Methane gas is released from coal seams during mining, posing an explosion hazard if allowed to accumulate between its lower (5%) and upper (15%) explosive limits in air. Proper mine ventilation is needed to dilute methane concentrations and prevent explosions from sparks or flames. When methane burns or explodes, it produces carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat. Preventive measures include adequate ventilation, prohibiting smoking and open flames, monitoring methane levels, maintaining electrical equipment, and controlling methane emissions from abandoned areas and coal faces.
The basic principle of BG method is to be extract thick coal seams by drilling and blasting of roof and sides of gallery, which are driven at the bottom at the bottom of the seam at regular intervals.
Blasting gallery method is the appropriate method for the extraction of thick seam.
BLASTING OF RING HOLES PRODUCTION PER RING BLAST EXPLAINED
Room and Pillar mining method is one of the oldest existing mining methods. This system in which the mined material is extracted across a horizontal plane, creating horizontal arrays of rooms and pillars. Usually those room and pillars are uniform size. Pillars may or may not be removed after extraction.
Used for soft as well as hard rock mining and is commonly associated with coal, potash, uranium, and other industrial materials.
The basic principle of BG method is to be extract thick coal seams by drilling and blasting of roof and sides of gallery, which are driven at the bottom at the bottom of the seam at regular intervals.
Blasting gallery method is the appropriate method for the extraction of thick seam.
BLASTING OF RING HOLES PRODUCTION PER RING BLAST EXPLAINED
Room and Pillar mining method is one of the oldest existing mining methods. This system in which the mined material is extracted across a horizontal plane, creating horizontal arrays of rooms and pillars. Usually those room and pillars are uniform size. Pillars may or may not be removed after extraction.
Used for soft as well as hard rock mining and is commonly associated with coal, potash, uranium, and other industrial materials.
Its a presentation about the design aspect of open cast mine. The author believes it will surely help the mining engineering students at the beginning level.
In mining operations, blasting has become a routine work. With proper understanding of the rocks and blasting methods, the mining work can be done effectively. This module explains the rock blasting methods adopted in mining industries.
In this ppt you will get information about how to take mine air Sample near the sealed off area, what is COWARD'S DIGRAM, what is gramh's ratio, behaviour of gases in sealed off area
Its a presentation about the design aspect of open cast mine. The author believes it will surely help the mining engineering students at the beginning level.
In mining operations, blasting has become a routine work. With proper understanding of the rocks and blasting methods, the mining work can be done effectively. This module explains the rock blasting methods adopted in mining industries.
In this ppt you will get information about how to take mine air Sample near the sealed off area, what is COWARD'S DIGRAM, what is gramh's ratio, behaviour of gases in sealed off area
The presentation is about the fuels used in the Thermal Power Plants and the combustion taking place in large pulverised coal boilers. The calculations about the Air requirements for complete combustion of fuels in the boilers.
Hazardous area module- Zones, Method of Determination of Hazardous area Radiu...Aniruddha Kulkarni
The explosion properties of our fuel like gasses, vapors, combustible dusts have been studied and organized by their flammability limits and ignition temp etc in order to suitably assess the potential of an explosion and to take appropriate preventative measures to avoid an explosion.
Dangerous gas explosion accidents result in considerable amount of casualties and property damage.
Hence, an investigation on the generation of poisonous gases in gas explosions exerts important implications
for accident prevention and control and in the decision-making processes of fire rescue. Therefore, a gas
explosion piping test system is established in this paper. Experimental research on gas explosion is conducted by
selecting methane/air premixed gases with concentrations of 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%, and 15% in the gas explosive
range. This research aims to reveal the regularity of CO generation after gas explosion in pipelines.
Experimental results showed that when the gas concentration is small (< 9%), 1500–3000 ppm CO will be
produced. When the gas concentration is large (> 9%), the CO amount will reach 3000–40000 ppm. The
variation trend in CO concentration and the quantity of explosive gas are also obtained.
Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen and gives off heat. The original substance is called the fuel, and the source of oxygen is called the oxidizer. The fuel can be a solid, liquid, or gas, although for airplane propulsion the fuel is usually a liquid. The oxidizer, likewise, could be a solid, liquid, or gas.
Psychrometry & Air Conditioning: Psychrometry, psychrometry chart and various psychometric processes, comfort and industrial air conditioning, effective temperature and comfort chart, unitary and central air conditioning systems.
Physical geology, petrology—sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Basic principles of stratigraphy. Structural geology—faults, folds, joints, etc. Process of mineral formation. Classification of mineral deposits.
System, property, work and heat interactions, zeroth law, first law of thermodynamics, application of first law to closed systems and flow processes. Thermodynamic properties of fluids. Second law of thermodynamics, Carnot cycle, temperature scale, Clausis inequality, entropy increase, availability.
Introduction to soil mechanics, examples of geotechnical engineering applications. Description of assemblage and individual particles, classification, etc. Soil types.
Water resources planning: Stages in water resources planning, data collection and processing, estimation of future water demands, preliminary planning, institutional set-up, public involvement, formulation and screening of alternatives, models for water resources planning, sensitivity analysis, Environmental and social considerations: Water in environment, environmental impact of water resources projects, environmental impact of reservoirs, environmental problems in command areas.
Application of Laplace transforms for solving transient equations of electrical circuits. Initial and final value theorems. Unit step, impulse and ramp inputs. Laplace transform for shifted and singular functions.
