Scholarly record

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF VIABILITY OF WATER TROUGH BARRIERS USE IN SPANISH COAL MINING INDUSTRY

L. M. Pejic, J. G. Torrent, K. Lebecki, C. F. Ramon, J. C. Loya

Abstract

Methane emission into the underground mine environment frequently leads to gas accumulations and therefore increases explosion risk. This risk is very serious since primary gas explosion can act as an ignition source of the secondary coal dust explosion with devastating consequences, generating disastrous events in underground mines. In most cases fatalities occur at locations far from the source of the explosion due to the effects of a propagating large flame and an intense pressure wave. The objective of this preliminary study is the implementation of Passive Water Trough Barriers in relation to the specific extraction methodology and geology characteristic of the Spanish mining industry that make difficult to put in practice EN-14591-2:2007. Physical and chemical properties of typical Spanish coal, its flammability and explosibility are presented. In the present paper an attempt will be made for a slight flexible approach that should meet requirements of the EN-14591-2:2007 standard, in the very specific local conditions, characterized by small galleries cross-sections, vertical seems, use of explosives, etc. The present paper is essentially based on the comprehensive state-of –the art in passive water barriers and illustrates the search for this kind of protection in order to improve safety in Spanish coal mining industry. Authors have proven the viability of standard requirements to the typical roadway from Spanish underground mines, considering realistic roadway lengths as well as available cross-sections taking into account ubiquitous obstacles such as: locomotives, conveyor belt, ventilation ducts etc.

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