Comparative study of the explosion pressure characteristics of micro- and nano-sized coal dust and methane–coal dust mixtures in a pipe

Coal dust explosion accidents often cause substantial property damage and casualties and frequently involve nano-sized coal dust.In order to study the impact of nano-sized coal on coal dust and methane–coal dust explosions,a pipe test apparatus was used to analyze the explosion pressure characteristics of five types of micro-nano particle dusts(800 nm,1200 nm,45μm,60μm,and 75μm)at five concentrations(100 g/m3,250 g/m3,500 g/m3,750 g/m3,and 1000 g/m3).The explosion pressure characteristics were closely related to the coal dust particle size and concentration.The maximum explosion pressure,maximum rate of pressure rise,and deflagration index for nano-sized coal dust were larger than for its micro-sized counterpart,indicating that a nano-sized coal dust explosion is more dangerous.The highest deflagration index Kst for coal dust was 13.97 MPa/(m·s),indicating weak explosibility.When 7%methane was added to the air,the maximum deflagration index Kst for methane–coal dust was 42.62 MPa/(m·s),indicating very strong explosibility.This indicates that adding methane to the coal dust mixture substantially increased the hazard grade.

Research on numerical emulator of mine methane and coal dust explosion

The mathematical physics model of mine methane and coal dust explosion propagation was established in the research,by using continuous phase,combustion,par- ticulate equations of mathematical physics.Based upon the data from mine methane drainage roadway explosion,and mine methane and coal dust explosion propagation ex- perimental studies,the numerical emulator system of mine methane and coal dust explo- sion software was developed by using prevalent flow simulation platform,which can be used to simulate the explosion accidents process effectively.In addition,the system can also be used to determine whether coal dust involved in the explosion,and to simulate accurately the transition from deflagration to detonation in methane explosion,propagation velocity of explosion shock,attenuation pattern,and affected area of explosion.

Assessment of gas and dust explosion in coal mines by means of fuzzy fault tree analysis

During the past decade, coal dust and gas explosions have been the most two serious types of disasters in China, threatening the lives of miners and causing significant losses in terms of national property. In this paper, an evaluation model of coal dust and gas explosions was constructed based on a fuzzy fault tree by taking the Xingli Coal Mine as a research site to identify the risk factors of coal dust and gas explosions.Furthermore, the hazards associated with such explosions were evaluated for this particular coal mine.After completing an on-site investigation, the fuzzy probabilities of basic events were obtained through expert scoring, and these expert opinions were then aggregated as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers to calculate the degrees of importance of all basic events. Finally, these degrees of importance were sorted. According to the resulting order, the basic events with higher probabilities were determined to identify key hazards in the daily safety management of this particular coal mine. Moreover, effective measures for preventing gas and coal dust explosions were derived. The fuzzy fault tree analysis method is of high significance in the analysis of accidental coal mine explosions and provides theoretical guidance for improving the efficiency of coal mine safety management in a scientific and feasible manner.

Floor dust erosion during early stages of coal dust explosion development

An ignition of methane and air can generate enough air flow to raise mixtures of combustible coal and rock dust.The expanding high temperature combustion products ignite the suspended dust mixture and will continue to propagate following the available combustible fuel supply.If the concentration of the dispersed rock dust is sufficient,the flame will stop propagating.Large-scale explosion tests were conducted within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH)Lake Lynn Experimental Mine(LLEM)to measure the dynamic pressure history and the post-explosion dust scour depth.The aim of this effort is to provide quantitative data on depth of dust removal during the early stages of explosion development and its relationship to the depth of floor dust collected for assessing the incombustible content most likely to participate in the combustion process.This experimental work on dust removal on is not only important for coal mine safety but also for industrial dust explosions.

Experiment study on the propagation laws of gas and coal dust explosion in coal mine

The experiment of gas and coal dust explosion propagation in a single lanewaywas carried out in a large experimental roadway that is nearly the same with actual environmentand geometry conditions.In the experiment,the time when the gas and coal dustexplosion flame reaches test points has a logarithmic function relation with the test pointdistances.The explosion flame propagation velocity rises rapidly in the foreside of the coaldust segment and comes down after that.The length of the flame area is about 2 timesthat of the original coal dust accumulation area.Shock wave pressure comes down to therock bottom in the coal dust segment,then reaches the maximum peak rapidly and comesdown.The theoretical basis of the research and assemble of across or explosion is suppliedby the experiment conclusion.Compared with gas explosion,the force and destructiondegree of gas and coal dust explosion is much larger.