Human resource planning and management. Selection, recruitment, training, retraining, skill development, competence development, promotion and career development, participative management, trade unions, and collective bargaining.
Engineering design process and its structure. Identification
and analysis of need, product design specifications, standards
of performance and constraints.
Searching for design concepts; morphological analysis,
brainstorming. Evaluation of design concepts for physical
reliability, economic feasibility and utility.
Detailed design; design for manufacture, assembly, shipping,
maintenance, use, and recyclability.
Design checks for clarity, simplicity, modularity and safety.
Standardization and size ranges. Reliability and robust design.
Design organisation and communication, technical reports,
drawings, presentations and models.
Saudi Arabia stands as a titan in the global energy landscape, renowned for its abundant oil and gas resources. It's the largest exporter of petroleum and holds some of the world's most significant reserves. Let's delve into the top 10 oil and gas projects shaping Saudi Arabia's energy future in 2024.
Cosmetic shop management system project report.pdfKamal Acharya
Buying new cosmetic products is difficult. It can even be scary for those who have sensitive skin and are prone to skin trouble. The information needed to alleviate this problem is on the back of each product, but it's thought to interpret those ingredient lists unless you have a background in chemistry.
Instead of buying and hoping for the best, we can use data science to help us predict which products may be good fits for us. It includes various function programs to do the above mentioned tasks.
Data file handling has been effectively used in the program.
The automated cosmetic shop management system should deal with the automation of general workflow and administration process of the shop. The main processes of the system focus on customer's request where the system is able to search the most appropriate products and deliver it to the customers. It should help the employees to quickly identify the list of cosmetic product that have reached the minimum quantity and also keep a track of expired date for each cosmetic product. It should help the employees to find the rack number in which the product is placed.It is also Faster and more efficient way.
Industrial Training at Shahjalal Fertilizer Company Limited (SFCL)MdTanvirMahtab2
This presentation is about the working procedure of Shahjalal Fertilizer Company Limited (SFCL). A Govt. owned Company of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation under Ministry of Industries.
Hybrid optimization of pumped hydro system and solar- Engr. Abdul-Azeez.pdffxintegritypublishin
Advancements in technology unveil a myriad of electrical and electronic breakthroughs geared towards efficiently harnessing limited resources to meet human energy demands. The optimization of hybrid solar PV panels and pumped hydro energy supply systems plays a pivotal role in utilizing natural resources effectively. This initiative not only benefits humanity but also fosters environmental sustainability. The study investigated the design optimization of these hybrid systems, focusing on understanding solar radiation patterns, identifying geographical influences on solar radiation, formulating a mathematical model for system optimization, and determining the optimal configuration of PV panels and pumped hydro storage. Through a comparative analysis approach and eight weeks of data collection, the study addressed key research questions related to solar radiation patterns and optimal system design. The findings highlighted regions with heightened solar radiation levels, showcasing substantial potential for power generation and emphasizing the system's efficiency. Optimizing system design significantly boosted power generation, promoted renewable energy utilization, and enhanced energy storage capacity. The study underscored the benefits of optimizing hybrid solar PV panels and pumped hydro energy supply systems for sustainable energy usage. Optimizing the design of solar PV panels and pumped hydro energy supply systems as examined across diverse climatic conditions in a developing country, not only enhances power generation but also improves the integration of renewable energy sources and boosts energy storage capacities, particularly beneficial for less economically prosperous regions. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for advancing energy research in economically viable areas. Recommendations included conducting site-specific assessments, utilizing advanced modeling tools, implementing regular maintenance protocols, and enhancing communication among system components.
About
Indigenized remote control interface card suitable for MAFI system CCR equipment. Compatible for IDM8000 CCR. Backplane mounted serial and TCP/Ethernet communication module for CCR remote access. IDM 8000 CCR remote control on serial and TCP protocol.
• Remote control: Parallel or serial interface.
• Compatible with MAFI CCR system.
• Compatible with IDM8000 CCR.
• Compatible with Backplane mount serial communication.
• Compatible with commercial and Defence aviation CCR system.
• Remote control system for accessing CCR and allied system over serial or TCP.
• Indigenized local Support/presence in India.
• Easy in configuration using DIP switches.
Technical Specifications
Indigenized remote control interface card suitable for MAFI system CCR equipment. Compatible for IDM8000 CCR. Backplane mounted serial and TCP/Ethernet communication module for CCR remote access. IDM 8000 CCR remote control on serial and TCP protocol.
Key Features
Indigenized remote control interface card suitable for MAFI system CCR equipment. Compatible for IDM8000 CCR. Backplane mounted serial and TCP/Ethernet communication module for CCR remote access. IDM 8000 CCR remote control on serial and TCP protocol.
• Remote control: Parallel or serial interface
• Compatible with MAFI CCR system
• Copatiable with IDM8000 CCR
• Compatible with Backplane mount serial communication.
• Compatible with commercial and Defence aviation CCR system.
• Remote control system for accessing CCR and allied system over serial or TCP.
• Indigenized local Support/presence in India.
Application
• Remote control: Parallel or serial interface.
• Compatible with MAFI CCR system.
• Compatible with IDM8000 CCR.
• Compatible with Backplane mount serial communication.
• Compatible with commercial and Defence aviation CCR system.
• Remote control system for accessing CCR and allied system over serial or TCP.
• Indigenized local Support/presence in India.
• Easy in configuration using DIP switches.
