Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

Title 30 - Mineral Resources last revised: Nov 19, 2024
§ 36.20 - Quality of material, workmanship, and design.

(a) MSHA will test only equipment that in the opinion of its qualified representatives is constructed of suitable materials, is of good quality workmanship, based on sound engineering principles, and is safe for its intended use. Since all possible designs, arrangements, or combinations of components and materials cannot be foreseen, MSHA reserves the right to modify the construction and design requirements of subassemblies or components and tests thereof to obtain the same degree of protection as provided by the tests described in Subpart C of this part.

(b) The quality of material, workmanship, and design shall conform to the requirements of § 7.98(q) of this chapter.

(c) Power packages approved under part 7, subpart F of this chapter are considered to be acceptable for use in equipment submitted for approval under this part. Sections 36.21 through 36.26 (except § 36.25(f)) and §§ 36.43 through 36.48 are not applicable to equipment utilizing part 7, subpart F power packages, since these requirements have already been satisfied.

[Sched. 31, 26 FR 645, Jan. 24, 1961, as amended at 61 FR 55526, Oct. 25, 1996]
§ 36.21 - Engine for equipment considered for certification.

Only equipment powered by a compression-ignition (diesel) engine and burning diesel fuel will be considered for approval and certification. The starting mechanism shall be actuated pneumatically, hydraulically, or by other methods acceptable to MSHA. Electric starting shall not be accepted. Engines burning other fuels or utilizing volatile fuel starting aids will not be investigated.

[Sched. 31, 26 FR 645, Jan. 24, 1961, as amended at 61 FR 55526, Oct. 25, 1996]
§ 36.22 - Fuel-injection system.

This system shall be so constructed that the quantity of fuel injected can be controlled at a desired maximum value and shall be so arranged that this adjustment can be changed only after breaking a seal or unlocking a compartment. Provision shall be made for convenient adjustment of the maximum fuel-injection rate to that required for safe operation at different altitudes (elevations above sea level). The governor, controlling engine speed and fuel injection, shall not directly affect airflow to the engine and provision shall be made to seal or lock its adjustment compartment. Filters shall be provided to insure that only clean fuel will reach the injection pump or injectors.

§ 36.23 - Engine intake system.

(a) Construction. The intake system (exclusive of the air cleaner) shall be designed to withstand an internal pressure equal to 4 times the maximum pressure observed in explosion tests, which are described in § 36.46, or a pressure of 125 pounds per square inch, whichever is the lesser. Joints in the intake system shall be formed by metal flanges fitted with metal or metal-clad gaskets, positively positioned by through bolts or other suitable means for secure assembly, or shall meet the requirements for flanged metal-to-metal flame-proof joints as required in § 36.20(b). Either type of joint shall withstand repeated explosions within the intake system without permanent deformation and shall prevent the propagation of flame through the joint into a surrounding flammable mixture.

(b) Intake flame arrester. (1) The intake system shall include a flame arrester that will prevent an explosion within the system from propagating to a surrounding flammable mixture. This flame arrester shall be between the air cleaner and the intake manifold and shall be attached so that it may be removed for inspecting, cleaning, or repairing. Its construction shall be such that it may be cleaned readily. The flame arrester shall be of rugged construction to withstand the effects of repeated explosions within the intake system, and the material of construction shall resist deterioration in service. It shall be so mounted in the equipment assembly that it is protected from accidental external damage.

(2) The parts of any flame arrester shall be positively positioned to produce a flame path that will arrest the propagation of an explosion and shall be so designed that improper assembly is impossible. In flame arresters of the spaced-plate type, the thickness of the plates shall be at least 0.125 inch; spacing between the plates shall not exceed 0.018 inch; and the plates forming the flame path shall be at least 1 inch wide. The unsupported length of the plates shall be short enough that deformation during the explosion tests shall not exceed 0.002 inch. Corrosion-resistant metal shall be used to construct flame arresters.

(c) Air shutoff valve. The intake system shall include a valve, operable from the operator's compartment, to shut off the air supply to the engine. This valve shall be constructed to permit its operation only after the fuel supply to the engine is shut off. In reverse operation the valve must open fully before fuel can be supplied to the engine.

(d) Air cleaner. An air cleaner shall be included in the engine intake system and so arranged that only clean air will enter the flame arrester. The resistance to airflow shall not increase rapidly in dusty atmospheres. Filters of the self-cleansing (oil-bath) type will be considered satisfactory for this application. Provision, satisfactory to MSHA, shall be made to prevent overfilling the oil-bath air cleaner.

(e) Vacuum-gage connection. A connection shall be provided in the intake system for temporary attachment of a vacuum gage to indicate the pressure drop under flow conditions. This opening shall be closed by a plug or other suitable device that is sealed or locked in place except when a gage is attached.

§ 36.24 - Engine joints.

(a) Cylinder head. The joint between the cylinder head and block of the engine shall be fitted with a metal or metal-clad gasket satisfactory to MSHA held securely in position by through bolts or other suitable means to prevent a change in alignment. This joint shall provide an adequate flame barrier with the gasket in place.