Mechanism research of gas and coal dust explosion

Combined with the experimental results from the large tunnel of the ChongqingResearch Institute,the mechanism of gas and coal dust explosion was studied.Someconcepts about gas and coal dust explosion were introduced such as the form conditionand influential factors.Gas and coal dust explosion propagation was researched and thelifting process of coal dust was simulated.When an explosion occurred due to great mixtureof gas and air,the maximum explosion pressure appeared in the neighborhood of theexplosion source point.Before it propagated to the tunnel of the deposited coal dust,themaximum explosion pressure appeared to be in declining trend.Part of the energy waslost in the process of raising the deposited coal dust through a shock wave,so the maximumexplosion pressure was smallest on the foreside of the deposited coal dust sector.On the deposited coal dust sector,the explosion pressure rapidly increased and droppedoff after achieving the largest peak value.Because of coal dust participation in the explosion,the flame velocity rose rapidly on the deposited coal dust and achieved a basic stablevalue;coal dust was ignited to explode by initial laminar flame,and the laminar flametransformed into turbulent flame.The turbulence transformed the flame fold into a funnelshape and the shock wave interacted with the flame,so the combustion rate rose and thepressure wave was further enhanced.The regeneration mechanism between the flamecombustion rate and the aerodynamic flowing structure achieved the final critical state forforming the detonation.

Coal Dust Explosions in a Large Scale Experimental Tube

Coal dust explosion conducted in a 200 mm diameter, 29.6 m long tube is presented in this paper. 40 dust dispersion system sets were used to disperse coal dust into the tube. A constant temperature hot wire anemometer was used to measure the gas velocity during the dispersion process. Kistler piezoelectric pressure sensors were used to measure the propagation of the pressure wave during the explosion process. The overpres- sure of coal dust explosion in the tube was 70 kPa and the velocity of pressure wave propagating along the tube was 370 m/s approximately. The minimum concentration for dust explosion propagating along the tube was 100 g/m3. The effects of two kinds of suppressing agents used to suppress the coal dust explosion were studled.

Review of preventive and constructive measures for coal mine explosions:An Indian perspective

Firedamp and coal dust explosion constitute a lion’s share in mine accidents in a global mining scenario.This paper reports a list of mine explosion disasters since last two decades,a critical review of the different prevention and constructive measures,and its recent development to avoid firedamp and coal dust explosion.Preventive legislation in core coal-producing countries,viz.China,USA,Australia,South Africa,and India related to firedamp and coal dust explosion are critically analysed.Accidents occurred due to explosion after Nationalisation of Coal Mines(1973)in India are listed.Prevention and constructive measures adopted in India are critically analysed with respect to the global mining scenario.Measures like methane credit concept,classification of mines/seams with respect to explosion risk zone,deflagration index;installation of automatic fire warning devices,canopy air curtain technology,explosion-prevention measures,such as fire-retardant materials,inhibitors,extinguishing agent,dust suppressor,and active explosion barrier are discussed in detail to avoid explosion and thereby adhering to zero accident policy due to coal mine explosion.

Evaluation of the 20 L dust explosibility testing chamber and comparison to a modified 38 L vessel for underground coal

The phenomenon of combustible dust explosions is present within many industries. Tests for explosibility of dust clouds per ASTM E1226 use a 20 L explosive chamber that places the combustible dust directly below the dispersion nozzle which generates a thorough mixture for testing purposes. However, in the underground coal mining industry, there are a number of geologic, mining, and regulatory factors that change the deposition scheme of combustible coal dust. This causes the atmosphere of a coal mine to have a variable rock dust-coal dust mixture at the time of ignition. To investigate the impact of this variable atmosphere, a series of lean explosibility tests were conducted on a sample of Pittsburgh Pulverized coal dust. These explosibility tests were conducted in a 38 L chamber with a 5 kJ Sobbe igniter. The 38 L chamber generates a variable air-dust mixture prior to ignition. The test results indicate that the 38 L chamber experiences reduced explosive pressures, and lower explosibility index values when compared to the 20 L chamber.