CW RADAR, FMCW RADAR, FMCW ALTIMETER, AND THEIR PARAMETERSveerababupersonal22
It consists of cw radar and fmcw radar ,range measurement,if amplifier and fmcw altimeterThe CW radar operates using continuous wave transmission, while the FMCW radar employs frequency-modulated continuous wave technology. Range measurement is a crucial aspect of radar systems, providing information about the distance to a target. The IF amplifier plays a key role in signal processing, amplifying intermediate frequency signals for further analysis. The FMCW altimeter utilizes frequency-modulated continuous wave technology to accurately measure altitude above a reference point.
6th International Conference on Machine Learning & Applications (CMLA 2024)ClaraZara1
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Hierarchical Digital Twin of a Naval Power SystemKerry Sado
A hierarchical digital twin of a Naval DC power system has been developed and experimentally verified. Similar to other state-of-the-art digital twins, this technology creates a digital replica of the physical system executed in real-time or faster, which can modify hardware controls. However, its advantage stems from distributing computational efforts by utilizing a hierarchical structure composed of lower-level digital twin blocks and a higher-level system digital twin. Each digital twin block is associated with a physical subsystem of the hardware and communicates with a singular system digital twin, which creates a system-level response. By extracting information from each level of the hierarchy, power system controls of the hardware were reconfigured autonomously. This hierarchical digital twin development offers several advantages over other digital twins, particularly in the field of naval power systems. The hierarchical structure allows for greater computational efficiency and scalability while the ability to autonomously reconfigure hardware controls offers increased flexibility and responsiveness. The hierarchical decomposition and models utilized were well aligned with the physical twin, as indicated by the maximum deviations between the developed digital twin hierarchy and the hardware.
Using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) for pavements is crucial to achieving sustainability. Implementing RCA for new pavement can minimize carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, reduce harmful emissions, and lower life cycle costs. Compared to natural aggregate (NA), RCA pavement has fewer comprehensive studies and sustainability assessments.
Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Construction Part III
Mine Explosions
1. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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Mine Explosions
FIREDAMP EXPLOSIONS
Methane present in coal mines is a by-product of the coalification process during which the
coal was formed from vegetable matter. It exists in the coal seam both in an adsorbed state,
adhering to the internal micropore surface of the coal matrix, and in a compressed state in the
fracture system of the seam. It is also present in the adjacent strata compressed in the fracture
system of the rock.
When the seam is mined, the equilibrium that existed in the coal seam and the surrounding
strata under the confining pressure is disturbed and the gas is liberated from both the seam
being mined and the adjacent strata, thereby posing a serious hazard unless sufficient air
quantity is circulated through the mine to dilute its concentration in the general ventilation to
less than the safe prescribed limit.
The amount of methane stored within the coal increases with the coal rank, depth of cover
over the seam, and the reservoir pressure. The volume of methane released as the coal is
being mined forms the ‘base emission’ while the emission from other sources forms the
‘secondary emission’.
Methane bums in air when ignited with a pale blue flame, but, when it is mixed with air, it
can explode on ignition. The combustion and explosion take place according to the equation
CH4 + 2(O2 + 4N2) = CO2 + 2H2O + 8N2
One volume of methane requires two volumes of oxygen or 10 volumes of atmospheric air
for its complete combustion. Theoretically, therefore, the optimum or stoichiometric mixture
is formed at 9.5 per cent methane. Methane, however, forms flammable mixtures with air
over a range of approximately 5 to 15 per cent.
If the methane content of a methane-air mixture is greater than 9.5 per cent, the oxygen
present will not be sufficient for its complete combustion and if it is less than 9.5 per cent,
oxygen or atmospheric air will be in excess.
A pure firedamp explosion does not extend over a wide area unless there has been emission
or accumulation of large quantities of methane.
Limits of flammability, flammable limits, or explosive limits
The flammable limits of methane-air mixtures are the limits of concentration of methane in
air between which a flame can be propagated throughout the mixtures. The boundary-line
mixtures with minimum and maximum concentration of methane in air, which if ignited, will
just propagate flame are known as the lower and upper flammable or explosive limits.
The lower and upper flammable limits (LFL and UFL) are approximately 5 (33 g/m3
) and 15
(100 g/m3
) respectively. Explosions at the flammable limits are rather weak and slow-
burning, while at the stoichiometric concentration, they are most violently explosive.
2. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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AMIE(I) STUDY CIRCLE(REGD.)
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The lower flammable limit of methane is found to be independent of oxygen concentration
above 20 per cent. It decreases linearly from 5 per cent to zero as the air-borne coal dust
concentration increases from zero to its lower limit of flammability.
The presence of other combustible gases like ethane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, etc., which
have, like methane, lower and upper flammable limits also reduces the lower limit which can
be determined by using the Le Chatelier relation:
31 2
1 2 3
100
.....
pp p
L l l l
where p1, p2, p3 ... are the percentages of the component gases in the mixture (p1 + p2 + p3 +
… = 100 per cent) per cent) and l1, l2, l3 ... . . their percentage lower limits.
The presence of inert gases has a damping effect on the flammability of methane-air
mixtures. Carbon dioxide is more effective than nitrogen.
Ignition point or ignition temperature
The ignition point of flammable firedamp-air mixtures is given as 650° to 750°C. The
ignition point is the minimum temperature to which a portion of the mixture must be raised in
order to initiate or cause a rapidly accelerating reaction in the whole of the accumulation with
the accompaniment of a flame. It does not refer to the temperature of the igniting source
which must obviously be at a higher temperature. It is not a definite temperature but depends
upon the nature of the source of ignition. The ignition point of pure methane in oxygen is
550°C.
