Scholarly record
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION OF LIGNITE IN BARDH MIRASH MINES IN KOSOVO
Abstract
Kosovo is rich in coal resources / reserves. There are about 14 billion tones coal resources in Kosova. The coal in Kosova is used mainly in power (electricity) generation and less amount for heating. Kosovo coal is lignite type. Exploitation of coal is being donning in two open pits Bardh and Mirash. There is also a project for building of the new power plant (capacity 2000 MW). For this, supply of coal should be made by the new mine - Sibovci. The underground mining was abandoned in 1922. Now it is the surface mining or opencast mining. During mining of coal, is very present self combustion. Oxygen is absorbed on to the surface of the coal causing exothermic reaction, which is the start of oxidation. One direct side-effect of oxidation is that of spontaneous combustion. This occurs when the rate of heat generation by oxidation exceeds the rate of heat dissipation. All coals have the propensity to heat spontaneously, but lower rank coals have a greater tendency to self-heat. The propensity to spontaneous combustion is related to the rank, moisture content and size of the coal. In addition, mining and ventilation practices and geological conditions can also be contributory factors. Self combustion of coal in Kosovo coal mines, especially occurs in: old galleries from the early underground coal mining; slide areas; slopes (especially the central pillar parts of the mine which remain exposed to air for a longer period), faults and joints. Self combustion also occurs in dumped coal masses. Self-ignition of coal effects on: directly in the mine through release of smoke and gases that contain SO2, CO, CO2, and NOx; stability of the mining equipment if found in the coal basement who exhibited oxidation for a long time; reduction of coal reserves in the area of self-ignition; delayed of coal exploitation. Prevention of coal fires means to avoid contact of coal and oxygen. The main focus is on the avoiding of oxygen entry into the underground corridors. This can be done by means of: protection of cut old galleries against ventilation; Inspections of collapsed old galleries near the surface or shafts if oxygen can penetrate somewhere and where appropriate, refilling of openings; minimising a permanent contact of the coal with atmospheric oxygen (e.g. covering or sealing of slide faults); reducing the time of exposition of the excavation front.
Publication details
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