Overviews

NIOSH Mine Fire Research in the United States (PDF, 5399 KB, 2009)
This paper presents a summary of some of the mine fire research and provides an overview of the next phase of the NIOSH mine fire research program.

Remote Mine Fire Suppression Technology (PDF, 791 KB, 2007)
This paper presents a summary of remote mine firefighting technologies used in U.S. underground coal mines and the results of completed NIOSH research in that area.

The Status of Mine Fire Research in the United States (PDF, 176 KB, 2008)
This paper presents a summary of recent research accomplishments in a program of research that is addressing mine fire prevention, detection, management and suppression. It also provides an overview of the next phase of the NIOSH mine fire research program.

Data & statistics

Analyses of Mobile Equipment Fires for All U.S. Surface and Underground Coal and Metal/Nonmetal Mining Categories, 1990-1999 (PDF, 1240 KB, 2004-01)
This report analyzes mobile equipment fires for all U.S. surface and underground coal and metal/nonmetal mining categories by state and 2 year time periods during 1990-1999.

Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Metal/Nonmetal Mining Categories, 1990-2001 (PDF, 1793 KB, 2004-11)
This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface metal/nonmetal mining categories during 1990-2001 by state and six successive 2-year time periods.

Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Underground and Surface Coal Mining Categories: 1990-1999 (PDF, 1736 KB, 2004-09)
This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface coal mining categories by state and 2-year time periods during 1990-1999.

History

A Summary of U.S. Mine Fire Research (PDF, 991 KB, 2010)
This paper will describe the progress made in mine fire safety through the history of the Bureau of Mines and NIOSH.

Software

Technology News 545 - NIOSH Updates Spontaneous Combustion Assessment Software (PDF, 344 KB, 2011)
To update the current SPONCOM software to SponCom 2.0 with a Windows-based platform, using tabs and easy-to-navigate screens for entering or selecting data.

Technology News 549 - MFIRE 3.0 - NIOSH Brings MFIRE into 21st Century (PDF, 383 KB, 2012)
NIOSH completed a major redesign of MFIRE. Its outdated programming language was replaced with an object-oriented C++ approach. The program was split into a front-end with a simple graphical-user-interface (GUI), and the MFIRE “engine” back- end, and was rewritten as a discrete event simulation library so it can be used to simulate the progress of mine fires over time, under the control of user inputs through the GUI.

SponCom - Spontaneous Combustion Assessment Software
The SponCom expert system aids in the assessment of the spontaneous combustion risk of an underground mining operation. The knowledge base for the program is based on information gathered and correlated with NIOSH's experimental studies.

Models

Modeling the Effect of Barometric Pressure Changes on Spontaneous Heating in Bleederless Longwall Panels (PDF, 125 KB, 2010)
The effect of inflow and outflow of gas on the potential spontaneous heating in the gob was investigated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model.

Simulating Spon Com (PDF, 1246 KB, 2009-08)
To reduce the fire hazard caused by spontaneous combustion in the gob, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study is being conducted by NIOSH to simulate the spontaneous heating of coal in the area.

Use of CFD Modeling to Study Inert Gas Injection into a Sealed Mine Area (PDF, 223 KB, 2010)
This paper presents an overview of a novel PSA (pressure swing adsorption) plant, the details of the gas injection tests and CFD modeling work.

Hazards

NIOSH Highlights Mine Fire Research (PDF, 153 KB, 2008-05)
NIOSH is conducting a comprehensive program of research addressing metal/nonmetal and coal mine fire prevention, detection and suppression. They include the areas of spontaneous combustion, flame cutting and welding, conveyor belt fire suppression and remote methods for addressing coal mine fires.

Accidents & emergencies

Impact of Air Velocity on the Detection of Fires in Conveyor Belt Haulageways (PDF, 245 KB, 2011)
This paper discusses the impact of ventilation airflow on alarm times of the smoke detectors and video cameras, CO levels, smoke optical densities and smoke obscuration, total smoke mass concentrations, and fire heat release rates, examining how these various parameters depend upon air velocity and air quantity, the product of air velocity, and entry cross-section.

