Abstract: A boom mounted cutter drum assembly of a continuous mining machine includes an intermediate drum section and a pair of end drum sections. Spray nozzles on the cutting elements of the cutter drum assembly direct liquid spray at the mine face as mine material is dislodged to suppress dust and frictional ignition. Liquid for the spray nozzles is supplied on the mining machine through a stationary housing positioned between the intermediate drum section and the end drum sections. Water is conveyed through ports in the housing to a rotary seal assembly having stationary and rotating components. The ports are sealed by O-rings which communicate with passageways that divert liquid leakage at the rotary seal assembly away from the gearcase. The rotary seal assembly is surrounded by lip seals in the gearcase to separate the liquid passageways to the spray nozzles from the lubricant supplied to the gearcase.

Abstract: An ore pass rush eliminator is disclosed which includes, in the ore pass shaft, a channel formed in the base of the shaft whereby excess water can pass to waste to avoid any build up of such water. Further described are means whereby the channel may be kept clear of build up of ore by means of an endless chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water spray ventilator system mounted on a continuous mining machine to streamline airflow and provide effective face ventilation of both respirable dust and methane in underground coal mines. This system has two side spray nozzles mounted one on each side of the mining machine and six spray nozzles disposed on a manifold mounted to the underside of the machine boom. The six spray nozzles are angularly and laterally oriented on the manifold so as to provide non-overlapping spray patterns along the length of the cutter drum.

Abstract: Methane is produced from a coal seam penetrated by an injection well and a gas production well by first introducing liquefied or gaseous carbon dioxide through the injection well and into the coal seam and subsequently introducing a weakly adsorbable gas through the injection well and into the coal seam. As the weakly adsorbable gas passes through the coal seam, it forces the carbon dioxide through the seam. If the carbon dioxide is in liquefied form, it evaporates as it moves through the seam, and the carbon dioxide gas desorbs methane from the coal and sweeps it toward the production well. The methane is withdrawn from the seam through the production well.

Abstract: A process of inerting the coal mine site formed by a coal cutting auger or continuous miner at a coal face to supress methane/coal dust explosion includes introducing an inert gas such as waste gases of combustion or nitrogen, for example, to a site downstream of the coal face in a sufficiently great volume to always replace the volume of coal carried from the coal face by a conveyor. The flow of coal by the conveyor is used to form the impetus to move inert gas from the introduction site to the coal face. The volume of inert gas at the introduction site is maintained sufficient to inhibit ingress of oxygen bearing atmospheric air to the coal face. A leaky seal may be used at the entrance to the coal face at the mining site. The inert gas may be introduced by a conduit arranged part way in the coal seam to form a separate duct extending in the coal seam to the mined cavity or by a duct formed as in integral part of the coal conveyor.

Abstract: An entry system for a longwall panel for the mining of coal and the like by a shearer-type cutter includes a single entryway developed by a boring type mining machine. Intake air and return air passageways are formed in the entryway by a mine stopping between the mine roof and floor to permit circulation of the air within the entryway as it is being developed. One of the passageways conveys the intake air into the entryway and the return air passageway serves to direct the dust laden air away from the mine face and receives conveyor apparatus for transporting the dislodged material out of the mine.

Abstract: A first duct system extends longitudinally on one side of a mining machine frame from an air inlet adjacent to a cutter drum carried on a boom rearwardly to an air outlet at the rearward end of the machine frame. A fan assembly is mounted on the machine frame adjacent the inlet and induces flow of dust laden air generated during the material dislodging operation into the first duct system. A scrubber and demister positioned in the first duct system upstream of the air outlet remove the dust particles from the airflow through the duct system for discharge of the airflow from the air outlet substantially free of dust particles. A second duct system is positioned parallel to the first duct system on the opposite side of the machine and extends rearwardly from an air inlet to a crossover point where a transverse duct connects the first and second duct systems.

