Mine Fire Diagnostics in Abandoned Bituminous Coal Mines

Details

• Personal Author:
  Chaiken, Robert F. ; Dalverny, Louis E. ; Kim, Ann G.
• Description:
  The U.S. Bureau of Mines is developing a mine fire diagnostic methodology to locate and monitor fires in abandoned coal mines and waste banks. The method assumes that (1) measurable changes in the emission of low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons from coal are directly temperature dependent, and (2) analysis of controlled underground airflow between borehole sampling points can determine the source of the hydrocarbons. A hydrocarbon ratio, R1, a signature for heated coal, is related to the relative concentrations of methane and total hydrocarbons (methane through pentane). An exhaust fan attached to a borehole creates underground pressure gradients that control the movement of gases past a network of borehole sampling points. Changes in R1 value are correlated with the assumed direction of gasflow between borehole pairs. Multiple tests with different orientations allow spatial definition of both heated and cold subsurface zones. The mine fire diagnostic methodology has been used to define noncontiguous combustion zones, locate cold boundaries in remote combustion areas, determine effects of extinguishment activities on the fire, and accomplish long-term monitoring. Results obtained at two abandoned bituminous coal mine fires are discussed. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Mining Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Abandoned Mines Mine Fires Mining Industry Underground Mines Underground Mining
• Series:
  Mining Publications
• Publisher:
  West Virginia University
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article ; Proceedings
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 3 ; Pennsylvania ; West Virginia
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  PRC - Pittsburgh Research Center
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:10008411
• Citation:
  Proceedings of the 1990 Mining and Reclamation Confenence and Exhibition. Skousen J, Sencindiver J, Samuel D, eds. Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University, Pub Svc 1990 2:527-534
• Editor(s):
  Skousen J; Sencindiver J; Samuel D
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  1990
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  Proceedings of the 1990 Mining and Reclamation Confenence and Exhibition
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:6960e443c6a9a8ee0be9c868139f999980e350dbffe0a01bd5fce7acb1699e5467b9185902a79dd435b9a957897168d691075710f20c2d4fc84c3bd8457ae994
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/219855/cdc_219855_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 26.38 MB ]