Measurement & analysis

A 20-Liter Furnace Test Method to Determine the Combustion Gas Toxicity of Conveyor Belts (PDF, 220 KB, 1996)
Experiments were conducted with mine conveyor belt samples in a 20-L furnace and in a laboratory fire tunnel to measure and compare the major toxic gas concentrations evolved during the combustion of the materials. The toxic gas concentrations, measured simultaneously through a multiport sampling device and treated as yield values, included hydrogen chloride (HO), hydrogen cyanide (HeN), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x treated as NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO).

CFD Modeling of Fire Spread Along Combustibles in a Mine Entry (PDF, 178 KB, 2006)
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program was applied to fire spread along combustibles in a ventilated mine entry. The rate of flame spread was evaluated for the ribs and roof of a coal mine entry, timber sets, and a conveyor belt. The CFD program predicted a flame spread rate of 0.0145 m/sec for an actual coal mine fire in which the estimated flame spread rate was 0.0086 m/sec. This overestimated flame spread rate was a possible consequence of the presence of inert materials in the mine entry's roof and ribs.

CFD Modeling of Spontaneous Heating in a Large-Scale Coal Chamber (PDF, 455 KB, 2009-07)
This paper discusses a study in which a three-dimensional CFD modeling of spontaneous heating of coal, based on the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) large-scale coal chamber tests, was conducted.

CO Dispersion from a Coal Fire in a Mine Entry (PDF, 338 KB, 2006-06)
Five mine fire experiments were conducted in a 2.08-m-high, 2.90-m-wide ventilated mine entry in NIOSH's Safety Research Coal Mine to determine the effect of the dispersion of carbon monoxide (CO) on mine fire detection. The criterion that the mine fire alarms occur within 15 min of the onset of flaming combustion could not be consistently met with the 10-ppm CO alarm. This suggests the use of lower CO alarm values or reduced CO sensor spacings for mine fire protection. It is demonstrated how computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to model the CO dispersion downwind from the fire in support of a plan to optimize sensor spacings.

Coal Mine Methane: A Review of Capture and Utilization Practices with Benefits to Mining Safety and to Greenhouse Gas Reduction (PDF, 5187 KB, 2011)
This article reviews the technical aspects of CMM capture in and from coal mines, the main factors affecting CMM accumulations in underground coal mines, methods for capturing methane using boreholes, specific borehole designs for effective methane capture, aspects of removing methane from abandoned mines and from sealed/active gobs of operating mines, benefits of capturing and controlling CMM for mine safety, and benefits for energy production and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas (PDF, 599 KB, 2007)
Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the spontaneous heating of coals in longwall gob areas with different apparent activation energies and reaction surface areas. The results are reported in this paper.

The Critical Ventilation Velocity in Tunnel Fires - A Computer Simulation (PDF, 528 KB, 2005-04)
Discusses a study that used a CFD program (fire dynamics simulator) based on large eddy simulations (LES) to model floor-level fires in a ventilated tunnel. The CFD results are compared with two simple theories of critical ventilation.

Determining the Root Causes of Flame Cutting and Welding Fires in Underground U.S. Coal Mines (PDF, 166 KB, 2006-06)
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Reports of Investigation, MSHA Mine Accident Reports, and the MSHA Mining Industry Accident, Injuries, Employment, and Production Database were analyzed, and interviews and observations with mine workers and welders were conducted to determine the root causes of coal mine fires and explosions caused by flame cutting and welding operations. This paper discusses the root causes and potential means to reduce the number of fires and resulting fatalities and injuries caused by or due to flame cutting and welding.

Distributed Measurement of Conductor Temperatures in Mine Trailing Cables Using Fiber-Optic Technology (PDF, 63 KB, 1998-03)
Mine trailing cables operated above safe thermal limits can cause premature insulation failure, increasing electrocution and fire hazards. This paper describes a unique approach to measuring temperatures within reeled cable under dynamic test conditions.

Dynamic Temperature Measurement of Overheated Shuttle Car Trailing Cables in Underground Coal Mines (PDF, 220 KB, 1999)
A method is described to measure the conductor temperature of mine trailing cables during normal operation. The temperature is measured using an optical fiber located in the center of the metallic conductors.

Effect of Longwall Face Advance on Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas (PDF, 234 KB, 2010-03)
In this paper, Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling of the effect of longwall face advance on the spontaneous heating of coals in a two-panel gob area using a bleeder ventilation system is presented.

Effects of Ventilation and Gob Characteristics on Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas (PDF, 200 KB, 2008-06)
The results of field tests to understand how ventilation and gob characteristics affect the spontaneous heating process causing spontaneous combustion fires in longwall or worked-out gob areas are presented.

Evaluation of Deep-Seated Crib Block Fire Tests (PDF, 675 KB, 2008)
This paper discusses wood crib fire tests, conducted by NIOSH and MSHA, provides insight into the products of combustion and describes observations made during the application of the fire suppression agents.

Evaluation of Deep-Seated Crib Block Fires and Direct-Application Fire Suppression Agents (PDF, 838 KB, 2007)
NIOSH and MSHA are conducting research to test, evaluate, improve or modify coal mine fire-fighting strategies and methodologies through large-scale tests. Since wood is the second most abundant fuel available during a coal mine fire, it was decided that series of large-scale wood crib fire tests were needed to measure the products of combustion and to observe the capability of commonly available direct application fire suppression equipment, namely, fire extinguishers, water and gas-enhanced foam. This paper discusses the wood crib fire tests, provides insight into the products of combustion and describes observations made during the application of the fire suppression agents.

Evaluation of Mine Seals Using Ground Penetrating Radar (PDF, 1695 KB, 2005)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health used ground penetrating radar technology to determine if each of three test mine seals were uniformly constructed. The results suggest that GPR could be used as a tool to evaluate mine seal characteristics and construction uniformity.

Evaluation of Remotely Installed Mine Seals for Mine Fire Control (PDF, 124 KB, 2006)
NIOSH is conducting full-scale underground experiments at its Lake Lynn Experimental Mine to identify and remedy existing shortcomings of remote sealing technology in order to develop novel technologies and to transfer the new or improved technologies to the mining industry. This paper discusses the remote mine seal testing program and provides the results of the in-mine experiments.

Evaluation of Safety Shutoff Valve System on Methane Gas Pipelines Under Mine Fire Conditions (PDF, 994 KB, 1986)
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the integrity of the existing shutoff valves and actuators used under high-temperature conditions in the Bureau of Mines horizontal borehole methane drainage pipeline system and to determine the potential for improvement in the system. Based on the test results, it was concluded that the brass ball valve used in the Bureau methane drainage pipeline system can be retrofitted with an inexpensive fire bag to substantially increase its integrity under mine fire conditions.

Evaluation of Smoke Detectors for Use in Underground Mines (PDF, 532 KB, 2009)
This report describes experiments to determine the responses of a prototype smoke detector and a commercially available photoelectric smoke detector to smoke particles generated from various combustion sources. It describes their results, and the use of these results as they apply to early-warning fire sensors capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by either airborne dust or the products produced from diesel engines.

Experimental and Modeling Investigation of the Effect of Ventilation on Smoke Rollback in a Mine Entry (PDF, 282 KB, 2005)
Results of diesel fuel fire experiments conducted to determine the critical air velocity for preventing smoke rollback. Experimental results compared very well with model predictions based upon a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire dynamics simulator.

Experimental and Modeling Investigation of the Effect of Ventilation on Smoke Rollback in a Mine Entry (PDF, 362 KB, 2006)
Results of diesel fuel fire experiments conducted to determine the critical air velocity for preventing smoke rollback. Experimental results compared very well with model predictions based upon a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire dynamics simulator.