(b) Valve guides. Valve guides shall be long enough to form an adequate flame barrier along the valve stem.

(c) Gaskets. All metal or metal-clad gaskets shall maintain their tightness during repeated explosions within the engine and its intake and exhaust systems to prevent the propagation of flame.

§ 36.25 - Engine exhaust system.

(a) Construction. The exhaust system of the engine shall be designed to withstand an internal pressure equal to 4 times the maximum pressure observed in explosion tests, which are described in § 36.46, or a pressure of 125 pounds per square inch, whichever is the lesser. The system shall withstand repeated internal explosions without permanent deformation or deterioration.

(b) Exhaust flame arrester. (1) The exhaust system of the engine shall be provided with a flame arrester to prevent propagation of flame or discharge of heated particles to a surrounding flammable mixture. The flame arrester shall be so positioned that only cooled exhaust gas will discharge through it and shall be so designed and attached that it can be removed for inspecting, cleaning, or repairing. Its construction shall be such that it can be cleaned readily. The flame arrester shall be of rugged construction to withstand the effects of repeated explosions within the exhaust system, and the material of construction shall resist deterioration in service. It shall be so mounted in the equipment assembly that it is protected from accidental external damage.

(2) A spaced-plate flame arrester for the exhaust system shall meet the same requirements as flame arresters for the intake system (see § 36.23(b)(2)).

(3) In lieu of a space-place flame arrester, an exhaust-gas cooling box or conditioner may be used as the exhaust flame arrester provided that explosion tests demonstrate that the cooling box will arrest flame. When used as a flame arrester the cooling box shall be equipped with a device to shut off automatically the fuel supply to the engine at a safe minimum water level. A cooling box used as a flame arrester shall withstand repeated explosion tests without permanent deformation. It shall be constructed of material, satisfactory to MSHA, that will resist deterioration in service.

(c) Exhaust cooling system. (1) A cooling system shall be provided for the engine exhaust gas. The heat-dissipation capacity shall be capable of reducing the temperature of the undiluted exhaust gas to less than 170 °F. at the point of discharge from the cooling system under any condition of engine operation acceptable to MSHA. A device shall be provided that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to the engine immediately if the temperature of the exhaust gas exceeds 185 °F. at the point of discharge from the cooling system. Provision shall be made, acceptable to MSHA, to prevent restarting the engine after the fuel supply has been shut off automatically until the water supply in the cooling box has been replenished. When the cooling box is used as a flame arrester, one safety device may be accepted provided it controls a safe minimum water level in the cooling box and also prevents the final exhaust temperature from exceeding 185 °F.

(2) Cooling shall be obtained by passing the exhaust gas through water or a dilute aqueous chemical solution held in a cooling box or conditioner, or by a spray of water or a dilute aqueous chemical solution that will enter the exhaust system near the outlet of the exhaust manifold, or a combination of the two methods. When a spray is used it shall be provided with a filtering device to protect the nozzle from clogging. Provisions shall be made for draining and cleaning all parts of the exhaust cooling system. Openings for draining and cleaning shall be closed and sealed or locked by a method satisfactory to MSHA.

(3) The cooling system shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant metal suitable for the intended application.

(4) The cooling system shall store enough water or aqueous solution to permit operation of the engine at one-third load factor for eight hours. The minimum quantity of usable water or aqueous solution available for cooling shall equal the consumption for one hour with the engine operating at maximum load and speed multiplied by 8 and this product divided by 3.

(d) Surface temperature of engine and exhaust system. (1) The temperature of any external surface of the engine or exhaust system shall not exceed 400 °F. under any condition of engine operation prescribed by MSHA. Water-jacketed components shall have integral jackets and provision shall be made for positive circulation of water in the jackets and to automatically shut off the engine when the temperature in the cooling jacket(s) exceeds 212 °F. Insulated coverings to control surface temperature are not acceptable.

(2) When a spray is used to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas, it shall be located as near as practicable to the outlet of the exhaust manifold.

(3) Exterior surfaces of the exhaust system shall be designed to minimize accumulation and lodgement of dust or combustible substances and to permit ready access for cleaning.

(e) Tightness of exhaust system. All joints in the exhaust system shall be tight to prevent the flow of exhaust gas through them under any condition of engine operation prescribed by MSHA. A tight system shall be obtained by the use of ground joints, or thin metal or metal-clad gaskets. All such joints shall be fitted with adequate through bolts and all gaskets shall be aligned and held firmly in position by the bolts or other suitable means. Such joints shall remain tight to prevent passage of flame or propagation of repeated internal explosions to a surrounding flammable mixture.

(f) Dilution of exhaust gas. (1) Provision shall be made to dilute the exhaust gas with and before it is discharged into the surrounding atmosphere. The discharged exhaust gas shall be so diluted with air that the mixture shall not contain more than 0.5 percent, by volume, of carbon dioxide; 0.01 percent, by volume, of carbon monoxide; 0.0025 percent, by volume, of oxides of nitrogen (calculated as equivalent nitrogen dioxide); or 0.0010 percent, by volume, of aldehydes (calculated as equivalent formaldehyde) under any condition of engine operation prescribed by MSHA.