Abstract: Dewatering of coal seams for facilitating the production of gas therefrom through a well is effected by treating the coal seam utilizing a well treatment fluid containing a dewatering aid which both enhances the permeability of the formation to water production and binds tenaciously to the coal surface so that the permeability enhancement benefits are realized over a long production term. The preferred dewatering surfactants used in the treatment fluid and the process of treating the well are selected from a group consisting of:(a) organic surfactant compounds having the formulaR.sub.1 --O([EO].sub.x --[PO]Y--[BO].sub.z)Hwherein R.sub.1 is an alcohol, phenol or phenol derivative or a fatty acid having 1 to 16 carbon atoms; EO is an ethylene oxide radical and x is 1 to 20; PO is a propylene oxide radical and y is 0 to 15 and BO is a butylene oxide radical and z is 1-15;(b) an organic polyethylene carbonate having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: An air scrubbing system for removing dust produced by longwall shearers from the operator's work area. The system uses a plurality of small scrubbing units mounted on the shearer. Each of the scrubbing units utilizes a series of twin fluid atomizers located at the inlet of the unit to produce a fine water mist for capturing the respirable dust. The scrubbing units return the dust-laden mist to the coal face.

Abstract: A system to control contamination during the retrieval of hazardous waste comprising an outer containment building, an inner containment building, within the outer containment building, an electrostatic radioactive particle recovery unit connected to and in communication with the inner and outer containment buildings, and a contaminate suppression system including a moisture control subsystem, and a rapid monitoring system having the ability to monitor conditions in the inner and outer containment buildings.

Abstract: A grid composite for protecting men and longwall mining equipment during longwall shield recovery includes a regular polymer geogrid structure formed by biaxially drawing a continuous sheet of select polypropylene material which is heat bonded to a polyester fabric. The grid composite is secured over caving shields of longwall mining equipment during a longwall mining operation.

Abstract: An improved non-viscous aqueous dust control solution which includes a polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid. The improved solution may be spray applied or applied as a foam. The solution may include cross-linking agents, extenders, plasticizers or surfactants.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine is provided with dual ductwork having reversible fans. The ductwork extends longitudinally along each side of the continuous mining machine. Each fan is positioned in a duct at the rear end of the frame of the mining machine. A crossover duct connects in fluid communication with longitudinally extending ducts. The crossover duct includes pivotal gates positioned adjacent to the connection of the crossover duct to the longitudinal ducts. Each of the longitudinal ducts includes a pivotal gate positioned between the connection of the crossover duct to the duct and the fan positioned in the duct. By selecting which gates are opened and closed the flow of air through the ducts can be directed to either side of the mining machine.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of material, such as soil, wood, ice or coal, that utilizes a microstrip antenna as a thickness measuring sensor. The sensor is positioned over the layer and a value for a parameter of the antenna such as conductance or resonant frequency is measured. The value is compared to a calibration table of values and the thickness of the layer is determined by interpolation. Alternatively, the value is compared to a control value to initiate a decision process. The decision could be that a layer of ice is building up on a wing of an aircraft or that an explosive device is buried under a layer of soil.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring conditions such as carbon monoxide or methane gas concentration, longwall roof support pressure, machine parameters or uncut coal, trona or potash layer thickness in a natural resource mining system such as a longwall or continuous mine system. The method utilizes a plurality of sensors connected to low magnetic moment transmitters, e.g. 0.1 ATM.sup.2, or high magnetic moment transmitters, e.g. 2.5 ATMhu 2, that transmit colleted data during multiple short burst transmission periods. Prior to transmission, the data is converted to a digital word format. An algorithm in the transmitter microcomputer ensures that random time intervals exist between data transmission bursts thus preventing a data transmission clash at the central receiver. A microcomputer algorithm in the central receiver protects against data contention caused by simultaneous transmission from several sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the dust produced by continuous underground coal mining machinery. The apparatus comprises a wet scrubber mounted on the pivoted boom adjacent the cutting head and discharges the cleaned air into the air curtain flow. The wet scrubber utilizes twin fluid atomizers to reduce the quantity of water required, produce fine water mist, and permit discharge of the dust-laden air directly to the mine.