Experimental Study of Flame Spread on Conveyor Belts in a Small-scale Tunnel (PDF, 377 KB, 2007)
This paper presents experimental results for conveyor belt flame spread from tests conducted in a small-scale tunnel. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of belt type, ventilation velocity, belt surface-to-roof distance and ignition source power on the flame spread properties.

Fire Detection for Conveyor Belt Entries (PDF, 1319 KB, 1991)
This report details the results of a series of large-scale experiments where small coal fires were used to ignite the conveyor belt at air velocities ranging from 0.76 to 6.1 M/s. Temperature, CO, and smoke levels were continuously measured to determine alarm time and level as the fire intensity progressed through the stages of smoldering coal, flaming coal, and flaming coal plus flaming belt. Analysis of the data leads to certain conditions of air velocity and sensor alarm levels that are required for early detection of conveyor belt entry fires.

Fire-Generated Smoke Rollback Through Crosscut from Return to Intake - Experimental and CFD Study (PDF, 1589 KB, 2006-06)
Two mine fire experiments were conducted in the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory's Safety Research Coal Mine that demonstrated that smoke from diesel-fuel fires of 500- and 660-kW heat-release rates in a return airway can develop, without causing a complete airflow reversal, into a roof layer that can migrate upwind, forming a counterflow to the primary airflow in a crosscut. Subsequently, smoke can penetrate into an intake airway and create a hazardous atmosphere in the intake airway upwind from the fire.

Flammability of Noise Abatement Materials Used in Cabs of Mobile Mining Equipment (PDF, 626 KB, 2003)
Describes the flammability tests conducted on 15 to 20 different noise abatement materials of various chemical compositions and thickness.

Ignition of Hydraulic Fluid Sprays by Open Flames and Hot Surfaces (PDF, 188 KB, 2006)
A study of the ignition of non-fire-resistant hydraulic fluid sprays was conducted by NIOSH. Both an open flame and a hot steel surface were used as the external heat sources.

An Inexpensive Dual-Chamber Particle Monitor: Laboratory Characterization (PDF, 1986 KB, 2006)
Recent advances in technology have enabled the development of a small, portable, data-logging particle monitor modified from commercial smoke alarm technology that can meet the needs of surveys in the developing world at reasonable cost. There is significant potential for this monitor to facilitate the evaluation of interventions (improved fuels, stoves, and ventilation) on indoor air pollution levels.

Mine Fires - Measuring the Efficacy of Gas-Enhanced Foam (PDF, 336 KB, 2006)
NIOSH conducted research with US Foam Technologies, Inc., and On Site Gas Systems, Inc., on the remote application of extinguishing agents with the intent of improving deployment strategies to limit miner exposure and to help ensure the best possible outcome during a mine fire.

Numerical Study on Effects of Coal Properties on Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas (PDF, 1141 KB, 2008)
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to model effects of coal properties on the potential for spontaneous heating in longwall gob (mined-out) areas.

Numerical Study on Spontaneous Combustion of Coal in U.S. Longwall Gob Areas (PDF, 159 KB, 2009)
In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling results for both bleeder and bleederless ventilation systems are presented and the difference between two systems is discussed.

Ranking Factors Impacting Survival During Coal Mine Fires (PDF, 675 KB, 1993)
This study ranks the factors impacting survival during a coal mine fire. These authors found that a combination of actions was most effective. This combination was: installing lifelines; moderately decreasing air leakage; and decreasing the fire growth rate.

Simulation of Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Area with a Bleederless Ventilation System (PDF, 450 KB, 2008-08)
To provide insights for the optimization of bleederless ventilation systems for U.S. underground coal mines, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to model the spontaneous heating in longwall gob areas using a bleederless ventilation system.

Smoke Reversal Interaction with Diagonal Airway - Its Elusive Character (PDF, 522 KB, 2006)
The reversal of smoke products-of-combustion from a mine fire was determined in a mine section with the airway connectivity of an electrical Wheatstone bridge. Four diesel-fuel fire experiments with fire heat-release rates between 504 and 771 kW were conducted in NIOSH's Safety Research Coal Mine. Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the smoke movement agreed with the measurements.