(2) The final diluted exhaust mixture shall be discharged in such a manner that it is directed away from the operator's compartment and also away from the breathing zones of persons required to be alongside the equipment.

(g) Pressure-gage connection. A connection shall be provided in the exhaust system for convenient, temporary attachment of a pressure gage at a point suitable for measuring the total back pressure in the system. The connection also shall be suitable for temporary attachment of gas-sampling equipment to the exhaust system. This opening shall be closed by a plug or other suitable device that is sealed or locked in place except when a gage or sampling tube is attached.

§ 36.26 - Composition of exhaust gas.

(a) Preliminary engine adjustment. The engine shall be submitted to MSHA by the applicant in such condition that it can be tested immediately at full load and speed. The preliminary liquid-fuel-injection rate shall be such that the exhaust will not contain black smoke and the applicant shall adjust the injection rate promptly to correct any adverse conditions disclosed by preliminary tests.

(b) Final engine adjustment. The liquid fuel supply to the engine shall be adjusted so that the undiluted exhaust gas shall contain not more than 0.30 percent, by volume, of carbon monoxide or 0.20 percent, by volume, of oxides of nitrogen (calculated as equivalent nitrogen dioxide, NO2) under any conditions of engine operation prescribed by MSHA when the intake air mixture to the engine contains 1.5 ±0.1 percent, by volume, of Pittsburgh natural gas. 3

3 Investigation has shown that for practical purposes, Pittsburgh natural gas (containing a high percentage of methane) is a satisfactory substitute for pure methane in these tests.

(c) Coupling or adapter. The applicant shall provide the coupling or adapter for connecting the engine to MSHA's dynamometer.

Note:

Preferably this coupling or adapter should be attached to the flywheel of the engine.

Clutches, transmissions, or torque converters ordinarily are not required in the coupling train.
§ 36.27 - Fuel-supply system.

(a) Fuel tank. (1) The fuel tank shall not leak and shall be fabricated of metal at least 1/16 inch thick, welded at all seams, except that tanks of 5 gallons or less capacity may have thinner walls which shall be preformed or reinforced to provide good resistance to deflection. A drain plug (not a valve or petcock) shall be provided and locked in position. A vent opening shall be provided in the fuel filler cap of such design that atmospheric pressure is maintained inside the tank. The size of the vent opening shall be restricted to prevent fuel from splashing through it. The filler opening shall be so arranged that fuel can be added only through a self-closing valve at least 1 foot from the exhaust manifold of the engine, preferably below it. The self-closing valve shall constitute a fuel-tight closure when fuel is not being added. Any part of the self-closing valve that might become detached during the addition of fuel shall be secured to the tank by a chain or other fastening to prevent loss.

(2) The fuel tank shall have a definite position in the equipment assembly, and no provision shall be made for attachment of separate or auxiliary fuel tanks.

(3) Capacity of the fuel tank shall not exceed the amount of fuel necessary to operate the engine continuously at full load for approximately four hours.

(b) Fuel lines. All fuel lines shall be installed to protect them against damage in ordinary use and they shall be designed, fabricated, and secured to resist breakage from vibration.

(c) Valve in fuel line. A shutoff valve shall be provided in the fuel system, installed in a manner acceptable to MSHA.

Note:

This shutoff valve is in addition to the normal shutoff provided in the fuel-injection system and also in addition to the air-shutoff valve.

§ 36.28 - Signal or warning device.

All mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall be provided with a bell, horn, or other suitable warning device convenient to the operator. Warning devices shall be operated manually or pneumatically.

§ 36.29 - Brakes.

All mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall be equipped with adequate brakes acceptable to MSHA.

§ 36.30 - Rerailing device.

All mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment designed to travel on rails in haulage service shall carry a suitable rerailing device.

§ 36.31 - Fire extinguisher.

Each unit of mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall be fitted with a fire extinguisher carried in a location easily accessible to the operator and protected by position from external damage. Liquid carbon dioxide extinguishers shall contain an active charge of not less than 4 pounds. Pressurized dry chemical extinguishers shall contain an active charge of not less than 2 1/2 pounds.

§ 36.32 - Electrical components and systems.

(a) Electrical components on mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall be certified or approved under Part 18, 20 or 27 of this chapter, as applicable, and shall bear the certification number assigned by MSHA.

(b) Electrical systems on mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall meet the requirements of Part 18 or 27 of this chapter, as applicable.

[47 FR 11372, Mar. 16, 1982]
§ 36.33 - Headlights and fixtures.

(a) Headlights and lighting fixtures on mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall be protected from external damage by recessing them in the equipment frame, enclosing them within a shield of substantial construction, or by any other method that provides equivalent protection.

(b) Mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment shall be equipped with at least one headlight on each end.

[47 FR 11372, Mar. 16, 1982]
authority: 30 U.S.C. 957,961
source: Schedule 31, 26 FR 645, Jan. 24, 1961, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 30 CFR 36.23