A characteristic property of firedamp is that when it comes into contact with an igniting
source, the temperature of which is comparatively a little above its ignition point, a certain
time must elapse before it is ignited. This period is known as the ‘ignition lag’ or induction
time and it depends on the temperature, pressure, gas concentration and presence of other
combustible gases.
Explosion characteristics
Flame temperature The flame temperature of a flammable firedamp-air mixture is
the temperature just at the moment of its explosion. It depends on the concentration of
firedamp, uniformity of the mixture, turbulence, confinement, and heat losses. It is
maximum at the stoichiometric concentration and is less at the lower and upper
flammable limits.
Explosion pressure The explosion pressure depends on the flame temperature and
confinement. The maximum explosion pressure of a methane-air mixture (760 mm
Hg, 20°C) when ignited in a closed vessel is given as 7.2 bar(g), In mine workings,
however, the explosion pressure may exceed this value.
Flame length The length of flame increases as the gas concentration in a gas zone
increases from the lower limit of flammability to about 12 per cent, after which it
decreases; the limited data indicate that the length of the flame is directly proportional
3. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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AMIE(I) STUDY CIRCLE(REGD.)
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to the volume of the zone and, for a given roadway cross-section, the total flame
length is four-and-a-half times the length of the gas zone for 9.5 per cent mixtures and
five times the length for 12 per cent mixtures.
Velocity of propagation of flame or flame velocity The velocity of propagation of a
firedamp explosion flame is very small.
Estimation of hazard due to firedamp in mines
The hazard posed by firedamp to mine safety may be estimated by:
determining the gas emission indices or rates in return air currents (m3
CH4/t and of
r.o.m or saleable output) in coal mines;
determining the concentration of methane at working faces; and
the number, type and size of firedamp accumulations.
The gas emission index or emission rate is determined by using the formula
4
60 24 14.4
100
air air
CH
c x x xQ c x xQ
q
xO x K O x K
where c = methane content in return air current (Vol. %)
Qair = return air current quantity (m3/min)
O = mined or saleable output (t/d)
K= a factor given by the ratio (max conc. of methane on any day in a week/average
concentration of methane in the week)
It varies between 1 and 2, depending on the degree of mechanization; for mechanized faces,
K lies between 1.5 and 2.
On the basis of the gas emission index, coal mines in different countries have been classified
into degrees/categories of gassiness.
Indian Classification
Degree of gassiness Gas emission index (m3
CH4/t output)
I < 1
II 1 - 10
III > 10
Causes of firedamp explosions
The greatest number of firedamp explosions occur in active mine workings in face areas and
headings. The various causes of firedamp explosions in mines may be grouped under the
following headings:
Negligence of miners
Use of damaged safety lamps and their improper handling
4. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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Blasting
Mine fires
Friction
Electric sparks
Other special causes
Negligence of miners
Smoking, starting fires or opening of flame safety lamps on the part of miners had in the past
resulted in firedamp ignitions.
Blasting
Blasting in coal and roadhead rippings and drifts represented a dangerous source of ignition
of firedamp in the past.
Mine fires
Mine fires can easily bring about ignition of flammable firedamp-air mixtures in contact with
them. When fighting a fire in a gassy mine, care should be taken to prevent firedamp content
of mine air from rising to flammable proportions.
Friction
Frictional heating and frictional sparks can, under certain circumstances, ignite flammable
firedamp-air mixtures. Frictional ignition in mines may take place due to: (a) friction between
metal and metal, (b) friction between metal (especially steel) and rock, and (c) friction
between rock and rock.
Frictional heating are seldom the cause of ignition of flammable firedamp-air mixtures.
Electric sparks
The electrification of coal mines has introduced into the mines an ever-present source of
ignition - electric sparks igniting not only combustible materials but also flammable
firedamp-air mixtures. Sparks may be produced from switchgear, damaged cables, signalling
apparatus, and faulty electrical equipment. Although electric sparks usually have a much
higher temperature than ordinary flames, it may happen that a spark has a very short life and
its electrical energy is not sufficient to cause ignition of the mixture in that time. The
minimum energy of a spark causing ignition of a flammable firedamp mixture varies with
methane concentration, humidity, oxygen content of the atmosphere, temperature, pressure
and turbulence.
Prevention of firedamp explosions
Measures against accumulation of dangerous firedamp mixtures in mine workings from
the beginning (Ventilation specific)
5. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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The most effective method of preventing firedamp explosions in mines is by providing
adequate ventilation which will dilute the firedamp, besides other harmful gases, to well
below limits that may be prescribed for different mine workings and carry it away to the
surface. Frequent sampling of mine air for methane at several points in the mine is, therefore,
an important measure for prevention of firedamp explosions.
The following important points should be borne in mind:
The mine should be mechanically ventilated by the exhaust ventilation method.
The mine equivalent orifice should be as large as possible (> 2 m2
)
The ventilation of mine workings greater than 3 m in length should not be done by
diffusion alone.
The ventilation of development headings should be done by utilizing the mine
ventilating pressure as far as practicable. Air which has passed through any
abandoned area which is inaccessible or unsafe for inspection should not be used to
ventilate any active workings in a mine.
Ventilation doors should be correctly located and kept closed except when men,
equipment and trains are passing through them. They should always be in good repair
and be self-closing.
The mine ventilation system should be planned so that simple, effective, and reliable
ventilation of all workings is assured. Where multiple main fans are used, the
ventilation system should be so arranged that no adverse air reversal will occur in the
event of failure or stoppage of any fan or fans.
Seams should be extracted, as a rule, from top downwards to decrease the methane
levels in the lower seams.
The method of extraction should be selected so that it guarantees an easy and safe
ventilation of the faces by air dilution with adequate velocities at the face and at the
waste edge. In high-capacity longwall faces with strong methane emissions and high
ventilating air requirements, faces laid with W-ventilation system will enable larger
air quantities to flow through them besides providing a middle gate for drilling
additional methane drainage holes.
A particularly high standard of unit ventilation by separate ventilation splits should be
maintained in each mechanized mining section and in districts/panels liable to gas
outbursts.
In bord and pillar and longwall retreating panels in very gassy seams worked with
caving, the firedamp content in the goaves behind the active faces must be controlled
by in-mine local or central drainage of goaves or drainage through surface ventilation
boreholes.
6. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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Mining with backfilling or solid stowing of the waste/goaf, especially hydraulic
filling, prevents formation of methane reservoirs in goaves.
Horizontal methane drainage holes drilled into a seam in advance of a panel must be
sealed before they are intercepted during extraction of the panel to prevent methane
from being discharged forming flammable methane mixtures.
Air currents and methane emission should be checked by systematic measurement of
air quantities and their methane concentration. If, at any time, the air at any working
place contains a methane accumulation, changes or adjustments in ventilation should
be made at once so that such air contains less than the prescribed value.
For judging the possibility of formation of methane layering, the Middendorf formula
may be used to calculate the ‘layering index’:
2
3
24
index
v
S
c F
where v is the mean velocity (m/s); c is the mean methane content of air current (%
CH4); F is the area of the cross-section of the airway at the measuring station (m2
).
If Sindex < 2 , there is probable danger of methane layering
Sindex > 2, there is no danger of methane layering.
A correction factor must be used for the rising inclination and change in the cross-
sectional area of the airway.
Measures against ignition of flammable firedamp mixtures (Electricity specific)
The various preventive measures to be taken against ignition of flammable firedamp mixtures
in mines are:
All persons should be prohibited from carrying smoking articles (pipes, cigars,
cigarettes, tobacco other than chewing tobacco or snuff), matches or other spark- or
flame-making devices into the workings.
All coal mines should be treated as safety-lamp mines as a number of explosions in
the past had occurred in the so-called naked-light mines. In short-life naked-lamp
mines where naked lights are to be retained, special attentions should be paid to
ventilation, gas-testing, and to precautions against coal dust.
If, in a district or part of a mine, electrically-operated equipment is not required for
immediate use and men are not working there, power should be cut off in that district
or part of the mine. Tests for methane should be made immediately before the
equipment is energized.
Trailing cables which are vulnerable to damage should be suspended from hangers,
specially provided for the purpose, and, if they are present in the face area, should be
suitably protected against damage from any cause.
7. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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To prevent ignition from electrostatic charges, all ventilation ducting should be
earthed and only antistatic polythene sheeting, hoses, and belts used.
A reliable methane monitor or cut-out that will automatically cut off power supply to
the electrical equipment when the methane concentration reaches the prescribed
maximum percentage may be installed in endangered mine workings.
A methane monitor should be installed, when available, on any electric face-cutting
equipment, continuous miner, longwall face equipment, and loading equipment to
automatically de-energize equipment or give a warning automatically when the
concentration of methane reaches the maximum prescribed limit. The methane
monitors shall be properly maintained to keep them operative and checked at regular
intervals for operating accuracy.
When a main fan is stopped for any reason, electrical power should be immediately
cut off in return airways. After the fan has been restarted, the power shall not be
switched on unless normal ventilation and safe conditions have been restored.
In places where auxiliary fans are used, the auxiliary fans should not be operated
during stoppage of normal mine ventilation. Accumulations of methane should be
removed after restoration of normal mine ventilation before the fans are operated. In a
place ventilated with an auxiliary fan, if the auxiliary fan is stopped or fails, electrical
equipment operating in the place should be stopped and the power disconnected at the
power source until the ventilation is restored. The auxiliary fan should be maintained
so that the impeller does not strike the casing.
Changes in ventilation affecting the main air current or any split thereof should be
made only when the mine is idle. The power supply should be cut off from the
affected area before changes are made.
A flameproof enclosure is used for electrical apparatus at higher voltage exceeding
25 volts. A flameproof enclosure is not gas tight, but it is so designed and constructed
that during its normal operation, even if a gas explosion takes place inside the
apparatus, the cover withstands such explosion and the hot gases coming out from the
rough-machined flanges of the cover are sufficiently cooled so that they do not ignite
gas-air mixture outside the apparatus because of lag on ignition. An intrinsically safe
apparatus is one which is so constructed that during its use, the spark produced by it is
not of such high temperature as to cause ignition of gas. This construction is possible
with apparatus operated by voltage upto 25 volts. Signalling bells, telephones,
exploders and relays are of intrinsically safe construction.
If the gas emission is very high, as may sometimes occur in very deep mines, it is a safe
practice to substitute electric power by compressed air, or to arrange for methane drainage.
This has already been elaborated in the earlier chapters.
8. MINE VENTILATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
MINE EXPLOSIONS
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COAL DUST EXPLOSIONS
A coal-dust or any industrial dust explosion is a sudden combustion process of great intensity
characterized by mechanical destructive effects through pressure and heat. For an ignition to
take place, the combustible dust must be present in the form of a thick cloud having a definite
mixing ratio with oxygen, and a source of ignition of sufficient intensity in the form of flame
must be present to initiate a combustion wave.
Comparison of coal dust and firedamp
Coal dust and firedamp have many common properties besides their characteristic features:
Both have lower and upper limits of flammability. Explosions of limit mixtures are
weak.
The ignition temperature of firedamp is 650° to 750°C while that of dry airborne dust
is 600° to 900°C.
The heats of combustion and explosion temperatures are nearly the same.
The flammability of firedamp is generally the same throughout the mine. On the other
hand, the ignition and flammability of dust in mine workings vary greatly, depending
on fineness, volatile matter, ash, moisture, etc.
The propagation of firedamp explosions takes place due to conduction of heat. With
coal-dust explosions, on the other hand, radiation of intense heat by the pressure wave
as well as the explosion flame plays an important part in their propagation.
The maximum pressures developed in some dust explosions are higher than in
firedamp explosions. The rates of pressure rise are, however, generally lower than
those obtained in firedamp explosions.
Coal-dust explosions are frequently more disastrous in their effects than firedamp
explosions because of their longer duration.
With firedamp explosions, carbon monoxide is frequently found. With coal-dust
explosions, on the other hand, carbon monoxide is always found.
The ignition of a coal-dust explosion even with the strongest igniting source requires
at least 100 ms, while with a firedamp explosion only 1 to 2 ms is required.
The velocity of propagation of coal-dust explosions is generally higher than that of
firedamp explosions.
Causes of coal-dust explosions in mines
In practice, the causes that bring about ignition of flammable dust-air mixtures are very
similar to those operating in the ignition of flammable methane-air mixtures, but the
explosion hazard, in general, is rather greater as coal dust is a normal accompaniment of the
coal winning process and can be easily raised into the mine air as a dust cloud, particularly in
winter when danger of dust explosions is likely to be more when the mine air is drier. For a
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coal-dust explosion to take place in mines, two conditions must be fulfilled. The dust must be
present as a dense cloud and a source of ignition in the form of a flame must be present.
The various causes of direct ignition of a dust cloud can be classified as
naked flames
friction
electric sparks
firedamp explosions
Naked flames
A naked flame is the easiest means of igniting a dust cloud as the source of heat is of
considerable size and a larger part of the dust cloud can be heated.
Friction
Hot surfaces as a result of mechanical friction, such as overheated bearings, may ignite
surrounding explosive dusty atmospheres.
Electric sparks
Electric sparks from short-circuiting and arcing at electrical equipment or overhead trolley
wires may ignite an explosive dust-air mixture. Sparks of higher voltage and amperage are
necessary than in the case of flammable firedamp mixtures.
Static electric sparks can also ignite explosive dust-air mixtures. Fine particles of dust may
readily become electrified by friction with air or ducting through which they pass. As the
electric charge on a body resides on the surface, a dust cloud has a very large capacity. Under
suitable conditions, a discharge or sudden recombination of separated positive and negative
charges can occur which can then act as a source of ignition. With increasing humidity,
however, the electric potential falls.
Firedamp explosions
A firedamp explosion is the commonest source of initiation of a coal-dust explosion. Besides
posing the danger of such direct ignition, a firedamp explosion may raise the deposited dust
from the mine floor, sides, or roof into mine air very quickly before its flame has ceased and
then propagate as a coal-dust explosion. A very small gas explosion initiated by accidental
ignition of a small quantity of flammable firedamp mixture (approximately 0.4 m3
volume
may thus bring about a much bigger coal-dust explosion. This danger is particularly great in
long headings than on long coal faces due to the low air velocities and a lack of adequate
pressure relief except in one direction towards the entrance of the heading. An explosion in
pure coal dust may not develop when layered gas is ignited or when the gas is ignited at the
outbye end. It is significant that most firedamp explosions do not develop into coal-dust
explosions due to their failure to raise a sufficiently dense dust cloud.
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Prevention and suppression of coal-dust explosions
Measures which prevent or reduce formation and dissemination of coal dust
underground
On longwall faces, water infusion of the coal face to reduce respirable dust at low or
high water pressures where the seam and adjacent strata allow.
Wet winning of coal using wet pneumatic picks where used.
With machine-cutting by means of coal cutters, using sharp picks of a suitable type,
selecting optimal cutting and travelling speeds of the machine, using gummer and
wet-cutting; with continuous miners by using scrubbers on them.
When blasting in coal, use of stemming cartridges or ampoules of calcium chloride
powder containing 82 to 85 per cent CaCl2 and 15 to 18 per cent water of
crystallization reduces considerably the dust produced by shotfiring due to the
formation of a large number of droplets.
Thoroughly wetting the coal pile before it is manually or mechanically loaded. Using
such types of conveyors with which the dust production is minimum.
Using large-capacity mine cars.
Water spraying full and empty trains during their transit.
With rope haulages, raising the haulage ropes by correct siting of the rollers to
prevent contact with the floor containing dust.
Preventing spillage and degradation of coal during transport on haulage roads.
Restricting velocities of air currents in mine airways to less than 3 m/s if possible.
Adopting homotropal ventilation where the ventilating air travels in the same
direction as the coal to reduce dust pick-up.
Preventing dust accumulation in mine workings.
Selecting a method of coal winning with which dust production is the least. Winning
by coal ploughs produces much less dust than by shearer loaders.