Summary of Combustion Products from Mine Materials: Their Relevance to Mine Fire Detection (PDF, 1052 KB, 1990)
The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the product-of-combustion (POC) characteristics of combustible materials used in typical coal mining operations in a series of experiments conducted in an intermediate-scale fire tunnel. The materials examined include wood cribs, transformer fluid, coal, conveyor belting, brattice cloth, and ventilation ducting. POC levels will vary not only between materials but also between stages of combustion and the conditions in which they are burning. This report summarizes the POC characteristics of each material and evaluates their effectiveness for early warning mine fire detection.

Understanding Mine Fire Disasters by Determining the Characteristics of Deep-Seated Fires (PDF, 726 KB, 2009)
This paper describes the fire tests, provides insight into characteristics of flame spread, and presents the CFD modeling work results of tests to help determine the characteristics for deep-seated fires.

Case studies

Use of Rocsil® Foam to Remotely Construct Mine Seals (PDF, 478 KB, 2008)
This paper presents an overview of remote mine sealing technology, introduces the use of Rocsil® foam for remote mine seal installations, offers a case study of the use of this rigid foam material to remotely construct a temporary in-mine seal and discusses technology improvements.

Engineering controls

Application of Gas-Enhanced Foam at the Excel No. 3 Mine Fire (PDF, 1881 KB, 2005)
This paper presents a discussion of the firefighting approach at the Excel No. 3 Mine and an analysis of the results of the application of gas-enhanced foam technology.

CO and CO2 Emissions from Spontaneous Heating of Coal Under Different Ventilation Rates (PDF, 414 KB, 2011)
In this study, CO and CO2 emissions from spontaneous heating of a U.S. coal sample were evaluated in an isothermal oven under different airflow ventilation rates ranging from 100 to 500 cm3/min. Laboratory experiments were conducted at oven temperatures of 70, 90, and 100 °C. The temperature at the center of the coal sample was continually monitored, while the CO, CO2, and oxygen (O2) concentrations of the exit gas were continually measured.

Coal Mine Inertisation By Remote Application (PDF, 941 KB, 2005-06)
The focus of this paper is the use of a GAG 3A jet engine system to either combat large out-of-control fires or render an entire mine inert when access to problem areas is difficult or impossible.

Comparative In-Mine Evaluation of Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors (PDF, 1000 KB, 1996)
An evaluation of the comparative responses of five types of commercially available smoke detectors and a diffusion-mode CO detector under normal and reduced airflow conditions.

A Comparison of Mine Fire Sensors (PDF, 505 KB, 1995)
A report on research to determine the alarm times of smoke and carbon monoxide sensors and a point type heat sensor to slowly developing coal-conveyor belt fires.

Effect of Air Velocity on Conveyor Belt Fire Suppression Systems (PDF, 463 KB, 2009)
Four different types of fire suppression systems were evaluated to study the effect of air velocity on the effectiveness to extinguish conveyor belt fires. Details are presented on the large-scale fire test set-up, arrangement of the fire suppression systems, and conclusions regarding the influence of air velocity on fire suppression system design and performance.

The Effect of Ventilation on Spontaneous Heating of Coal (PDF, 925 KB, 2011)
Ventilation plays an important role in the spontaneous heating of coal in an underground coal mine. If the ventilation rate is too high, heat is carried away by convection. If the ventilation rate is too low, the reaction rate becomes oxygen-limited. Spontaneous heating tests were then conducted at various ventilation rates at the critical ambient temperature and the results were compared with spontaneous heating tests without ventilation. It was found that there is an optimum ventilation flow to produce the maximum rate of temperature rise at the critical ambient temperature. When the coal sample particle size was increased, a higher critical ambient temperature was required. The results in this study have application in the prevention of spontaneous combustion in underground coal mines.

