Development of a highly efficient filtering half mask for personnel in underground coal mines

M.L. Rudakov, K.A. Kolvakh, A.V. Kornev, I.A. Baraboshkin, Yu.S. Olefirenko
Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation Russian Mining Industry №4S/ 2026 p. 69-76

Abstract: Underground coal mining is accompanied by an extremely high level of exposure of underground coal mine workers to aerosols of predominantly fibrogenic action. High levels of dust exposure result in a widespread occurrence of respiratory diseases among miners, including bronchitis and pneumoconiosis. Exposure of the respiratory system to fine dust is minimized by providing workers with filtering half-masks, which are up to 99% effective. However, the materials used in these half-masks create breathing resistance, and the workers often refuse to use them. The aim of this study is to develop a half-mask that provides the highest level of respiratory protection with minimal airflow resistance. As part of the study, materials were selected for three functional layers: the outer protective layer, the main filtering layer, and the inner hygienic layer. The outer filtering layer consists of polypropylene fabric with the density of 35 g/m² that retains large dust particles (over 40 µm). Air filtration is done by the main high-strength meltblown layer, consisting of ultra-thin microfibers capable of trapping dust particles as small as 0.01 μm. The inner hygienic layer is made of spunlace with the density of 30 g/m², which offers a high moisture absorption capacity. Additionally, the filtering half-mask was designed with ergonomics and efficiency requirements in mind. The halfmask high efficiency was confirmed by laboratory tests performed using certified testing equipment. The tests made it possible to assess breathing resistance before and after exposure to dolomite dust. An advantage of the half-mask is its low weight and low cost compared to similar products. The materials used in the half-mask are comfortable when in contact with the skin and hypoallergenic. Registration of the rights for the half-mask is underway, and tests in a coal mine environment are planned.

Keywords: coal mines, harmful occupational factors, dust concentration, occupational diseases, personal protective equipment, filtering half masks, penetration coefficient, airflow resistance, under-mask space, facial seal

Acknowledgements: This work was carried out within the framework of a state assignment from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (Study of the processes of integrated development of the Earth’s interior and deep processing of geological resources, project No. FSRW-2026-0003). Application for utility model No. 2026112365 was filed on April 22, 2026, as part of this research

For citation: Rudakov M.L., Kolvakh K.A., Kornev A.V., Baraboshkin I.A., Olefirenko Yu.S. Development of a highly efficient filtering half mask for personnel in underground coal mines. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4S):69–76. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4S-69-76

Article info

Received: 16.06.2026

Revised: 29.07.2026

Accepted: 17.08.2026

Information about the authors

Marat L. Rudakov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), First Vice-Rector, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7428-5318; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Konstantin A. Kolvakh – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Safety, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0145-9465; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anton V. Kornev – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Safety, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6371-9969; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ilya A. Baraboshkin – Postgraduate Student, Department of Industrial Safety, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1562-9439; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yulia S. Olefirenko – Student, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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