Controlled caving of roof coal in very thick seams mined by the sub-level caving
method using close-fitting shields.
Consolidating the floor dust to prevent it from being raised.
Dust modelling
At the mine planning stage, for dust control in mines, predictive dust models using computers
have been developed for major contributions from both point and non-point sources taking
into account the given meteorological data over the area to predict dust impact. Appropriate
dust control options are provided. Owing to inaccurate estimate of the various variable
factors, the control options should be tested before their acceptance.
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Measures against ignition of dust accumulations
Measures against ignition of flammable firedamp mixtures;
Neutralization or consolidation of dust at working coal faces within a radius of 10 to
20 m before shotfiring by means of water or inert dust; and
Neutralization of dust in roadways by means of water, inert stone dust, and
hygroscopic salts.
Measures against explosion propagation
The protective measures which have been found in practice to arrest explosion propagation in
the coal mines so that an explosion is confined to the part of the workings in which it might
occur are:,
Generalized wetting of coal dust
Generalized stonedusting (rock dusting)
Stone dust (rockdust) barriers
Explosion stoppings
Salt zones
Water barriers
Triggered barriers
Stone Dust Barriers
Stone-dust barriers as a means of suppression of coal-dust explosions are today extensively
used in Indian and many overseas mines. A stone-dust barrier is a device which uses the
dynamic pressure of an explosion to release and disperse a mass of stone dust in the form of a
thick cloud into the path of an oncoming explosion flame, thereby smothering the flame.
Barrier design
The shelf barrier, consisting of a number of dust-laden shelves independently supported
transverse to and along the roadway in which it (the barrier) is installed, is the most practical
design, being less difficult to install and maintain. It occupies a length of 25 to 40 m of the
roadway.
Stone-dust barriers are installed in strategic areas of the mine such as roadways leading from
shafts or their pit bottoms, in all level and inclined roadways including gate roads and
development headings, and near roadway junctions.
Two designs of shelves are commonly used in mines, the German (Improved Dortmund-type)
Shelf and the Polish Shelf.
The Polish Shelf (see figure) is composed of several short planks, 10 to 15 cm wide and 35 to
50 cm long, laid alongside one another in the direction of the roadway.
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Polish Shelf
In India, only the Polish Shelf is the officially approved one.
Two types of Polish Shelves are used. The light shelf the width of which should not exceed
35 cm, has a dust loading not more than 29.8 kg/m shelf length, while the heavy shelf, the
width of which should not be less than 35 cm and not more than 50 cm, is loaded with not
more than 59.6 kg/m. The light barrier carries a total dust loading of at least 107.4 kg per
square metre of average roadway cross-section and comprises all shelves of the light type.
The intermediate barrier carries a dust loading of 195.3 kg per square metre roadway cross-
section and comprises not more than one-third of the shelves of the heavy type.
The heavy barrier carries a dust loading of at least 390.6 kg per square metre of average
roadway cross-section comprising not less than one-third of the shelves of the light type.
The distance between the adjacent shelves are:
Light shelves
min. 0.91 in max. 2.10 in
Between heavy shelves or between a heavy and a light shelf
min. 1.22 in max 2.59 in
All stone-dust barriers depend for their effective operation on the formation of a thick cloud
of stone dust by the pressure wave of a coal-dust or firedamp explosion before being passed
by the flame of the explosion. Studies and experience with explosions in experimental and
operating coal mines had shown that the force of an explosion and the time interval between
dust discharge and flame arrival at the barrier, which depend upon the design and location of
the barrier, the presence of flammable firedamp-air mixture, and the intensity of the
explosions, determine the efficacy of a stone-dust barrier. A weak explosion may not throw
the shelves off their supports. If the time interval between dust release and flame arrival is too
long, a greater part of the dust falls to the floor but if it is too short, the dust does not get
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adequately dispersed. Investigations have shown that a time interval of 0. 1 to 0.2 s is
sufficient enough to create a flame-quenching cloud.
Failure of Stone-dust barriers
In practice, stone-dust barriers may fail under any one of the following circumstances:
When the barrier itself lies in a flammable firedamp-air mixture or firedamp occurs as
a roof layer;
When flame velocities are high (exceeding about 500 m/s). as when a dust explosion
is initiated by a powerful firedamp explosion or is assisted by firedamp during its
propagation;
When the barrier is located less than 40 to 60 m or far from a face or other potential
point of ignition, so that the dynamic pressure is less than the minimum required,
which normally lies between 3 and 5 kN/m2
; and
When an explosion is initiated by a weak ignition source and sufficient dynamic
pressure is not built up.
Explosion-proof stoppings
Unlike stone-dust barriers, explosion-proof stoppings localize firedamp or coal-dust
explosions by isolating completely the area from the rest of the mine. An explosion-proof
stopping must, therefore, withstand, without being damaged, the full explosion pressure and
also bring about extinction of the explosion flame by starving it of oxygen. It is mainly used
for localizing explosions in parts of a mine in which there is less likelihood of widespread
propagation of an explosion such as development workings in coal and stone. In practice,
explosion-proof stoppings are frequently erected in sealing off fire areas where there is
danger of explosion due to firedamp or fire gases.
The stoppings may be constructed of brickwork, concrete, or timber. Wedge stoppings of
brick, concrete blocks and wood have been successfully used. Frequently, heavy single-wing
steel doors about 20 mm thick erected in a solid stopping are used. They have the advantage
that they can be closed quickly. They can also be used as ‘blasting dams’ in mine
development work in gassy mines.