Effectiveness of Various Concentrations of an Inert Gas Mixture for Preventing and Suppressing Mining Equipment Cab Fires: Development of a Dual-Cab Fire Inerting System (PDF, 558 KB, 2007)
NIOSH conducted a series of large-scale experiments to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various concentrations of an inert gas mixture for preventing and suppressing cab fires. This has led to the choice of an optimum gas mixture concentration, discharged in the cab through a muffled nozzle system, for the development of a dual cab fire inerting system. Safety training programs need to accompany this technology. It is important to provide the operator not only with an engine fire suppression system but also with a cab fire protection system, effective both in preventing the ignition of flammable vapors in the cab and suppressing cab material fires.

The Effects of Ventilation and Preburn Time on Water Mist Extinguishing of Diesel Fuel Pool Fires (http://jfs.sagepub.com/content/22/5/379.full.pdf) (PDF, 207 KB, 2004-09)
Reports on the evaluation of water mist for the suppression of underground mine fires, such as fires in diesel fuel storage areas.

Evaluation of a Novel Fire Blocking Gel to Prevent and Suppress Mine Fires (PDF, 325 KB, 2012)
This paper describes tests conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel.

Evaluation of Gas-Enhanced Foam for Suppressing Coal Mine Fires (PDF, 968 KB, 2005)
Improvements in remote firefighting technology are needed to reduce miner exposure to the dangers of fires and possibly save the lives of those who may become trapped. NIOSH, in cooperation with U.S. Foam Technologies, Inc., conducted a series of experiments at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Experimental Mine to study the stability, transport, control, and fire extinguishing effectiveness of nitrogen-enhanced foam technology. This paper describes the mine test configurations and experimental results.

Evaluation of Smoke Detectors for Mining Use (PDF, 235 KB, 1995)
Six smoke detectors were measured with respect to visually obscuring smoke characterized by a corresponding optical density for smoldering and flaming coal combustion in a smoke chamber. The responsive characteristics of the detectors evaluated with respect to known smoke conditions in the smoke chamber shows their potential for use as mine fire sensors or part of a mine atmospheric monitoring system to improve mine safety.

Flammability of Wider Conveyor Belts Using Large-scale Fire Tests (PDF, 325 KB, 2012)
This paper describes the results of recent experiments comparing results from using the BELT and the large-scale tests for six different belts.

Gel Sealants for the Mitigation of Spontaneous Heatings in Coal Mines (PDF, 2950 KB, 1995)
Reports on a USBM study of three gel sealant systems used to minimize air ingress to areas in the mine that can undergo self-heatings and specifically mines that sustain both floor heave and self-heatings.

Improvements in Conveyor Belt Fire Suppression Systems for U.S. Coal Mines (PDF, 181 KB, 2010)
Full scale fire suppression experiments were conducted by NIOSH and this report discusses the large scale experimental configuration, the installation specifications of the fire suppression system, and the results and conclusions regarding the effect of air velocity, sprinkler activation temperature, and limited water application on the suppression system performance.

In Mine Evaluation of Discriminating Mine Fire Sensors (PDF, 322 KB, 2002)
An evaluation of multiple mine fire sensor types for nuisance alarm discrimination. The response of multiple fire sensor types to three small coal fires and three small conveyor belt fires in the presence of diesel emissions was evaluated.

In-Mine Evaluation of Smart Mine Fire Sensor (PDF, 473 KB, 2008)
This paper describes the in-mine evaluation of a smart mine fire sensor system and discusses recommendations for improving the system.

In-Mine Study of High-Expansion Firefighting Foam (PDF, 4860 KB, 2011)
This paper describes the production of high-expansion firefighting foam and discusses the in-mine experimental tests and results.

Laboratory Evaluation of Smoke Detectors for Use in Underground Mines (PDF, 299 KB, 2009-04)
This report describes experiments, their results, and the use of these results as they apply to early-warning fire sensors capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by either airborne dust or the products produced from diesel engines.

Multiple Type Discriminating Mine Fire Sensors (PDF, 333 KB, 2003)
Researchers determined that a selection of different types of fire sensors could be used to discriminate mine fires from nuisance emissions produced by diesel equipment. A neural network (NN) was developed for application to coal, wood, and conveyor belt fires in the presence of diesel emissions and was evaluated with the successful prediction of 22 out of 23 mine fires based on a fire probability determination. The optimum sensor selection for the NN was composed of a carbon monoxide sensor, two types of metal oxide semiconductor sensors, and an optical-path smoke sensor.

