Breathe Easier - Hogg Crushed Materials
The particle technology innovator also enabled cleaner air for mineral workers
Richard Hogg’s research impacted the mining and energy industries with breakthroughs in many areas of particle technology that enabled both more efficient processing of coal and other minerals, and safer conditions for employees working with these materials. Hogg joined the Penn State faculty in 1969 in the Department of Material Preparation, which later became the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering. He served as chair of the Mineral Processing Section in the department from 1986 to 1998 and as chair of the Geo-Environmental Engineering Program from 1993 to 2000. During this time, his research into various aspects of the milling of particulate materials enabled the associated mining and energy industries to carry out mineral processing with lower energy use, faster processing time, and superior quality control.
Along with developing better mineral processing practices, Hogg also considered the connection between dust generated during mineral mining and processing and respiratory diseases. This included working with departmental colleague Raja Ramani to develop comprehensive practices to protect workers, including basic safety processes, personal protective equipment, and ventilation designed for maximum air quality. Hogg’s body of work was recognized with the Antoine M. Gaudin Award and the Arthur F. Taggart Award from the Society of Mineral Engineers and the Wilson Award for Outstanding Teaching from the College of Earth and Mineral Science. In 2012, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering.