Coal Mine Explosion Prevention

What causes a coal mine explosion?

Coal dust explosion blast wave exiting mine portal
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There are two main types of coal mine explosions: methane explosions and coal dust explosions. Methane explosions occur in mines when a buildup of methane gas comes into contact with a heat source, and there is not enough air to dilute the gas to levels below its explosion point. Likewise, fine particles of coal dust in the right concentration that come into contact with a source of heat can also be explosive. Hybrid explosions consisting of a combination of methane and coal dust can also occur.

Where does the methane in a coal mine come from?

Methane is formed as a byproduct of the coal formation. The methane that is adsorbed in the coal is released as the coal is mined or it migrates from surrounding sources above or below the coal seam through fractures created by the coal extraction process.

How is methane detected and controlled?

Large fans are used to circulate air in mines to provide ventilation to the working areas. These fans are operated to dilute the methane to well below explosive levels (5-15%). Monitors are installed on mining machines which deactivate the machine when the methane concentration reaches 1%. Mines with excessive methane can remove the gas prior to mining by drilling drainage holes.

What is done to suppress face ignitions?

A common cause of methane face ignitions is the spark or hot streak created when cutting roof or floor rock with the mining machine. These frictional ignitions can be prevented by applying directed water sprays behind the cutting bit to cool and limit the size of the hot streak.

How is methane controlled from mined-out areas?

Coal mines generally have active mining zones and areas that were previously mined. These mined-out areas can be abandoned areas that are no longer ventilated and are separated from the active mining areas by explosion-resistant structures called seals. Seals are designed to contain an explosion within the abandoned area. Longwall mining is an example in which an “active” mined-out area called a “gob” is created behind the advancing panel extraction. This gob area becomes a reservoir for methane gas to collect, and may be difficult to fully ventilate because the overburden has collapsed and filled this area full of broken rock fragments. In this case, ventilation of the working face is critical to restrict the migration of methane from the gob and dilute that which escapes into the working area.

Why do coal dust explosions tend to be more extensive than methane explosions?

Methane is more readily ignitable than coal dust. In most cases, dust explosions are first initiated by methane explosions. The pressure wave or wind forces created by a small methane explosion can scour the mine entry, blowing coal dust up into the air. Once this dust is ignited, a chain reaction effect can occur and flame propagation can continue to spread over long distances consuming available fuel and oxygen and generating large volumes of toxic gases. Under constricting conditions such as blockage or restriction of the airway, both methane and coal dust explosions have the potential to accelerate and transition into the most severe situation, called a detonation.

What is done to prevent coal dust explosions?

Underground coal mining produces finely divided coal dust that deposits throughout an underground coal mine and serves as a source of combustible material for coal dust explosions. Limestone powder, known as rock dust, is spread throughout the mine workings on a regular basis. This rock dust serves to inert the coal dust when applied in the proper proportion. When explosions do occur, the dispersed limestone powder absorbs the heat generated from the explosion and will either stop the chain reaction or reduce the intensity of the explosion. It is critical that this inertization practice of rock dusting be consistent with the mining process. Even a thin layer of additional coal dust deposited on a previously rock dusted area can restore the explosive condition.

Want to find out more about the NIOSH research to prevent coal mine explosions?

Prevention of coal mine explosions requires a suite of control strategies, including sustaining a properly designed ventilation system, adequate sealing of abandoned areas, aggressive and frequent monitoring of methane, reduction of coal dust accumulations, and control of potential ignition sources through electrical safety and the use of permissible equipment. NIOSH continues to conduct research to address these areas to develop more effective intervention measures and provide the science to guide recommendations for implementation of these measures and related policy decisions.