Abstract: A stretcher for use in confined areas such as a mine tunnel for transporting sick or injured persons which is constructed for mounting on sideboard structure of a conveyor in the mine tunnel. The stretcher includes a frame having a generally flat portion for supporting the sick or injured person on the stretcher. Rollers mounted on the frame for rolling engagement with the sideboard structure support the frame on the sideboard structure so that the structure may move translationally over the sideboard stretcher. Guide rollers maintain the rollers in engagement with the sideboard structure.

Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine which includes a mobile frame assembly having a material dislodging device, and a conveying system. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a duct system. As material is dislodged from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging device through the duct system and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. The duct system has two sets of vertical walls each connected to and spaced by a horizontal wall with one set of vertical walls fitting channel-like into the other set of vertical walls. The duct assembly has a gasket, seal or other means of preventing airborne dust from escaping through the two sets of vertical walls. The duct assembly is expandable to increase the capacity of the duct system.

Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine includes a mobile frame assembly having a front end portion with a boom assembly pivotally retained thereon. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a hollow interior portion of the boom assembly. As a dislodging head removes material from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging head through a hollow interior of the boom assembly and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. Two portions of the boom assembly are pivotally connected to portions of the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly to provide pivoting joints to allow the collecting system to draw airborne dust through the boom assembly with the boom assembly in any preselected position relative to the mobile frame assembly.

Abstract: A method of increasing the rate of methane production from a coal seam includes introducing a desired volume of a gas, that causes coal to swell, into the coal seam adjacent a wellbore, maintaining the coal seam adjacent the wellbore in a pressurized condition for a period of time to permit the gas to contact a desired area of the coal adjacent the wellbore, and relieving the pressure within the coal seam by permitting fluids to flow out from the wellbore at a rate essentially equivalent to the maximum rate permitted by the wellbore and any surface wellbore flow control equipment. Uneven stress fractures should be created in the coal by this method which will increase the near wellbore permeability of the coal seam.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel method of fracturing subterranean coal formations as a means for stimulating the production of coalbed methane. A highly conductive proppant pack is emplaced in the fracture during the fracturing treatment that has a particle size gradient ranging from about 40/70 mesh at the leading tip of the fracture to about 12/20 mesh at the trailing base of the fracture. The fracturing process is conventional in the sense that the materials and equipment used in the process are well known. The manner in which such materials and equipment are used to fracture coal degasification wells is new.

Abstract: Oil dispersions of water-soluble anionic polymer particles and water-soluble cationic polymer particles are mixed with water to form an aqueous solution containing one polymer in an amount in the range 10 to 40 mole % (moles of anionic groups) and the other polymer in an amount in the range 60 to 90 mole %. The solution is immediately applied to a surface to suppress release of dust from that surface.

Abstract: A system for recovering methane gas from a coal seam and rock strata and other coal seams above a coal seam being mined or as has been previously mined. The system involves directionally drilling one or more degas holes from a surface location that curve to extend above and essentially parallel, near parallel or slanted to a coal seam to be mined or as has been previously mined. The degas hole is spaced an appropriate vertical distance above the coal seam, usually twenty (20) to two hundred (200) feet, depending on the mining technique being employed and rock strata characteristics. The degas hole is to draw methane gas under vacuum or pressure differential from the gob that is created when the overburden is collapsed. Multiple degas holes can be formed from the same surface location to run parallel to, across and even at an angle to a coal seam.

Abstract: This suppressant comprises at least 45% water. A water thickening agent is dissolved in water, and forms with water the dispersion medium. A coal tar pitch is dissolved in an aromatic solvent and forms the dispersed liquid which results in suspension. The aromatic solvent has generally a residual softening point of about 40.degree.-70.degree. C. (as measured by ASTM-D-36). This dust suppressant has a viscosity of 3500 to 15000 cps at 25.degree. C. A process for making same comprises: 1- adding to water having a pH of about 7 to 9, a thickening agent to form a dispersion medium having a viscosity of at least 2000 centipoises at 25.degree. C. as measured with ASTM-D4420, with a Brookfield, 2- dispensing under high shear conditions into the dispersion medium, a pitch dissolved in an aromatic solvent, at least 70% of which is boiling over 270.degree. C., to obtain a (in concentrate form) suspension having at least 45% water content.