Water barriers
Since the early 1960s, interest has revived in the use of passive water barriers, also called
water-trough barriers, as an alternative to stone-dust barriers for suppression of coal-dust
explosions in mines.
Water has the following advantages over stone dust:
its heat capacity is about five times that of dust;
its efficacy is not affected by underground climatic conditions; and
it is available in all mine roadways.
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A water barrier consists of a number of water-filled troughs or containers of suitable material
supported on horizontal shelves in the vicinity of the mine roof as in the case of a stone-dust
barrier. The containers shatter or burst under the action of the pressure wave or shock wave
ahead of the propagating flame of an explosion releasing and dispersing water in all
directions in the path of the explosion flame. In some countries, water barriers have become
the principal means of protection against coal-dust explosions.
FLAMMABILITY OF ATMOSPHERE IN SEALED-OFF AREAS
In gassy mines, it is important to know before attempting recovery of a sealed-off area
whether the firegases in the area would form a flammable mixture when admixed with air.
The composition of the firegases which depends, within limits, upon the development, extent,
and intensity of fire at the time of sealing as well as upon dilution through methane and
leakage air, consists in general of CO, O2, CO2, N2, and CH4.
A given mixture of firegases can be considered as consisting of combustibles, suppressors of
combustion, and oxygen. It is the combustible constituents of the firegases, notably methane,
that combined represent an explosion hazard in a fire area during its sealing or unsealing.
Coward method
Coward was the first to represent graphically the relationship between the quantitative
composition and the flammability of mixtures of methane and air. In the diagram (See
figurte) one distinguishes the following four areas:
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1. An area above the line AD in which no mixture of methane and air is possible
impossible mixtures range). The point A represents the normal air of 20.93 per cent
O2 and 79.07 per cent N2 and CO2.
2. An area to the left of the line BEF in which methane does not form any flammable
mixture with air at all (non-flammable or safe range). The line BE represents the
lower limits of flammability of methane-air mixtures.
3. An area to the right of the line CEF in which too rich methane can form flammable
mixtures when mixed with air in suitable proportions (possible flammable range). The
line CE represents the upper limits of flammability of methane air mixtures. As the
oxygen content of the mixture decreases, BE and CE approach each other and meet at,
E which is called the ‘nose flammability limit’.
4. A triangular area BEC known as the Coward triangle, in which any methane-air
mixture is flammable (flammable range). The shape of the Coward triangle does not
alter with the percentage of CH4 in the sample.
It can be seen from the diagram that no mixture that contains less than about 12.1 % oxygen
is explosive by itself.
Coward triangles for gases other than methane can also be drawn. Following figure shows the
diagram with flammability triangles for CH4, CO, and H2.
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ASSIGNMENT
Q.1. (AMIE W11, 4 marks): Calculate the maximum water pressure for an arc dam from the following data:
External radius of arc ring = 80 m
Internal radius of arc ring = 76 m
Safe compressive stress of material used = 200 N/m2
Radial thickness of arc ring = 4 m
Q.2. (AMIE S13, W13, 10 marks): What are the distinguishing differences between the coal dust and the
firedamp explosions? How do stone dust barrier help in arresting explosions in coal mines? Enumerate various
types of stone dust barriers.
Q.3. (AMIE W11, 5 marks): Explain how stone dust barriers help in handling explosions in underground coal
mines. Under what circumstances and at what locations these are installed?
Q.4. (AMIE S13, 20 marks): Write short notes on the following:
(i) Limits of explosibility of firedamp
(ii) Water gas explosion
(iii) Explosion-proof stopping
(iv) Fresh air base
Q.5. (AMIE S14, 15 marks): Write short notes on the following:
(i) Coward diagram
(ii) Bulk head door
(iii) High expansion foam plug
Q.6. (AMIE W15, 10 marks): With reference to Coward flammability diagram, what do you understand by
“nose limit”? Based on this diagram, how do you rate an atmospheric composition with 20% methane and 15%
O2.
Q.7. (AMIE W14, 10 marks): What is your interpretation for the region termed as “potentially-explosive” in a
Coward flammability diagram? A sealed-off atmosphere in a coal mine has the following composition: Normal
air: 90.0%, CH4: 7.0% and CO: 3.0%. With respect to individual gases in the presence of normal air, following
is known for CH4 and CO:
Explosive gas LEL, % UEL, %
CH4 5.0% 15.0%
CO 12.5 74.0
Comment on the explosibility status of the sealed-off atmosphere.
Q.8. (AMIE W17, 10 marks): Construct the Coward flammability diagram and classify the following samples
of “normal air and methane mixtures” in terms of their explosibility characteristics:
(i) CH4: 5% andO2: 12%
(ii) CH4: 10% and O2: 10%
(iii) CH4: 7.5% and O2: 16%
(iv) CH4: 10% and O2: 20%
Q.9. (AMIE W14, 10 marks): Identify the precautions/methodologies to be adopted for the control of fire
damp explosions in a coal mine with respect to (i) ventilation system (ii) usage of electricity.
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Q.10. (AMIE W15, 10 marks): How one can ascertain the explosibility status of a gas mixture of normal air
combined with more than one inflammable gas? Explain the approach.
Q.11. (AMIE W15, 10 marks): What is degree of gassiness of a coal seam? Explain. Outline the ventilation-
related precautions one has to take when the coal seam being mined is classified as degree III.
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