysis and gasification: coal (and coal waste), biomass (energy crops, farm biomass waste, forestry, waste from animal biomass, sewage sludge, etc.) and industrial waste and their mixtures;
- Research aimed at the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel use and disposal methods for the production of electricity and heat and / or raw materials for chemical synthesis (synthesis gas, hydrogen);
- Investigation of the kinetics of combustion, pyrolysis, gasification and co-combustion, co-pyrolysis and co-gasification with a thermogravimetric analyzer and a wide range of gas reagents;
- Fuel reactivity studies in thermochemical conversion processes;
- Study of gas composition from thermochemical processes of conversion of solid fuels: combustion, pyrolysis and gasification using gas micro chromatograph;
- Research on the capture and management of carbon dioxide from the thermochemical process of conversion of solid fuels using various sorbents;
- Examination of the use of catalysts in thermochemical conversion of solid fuels;
- Investigation of the use of chemical loops in combustion and gasification processes;
- Study of the energy and environmental performance of the use of nano-metal particle and metal oxide properties, including the use of iron nano-oxides in the production and storage of hydrogen;
- Research on the use of gaseous by-products from industrial processes.
Advanced Energy Technology Laboratory
SDT Q600 thermogravimetric analyzer.
Thermal analysis: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis. Measurement of heat flow and mass changes associated with phase transformation and / or reactions in the test samples. The obtained information includes endo- and exothermic transformations not related to the mass loss process (e.g. melting and crystallization) and those related to the mass loss process (decomposition of the sample). Measuring range from ambient to 1500 ° C, heating speed 0.1-100C / min, sensitivity 0.1 μg.
Thermogravimetric pressure analyzer Rubotherm GmbH. Measurements of mass changes in the sample depending on the heating rate, temperature and pressure in an inert atmosphere or in the presence of a wide range of gaseous reagents. Maximum temperature 1350C under non-pressurized conditions and 1100C at maximum pressure 4 MPa. Sample weight of 1 g.
Autosorb iQ gas and steam sorption analyzer coupled with TPR / TPO / TPD analyzer Temperature-controlled programmable reduction, oxidation and desorption studies. Measuring range up to 1100C.
Research works in terms of underground construction (mine shafts, roadways, adit etc.).
Variant analysis of the simplification of the ventilation network model of the liquidated methane mine.
Scope of activities:
- Diagnosis of organizational, competency and social determinants of safety in work environment - especially in high-risk enterprises (own research tools verified by the PBS project);
- Diagnosis of safety culture state in enterprise (own research tools - verified in coal and copper mining);
- Safety culture improving in enterprise using its own method, which effectiveness has been proven in mining company;
- Identification of risky behaviors of employees and their causes.
