Mining Publication: Post-Explosion Observation of Experimental Mine and Laboratory Coal Dust Explosions
Original creation date: July 2007
The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted joint research on dust explosions by studying post-explosion dust samples. The samples were collected after full-scale explosions at the PRL Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM), and after laboratory explosions in the PRL 20-L chamber and the Fike 1 m3 chamber. The dusts studied included both high- and low-volatile bituminous coals. Low temperature ashing for 24 h at 515°C was used to measure the incombustible content of the dust before and after the explosions. The data showed that the post-explosion incombustible content was always as high as, or higher than the initial incombustible content. The MSHA alcohol coking test was used to determine the amount of coked dust in the post-explosion samples. The results showed that almost all coal dust that was suspended within the explosion flame produced significant amounts of coke. Measurements of floor dust concentrations after LLEM explosions were compared with the initial dust loadings to determine the transport distance of dust during an explosion. All these data will be useful in future forensic investigations of accidental dust explosions in coal mines, or elsewhere.
Authors: KL Cashdollar, ES Weiss, TG Montgomery, JE Going
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - July 2007
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20032561
J Loss Prev Process Ind 2007 Jul/Nov; 20(4-6):607-615
See Also
- A Centennial of Mine Explosion Prevention Research
- Coal Dust Explosibility Meter Evaluation and Recommendations for Application
- The Explosibility of Coal Dust
- How Does Limestone Rock Dust Prevent Coal Dust Explosions in Coal Mines?
- Particle Size and Surface Area Effects on Explosibility Using a 20-L Chamber
- Post-Explosion Observations of Experimental Mine and Laboratory Coal Dust Explosions
- Progress Toward Improved Engineering of Seals and Sealed Areas of Coal Mines
- Rock Dusting
- Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
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- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program