Mining Contract: Evaluation of Active Suppression Systems for Underground Coal Mines
Contract # | 200-2017-95256 |
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Start Date | 8/31/2017 |
End Date | 11/30/2019 |
Research Concept |
Evaluating existing technologies could lead to the creation of an effective active explosion barrier system for underground coal mines. |
Contract Status & Impact
This contract is complete. To receive a copy of the final report, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.
Since 2000, 59 miners have lost their lives to explosions in underground coal mines in the U.S. These deaths occurred despite strategies, standards, and regulatory oversight.
Researchers and the industry are interested in preventing and suppressing explosions in coal mines. One way to do that could be by implementing barrier systems within mines to strategically suppress the propagation of any explosion.
The contractor will determine effective locations for active barrier system placement and a standardized testing procedure will be developed to determine acceptable explosion suppressant types, triggering mechanisms, and dispensing units. The procedure will include a scaled-model testing system to simulate methane/coal dust explosions in an underground mine.
- Development and Application of Reservoir Models and Artificial Neural Networks for Optimizing Ventilation Air Requirements in Development Mining of Coal Seams
- NIOSH Mine Fire Research in the United States
- Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
- Remote Methane Sensors
- Safe and Economical Inerting of Sealed Mine Areas
- The Status of Mine Fire Research in the United States
- Technical Solutions for Enhancements to Mine Safety Using Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel
- Ultra-Low Frequency Through-the-Earth Communication Technology
- Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System