Abstract: A remedial treatment for coal degas wells is described which enhances the production flow of gas and/or water from the wells. The treatment comprises the steps of: (a) injecting an aqueous foam through the wellbore and into the coal seam(s) at a pump rate of about 10 to about 40 BPM; and (b) flowing back the well at the maximum rate through an open, unrestricted choke.

Abstract: A transducer is placed in a telescopic strut and connected to a roof cam and a floor cam. The cams are pivoted to a roof support and a constant load is applied to the cams by a gas spring. As convergence takes place a transducer in the telescopic strut records the relative movement between the floor and roof and transmits this as an electrical signal for analysis.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of acidic mine water wherein inert gas in introduced into a mine cavity under positive pressure to displace oxygen contained therein. Upon detection of the displacement of substantially all of the oxygen from within the mine cavity, the mine cavity is permitted to flood and seal with water.

Abstract: In situations where pressurized unsaturated brine or other unwanted liquid seeps through incompetent or soluble rocks, a pair of dams are constructed within a passageway, and the interface between the dams and the host rock is sealed. Thereafter, a hydrophobic liquid is injected under pressure within the passageway between the two dams thus impregnating the microfracture system within the host rock. A monitoring installation is used to sample the area on the flood side of the first barrier. This flood isolation method is also useful in containing other wastes such as in nuclear repositories.

Abstract: An enclosure for periodic movement in an underground mine to provide a place for the safety of miners. This enclosure has a frame with an envelope unit attached thereto to define an interior volume for habitating by the miners upon notification of eminent dangerous conditions or immediately after dangerous conditions exist. The evelope has at least one sealable doorway, and contains provisions to sustain habitable conditions for a selected time to permit subsequent escape or rescue. The enclosure is to be located about ninety to one hundred twenty-five yards from areas being worked by miners so as to be easily reached and entered. The size of the help unit enclosure is selected to hold a selected number of miners and the supplies for the selected survival interval. The envelope, in its preferred form, further contains circulating fans, communication equipment and other equipment for the comfort of the miners. External lighting is provided to direct the miners, as well as rescuers, to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for dispersing rock dust within a mine tunnel. The present invention is particularly useful for rock dusting coal mines. A quantity of rock dust is dispersed evenly over the conveyor system which runs through the area of the mine which requires dusting. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wheeled vehicle having a diesel engine which drives the vehicle. In addition, the diesel engine drives a blower or fan. The vehicle of the present invention is adapted to run along the conveyor system within the mine. As a result, the vehicle runs over the rock dust which is dispersed on the conveyor belt. As the vehicle passes over the rock dust the fan which is associated with the vehicle blows into the rock dust causing the rock dust to disperse from the conveyor belt and to coat the associated interior tunnel.

Abstract: A dust suppressant composition comprising an aqueous solution of a dust suppressant comprising an ethoxylated alcohol and an ethoxylated alkyl phenol. The ethoxylated alcohol and ethoxylated alkyl phenol are preferably included in a weight ratio of about 1:3 to 3:1 and the dust suppressant is included in the aqueous solution in an amount of about 0.01 to about 1.0 weight percent. The composition is adapted for enhancing the settling of air-borne dust by spraying the composition in the dusty air.

Abstract: A personnel detection and protection system comprises sensor means for detecting the presence of personnel in a prohibited operational zone, and for deriving signal means indicative of such a detected presence, and control means responsive to the deriving of such signal means to control the operation or movement of equipment in the prohibited zone.

Abstract: Provided is a dust control attachment for long wall mining equipment featuring a water spray head fixed on the end of an arm which is mounted in a manner to be movable in the horizontal and vertical planes whereby the spray is substantially directable to any desired situs during mining operations.

Abstract: Process and device for sealing barrier constructions in subterranean galleries, especially in salt mines. In the process, a fluid sealing medium is filled into a hollow space and is maintained at overpressure relative to the pressure of a stressing medium. With the device, a hollow space is filled with a sealing medium, maintained below overpressure, and positioned between the part of the gallery to be protected and the part of the galley in which a stressing medium is present. The sealing medium is stressed with a preset pressure and at the pressure of the stressing medium. The hollow space has a pressure shaft, in which the sealing medium stands at a predetermined level. The part of which is located above the level of the sealing medium is connected with the gallery in which the stressing medium stands. Through this, it is ensured that a specific overpressure is always present in the hollow space.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting excavations having a substantially planar face comprises a cutting tool which is rotatably mounted on a jib. The jib is mounted on a mobile machine for a pivotal movement in a plane which is transverse to the heading direction and is divided into two jib sections which are pivotally movable relative to each other about an axis which is substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of the jib. The cutting tool is rotatably mounted close to or at the free end of that jib section which is most remote from the pivotal axis of the jib.

Abstract: A process is provided for sealing a degas hole in a coal seam prior to mining of the coal therein which includes the steps of inserting a perforated liner into the degas hole substantially the entire length thereof and pumping grout down the center of the perforated liner to the end of the degas hole. As the end of the degas hole is filled with grout, pressure is increased to force grout through the perforations in the liner to fill the degas hole along the entire length thereof. The perforated liner is also useful in the election of methane gas prior to sealing of the degas hole and further ensures a clear path through the degas hole so that sloughing, or caving, of the degas hole prior to grouting does not interfere with the complete sealing of the degas hole.

Abstract: A cutting machine (1) includes on its base frame (3) a carrier construction (19) for wall elements (21) and appliances (20) for drilling anchor bores and applying anchors the carrier construction being shiftable in longitudinal direction of the machine. The wall elements (21) are adjoining the drift roof (22) and, respectively, a cutting arm (11) via elastic sealing elements (23). The cutting arm (11) and the charging means (15) are pivotally linked to a shiftable frame (42). The cutting heads (28, 29) can be shifted along guides (31) in transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the drift, the cutting heads (28, 29) being arranged between drift face (33) and wall elements (21).

Abstract: A process provides for the recovering of methane gas from subterranean coalseams having sloughing, or caving, characteristics. A borehole is drilled in a generally horizontal direction into a subterranean coalseam and as the drilling progresses, a flushable borehole cake is formed on and in the walls of the horizontal borehole. The borehole cake prevents contemporaneously sloughing, or caving, of the boreholes during the drilling operation. A perforated liner may be inserted into the horizontal borehole and the borehole cake is then flushed out in order to allow methane gas present in the coalseam to enter the liner from which it is collected.

Abstract: A mineral mining pick 1, a holder for such a pick, and the combination of such a pick with a holder 2. The pick has a head 3 with a cutting tip 5 and a shank 4 which is received in a shank socket 6 of the holder 2. Retaining means 7 is provided to releasably secure the pick in the holder. Extending through the pick is a water passage 11 which communicates with outlet ports 12 in the pick head for water flow to suppress dust and cool the tip 5. The passage 11 communicates with a socket 15 which mates with a tubular spigot 13 which is an extension to a fluid supply passage 2a in the holder 2. The spigot 13 is mounted by a resilient sleeve 22 in a tubular housing 19 by which it is removably retained in the holder 2. The sleeve 22 permits displacement of the spigot 13 to accommodate misalignment between the spigot and the socket 15 during coupling thereof as the shank is inserted into its socket 6.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for suppressing dust comprising contacting a dust-producing material with an emulsion comprising: (a) 20-99.5%, by weight, water and (b) the balance a composition comprising at least one methacrylate polymer, at least one hydrophobic liquid, and at least one emulsifying surfactant. The instant invention is also directed to the above described emulsions.

Abstract: A power supply system for supplying electrical energy at an I.S. level to an electrical machine e.g. of a mineral mining machine, comprises two low speed generators A and B mechanically coupled together at coupling 3 and rotatable by means of a drive shaft 2, the mechanical input at the drive shaft 2 producing a separate, isolated electrical output at each of the generators A and B, the output from a first generator A being fed to an I.S. barrier 10, whereby an I.S. power supply is made available to power a first circuit 4, the output from the second generator B being fed to a non-I.S. supply circuit 8, and an I.S. coupling device 7 between the I.S. circuit 4 and the non-I.S. circuit 8, to achieve electrical and physical segregation of the circuits 4 and 8.

Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of fluid to a combine, wherein fluid is fed for actuating hydraulic cylinders 14, 15 of the drive for moving the combine and to a dust suppression hydraulic system 1. The same fluid, which is discharged from the hydraulic cylinders 14, 15, is used for feeding it at a pre-set pressure to the hydraulic system 1 for emergence under the flowthrough conditions. For that purpose, the dust suppression hydraulic system 1 communicates, via a fluid distributor 13, with the hydraulic cylinders 14, 15 to define an open-circuit hydraulic system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing phenols from an underground gasification zone by injecting an alkaline material to convert at least a portion of the phenols to the corresponding salt and producing the solution of said salt. Thereafter, the salt can be converted to the free phenol or merely evaporated to dryness. In both of these cases, the phenol or salt can be incinerated.

Abstract: In a continuous mining machine equipped with a sprayfan ventilation system for methane and dust control, the sprayfan ventilation system including a plurality of sprayfans positioned on the front portion of the mining machine to direct intake air to and across the front of the mining machine to prevent buildup of methane and dust concentrations, the intake air containing methane and dust being thereafter discharged to an exhaust zone, an improvement comprising: at least one reverse sprayfan means mounted on a rear portion of the mining machine on a side of said mining machine nearest the exhaust zone and positioned to direct spray to the rear of the mining machine and to direct said intake air containing methane and dust generally toward the exhaust zone.

Abstract: A method for collecting methane gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas to be collected, excavating a cruciform shaped working area at the selected seams with each of the cruciform shaped working areas communicating with the shaft, and drilling a plurality of boreholes from each of the working areas into the seams and collecting methane gas from the boreholes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an extensible line brattice which comprises a track system and an extensible brattice frame with an attached brattice cloth cover mounted on said track system for extension into an unprotected portion of a mine passageway.

Abstract: A method for collecting gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas and thereunder to create a sump. A plurality of generally horizontal holes are drilled from the shaft into selected seams and gases collected from the boreholes and conducted through the shafts to the earth's surface. Apparatus, including a movable and rotatable platform, is lowered to a position adjacent the coal seam containing methane gas and an array of generally horizontal holes drilled from the platform into each of the coal seams from which methane gas is to be collected. Liners are inserted in each of the boreholes and interconnected through a riser for conducting the methane gas to the earth's surface. The method and apparatus of the invention enables the collection of methane gas from spaced-apart subterranean seams having narrow thickness.

Abstract: High-pressure liquid is controlled for delivery to nozzles disposed near cutting tools or on the periphery of a shearer drum for a longwall mining machine. The shearer drum includes a central shaft which is extended to project from a support arm for the drum containing drive gearing to rotate the drum. The shaft rotates in the same direction and speed as the drum. The extended end of the shaft is used to support a live seal by which high-pressure liquid is introduced to a central bore in the shaft. Between the live seal and the support arm for the drum, there is provided a casing that does not rotate with the shaft and includes sector recesses in the bore thereof to supply liquid to separate bores in the shaft for controlling the discharge of liquid from valves. The valves are separately controlled by the liquid pressure in the sector recesses so that only nozzles directed to the coal face receive the pressurized liquid.

Abstract: In suppressing coal dust by the application of a foam to a falling mass of coal, a continued dust suppression effect is achieved by foaming a water-diluted emulsion of water, a surfactant, and an oil which exhibits a tacky characteristic when in the form of a film in the absence of water at temperatures within the range from approximately 21.degree. C. down to approximately -12.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved dust control apparatus for a shearing machine which has attached thereto a spray bar apparatus mounted to and extended from said shearing machine and containing a curtain for dust control and a plurality of spray heads along said spray bar, an improvement in the spray bar apparatus is provided by mounting an extendable spray bar to said spray bar with a hydraulic cylinder attached to said extendable spray bar so that it can be extended or retracted as said shearing machine reaches the end of its cut so that said extendable portion is not damaged when the shearing machine reaches the end of its cut. The extendable portion includes spray heads and a curtain for dust control purposes.