Mining Publication: Explosion Hazards of Coal Dust in the Presence of Methane

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Original creation date: June 2006

Authors: KL Cashdollar, MJ Sapko

Book Chapter - June 2006

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20030254

Ch 12 in: Kissell-FN [2006]. Handbook for Methane Control in Mining. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-127, Information Circular 9486, 2006 Jun; :147-150

Although methane explosions are dangerous, those that involve coal dust are even more so. If exploding methane disperses and ignites the coal dust that has accumulated on the mine ribs and floor, the burning coal dust immeasurably increases the strength of the explosion. Such methane-dust explosions are prevented by inerting the coal dust in a way that prevents the exploding methane from igniting it. This chapter discusses the dust hazard and how it is prevented in U.S. coal mines.

Image of publication Explosion Hazards of Coal Dust in the Presence of Methane
Book Chapter - June 2006

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20030254

Ch 12 in: Kissell-FN [2006]. Handbook for Methane Control in Mining. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-127, Information Circular 9486, 2006 Jun; :147-150


Page last reviewed: April 17, 2015
Page last updated: April 17, 2015