Neural Network Application to Mine-Fire Diesel-Exhaust Discrimination (PDF, 291 KB, 2002-10)
Results of experiments to train a neural network to detect coal and styrene-butadiene-rubber conveyor belting fires. Six of the seven experiments were conducted in the presence of diesel exhaust.

Rapid Detection and Suppression of Mining Equipment Cab Fires (PDF, 557 KB, 2010-04)
This paper discusses a series of large-scale experiments conducted by NIOSH to evaluate the effectiveness of optical flame detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors, and combined ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors for rapidly detecting mining equipment cab fires.

Real-time Neural Network Application to Mine Fire - Nuisance Emissions Discrimination (PDF, 170 KB, 2004-05)
Discusses implementation of a real-time neural network which can discriminate mine fires from nuisance diesel emissions as part of an atmospheric mine monitoring system in NIOSH's Safety Research Coal Mine.

Reduction of Fire Hazards on Large Mining Equipment (PDF, 431 KB, 2008-09)
This paper describes NIOSH research on methods to reduce the fire hazards associated with large mining equipment, including the use of cab inerting systems to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors inside the cab and suppress fires originating in the cab.

Remotely Installed Mine Seals for Mine Fire Control (PDF, 1094 KB, 2006-03)
NIOSH is conducting full-scale tests at its Lake Lynn Experimental Mine to evaluate and improve remote mine seal construction technology. The main focus of this work is to develop reliable technology that will completely close the mine opening from floor to roof and from rib to rib. This paper presents the results of remote seal installations using grout-based materials.

The Use of Nitrogen-Enhanced Foam at the Pinnacle Mine Fire (PDF, 892 KB, 2005)
This paper evaluates the effectiveness of remotely applied nitrogen-enhanced foam to aid in efforts to isolate and suppress a mine fire.

Ventilation Breakthrough (PDF, 291 KB, 2009-05)
Rigorous testing has yielded impressive results for a portable, inflatable ventilation stopping mines can use in heating events, longwall moves and stopping construction.

Administrative controls

Effects of Obstructions, Sample Size and Sample Rate on Ultrasonic Anemometer Measurements Underground (PDF, 1795 KB, 2012)
This paper provides information about the effect of common obstructions in underground mining on air velocity readings.

Finding the Effect of Ventilation on Conveyor Belt Fire Suppression Systems (PDF, 51 KB, 2009-05)
Four different types of fire suppression systems were tested under two air velocity conditions, and two water-based fire suppression systems were able to suppress the fire under the test conditions.

Training exercises

Focus on Prevention: Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment

Videos

Recovery of Farmington #9: An Interview with Danny Kuhn
This video is designed to acquaint mine rescue personnel with certain aspects of rescue work that are not traditionally taught - the strain caused by continual work under adverse conditions; the problem of "survivor guilt" - being spared the fate of one's deceased buddies; and the possibility that post-traumatic stress can occur during the sometimes lengthy task of body recovery.

You Are My Sunshine
This video tells the story of the Sunshine Mine Disaster of 1972 through the eyes of 27 people who lived through it. The video explores what happened, what went wrong, and what were the lessons learned. The Sunshine Fire was the catalyst for the Metal/Nonmetal Health and Safety Act of 1977, which put in place the metal/nonmetal regulations that currently exist in this country.

Escape from Mine Fires
This videotape deals with the experiences of two miners in escaping an underground coal mine fire in 1988. It illustrates the importance of knowing effective self-rescue and escape procedures.

Facilities

Fire Gallery
Evaluating the fire hazards of mine materials; fire fighting.

Fire Suppression Facility
A large-scale, state-of-the-art fire test facility.

Mine Fire Preparedness Facility
Evaluating technology and methods for fire suppression and conducting firefighting training.