This document discusses methods for preventing and controlling spontaneous combustion of coal seams. It begins by defining spontaneous combustion as the self-heating of coal or other carbonaceous matter resulting in ignition without external heat. Factors that can lead to spontaneous combustion include the rank, temperature, and available air of the coal as well as geological and mining conditions. Early symptoms include a faint haze and odors, while later stages produce stronger odors. Detection methods include indirect monitoring of gases like radon and direct measurement of temperature and gases. Control methods include using chemical extinguishers, applying water, infusing inert materials, sealing fires, and adjusting ventilation. Advancements in technology are still needed to better apply these prevention and control techniques.

1. PRESENTED BY :-
OM PRAKASH RAJAK
17MT002263
M.TECH. – I (SEM.)
ESE DEPARTMENT
IIT (ISM) DHANBAD
Method for prevention and control of spontaneous
combustion of coal seam and its application in mining
field

2. INTRODUCTION
• Spontaneous combustion of coal or other carbonaceous matter may be
defined as the process of “self heating” resulting eventually in its ignition
without the application of external heat.
• Mainly CO, CO2 and water vapour along with evolution of heat during the
chemical reaction. The process takes place at normal temperature but it is
slow and the heat evolved is not carried away by the air unless the latter is
stagnant.
What is Spontaneous combustion ?

4. How Spontaneous combustion leads to fire ?
Oxidation of coal (fuel) and
hence production of heat
If heat not dissipated,
temperature of coal
increases
Fire

5. • Coal (fuel) + O2  Coal - O2 complex  Oxidised coal
+ CO, O2, H2O
+Heat

6. • Auto-oxidation of coal is a complex physico-chemical process accompanied
by the absorption of O2 , formation of coal-oxygen complexes and their
decomposition leading to the liberation of heat.
• The accurate mechanism of the reaction is still not well understood.
• However, scientists agree that the nature of interaction between coal and
oxygen at much low ambient temperatures is amply a physical
(adsorption) process and change into a chemisorption form.
Mechanism of Spontaneous combustion

7. A. Seam factors :-
B. Geological factors :-
Factors responsible for spontaneous combustion
1. Rank 4. Particle size
2. Temperature 5. Moisture
3. Available air 6. Sulphur etc.
1. Seam thickness 4. Depth of covers
2. Seam gradient 5. Friability etc.
3. Faulting

8. C. Mining factors :-
1. Mining methods 5. Effects of timber
2. Rate of advance 6. Heat of machines
3. Pillars condition 7. Stowing
4. Roof condition 8. Change in humidity etc.

9. A. Initial stage :-
i. Faint haze.
ii. Moisture deposition.
iii. Faint odour known as gob stink.
iv. Cricket and other small insects show increased activity and chirping.
B. Intermediate stage :- Previous symptoms are intensified and there is a
further pronounced petrol like odour indicating the
beginning of distillation of coal.
C. Last stage :- The petrol like odour changes into tarry odour, sometimes
known as “Firestink” which is also due to distillation of coal.
Symptoms of spontaneous heating in underground mines

10. Coal seam spontaneous combustion can be classified based on the influence of
spontaneous combustion on mining layer and its air leakage characters.
1. Fire caused by surface outcrop of mining coal-seam :-
Classification of spontaneous combustion (coal seam)

11. 2. Fire caused by surface outcrop of upper coal seam :-
i. Situation when spontaneous combustion in upper coal seam that will not
influence mining operation in lower coal seam.

12. ii. Situation when spontaneous combustion in upper coal seam that will influence
mining operation in lower coal seam.

13. Technical route of preventing and controlling coal seam fires in coal mining area

14. 1. Indirect detection method by detecting radon gas to determine fire
sources ( indirect geophysical prospecting ).
2. Direct detection method by detecting temperature and gases.
Detection of fires

15. 1. Using chemical extinguishers.
2. Application of water.
Methods of preventing and controlling coal seam fire

16. 3. Infusion of slurry/solid inert.
3. Gel infusion.

17. 5. Inert gas infusion.
6. Sealing of fire.

18. • Mine fire is the burnings the coal seams beneath the earth crust
which have hazardous consequences.
• The main reason behind the occurrence of mine fire is frictional
heating.
• Developed detecting devices have made detection easy.
• Many times it is successfully detected but it is the negligence of
the employees which results in severe disaster.
• Removal of oxygen through various chemicals and by the
sealing off the fire.
Conclusions

19. • Advancement in technology is required for the application of these
methods.
• Water for removal for heat.
• Removal of hot combustible or the fuel.
• Adjust the ventilation facilities.

20. • International journal of mining science and technology.
• Element of mining technology vol. 2, DJ Deshmukh
• Internet
References

21. THANK YOU