Propagating Characteristic of Premixed Methane-Oxygen Deflagration in the Coal Mine Lane Including a Refuge Chamber

In order to investigate detonation propagation and distribution problems of premixed CH_4 ＋ 2O_2 mixture around a concrete structure such as a refuge chamber,detonation experiments in one small size tube were conducted. A simulation method was developed to obtain the flow field load distribution in the coal mine lane and pressure load of each part for the refuge chamber. Firstly,a physical model of a full-size explosiontest lane was established,which included the refuge chamber. With the calculations of the exact initial detonation pressure,the propagation characteristics of CH_4 ＋ 2O_2 premixed mixture detonation in the lane was simulated. Simulation results of various parts from AUTODYN are recorded,and the shock wave arrival time and the pressure peak can be observed from the detonation pressure-time curve over the changing propagation distance. So curve differences in different locations cannot be ignored. Then by detonation experiments in the small size tube,detonation pressure-time curves and velocity were obtained. Finally the simulation waveform of variation curve agreed well with the experimental results,which validated the detonation simulation method. The difference between shockwaves of the two sensors confirmed that detonation wave changed along with distance and time. These results should be taken into serious consideration for the detonation progration and distribution problem in future researches.

Prevention of gob ignitions and explosions in longwall mining using dynamic seals

Most, if not all longwall gob areas accumulate explosive methane-air mixtures that pose a deadly hazard to miners. Numerous mine explosions have originated from explosive gas zones(EGZs) in the longwall gob. Since 2010, researchers at the Colorado School of Mines(CSM) have studied EGZ formation in longwall gobs under two long-term research projects funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Researchers used computational fluid dynamics along with in-mine measurements. For the first time, they demonstrated that EGZs form along the fringe areas between the methane-rich atmospheres and the fresh air ventilated areas along the working face and present an explosion and fire hazard to mine workers. In this study, researchers found that, for progressively sealed gobs, a targeted injection of nitrogen from the headgate and tailgate, along with a back return ventilation arrangement, will create a dynamic seal of nitrogen that effectively separates the methane zone from the face air and eliminates the EGZs to prevent explosions. Using this form of nitrogen injection to create dynamic seals should be a consideration for all longwall operators.

Design of a water curtain to reduce accumulations of float coal dust in longwall returns

Accumulation of float coal dust(FCD)in underground mines is an explosion hazard that affects all underground coal mine workers.While this hazard is addressed by the application of rock dust,inadequate rock dusting practices can leave miners exposed to an explosion risk.Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH)have focused on developing a water curtain that removes FCD from the airstream,thereby reducing the buildup of FCD in mine airways.In this study,the number and spacing of the active sprays in the water curtain were varied to determine the optimal configuration to obtain peak knockdown efficiency(KE)while minimizing water consumption.

CFD modeling to study the effect of particle size on dispersion in 20l explosion chamber: An overview

Mine disasters occur predominantly due to methane or coal dust explosion or a combination of both.Among the top ten worst coal mine disasters in India, nine are due to coal dust explosion. The current paper describes a general overview of the parameters causing dispersion leading to coal dust explosion,and computational fluid dynamics(CFD) simulation study to observe the effects of particle size on dispersion in Indian coal mines. Turbulent kinetic energy(TKE) and velocity vector path of dust-air mixture and dust-free air were simulated to understand their effects on coal dust dispersion. The TKE contours and velocity vector paths for dust-free air were uniform and symmetrical due to resistance-free path available. The TKE contours and velocity vector paths for dust-air mixture shows the asymmetrical distribution of contours, due to entrainment of air with dust particles. Vortices were observed in velocity vector paths which gradually diminish on increment of time sequence. These vortices are dead centres where velocity and coal dust particles concentration are both zero.

障碍物数量对含尘瓦斯爆炸特性影响的试验和数值模拟研究

为探究含尘瓦斯爆炸条件下不同数量障碍物的激励效应,运用中尺度激波管道和激光纹影系统,对比不同数量障碍物影响下含尘瓦斯爆炸的火焰传播和压力变化,分析爆炸流场结构的变化。通过数值模拟软件Fluent模拟含尘瓦斯爆炸,对试验结论进行补充说明。结果表明,障碍物对爆炸火焰的加速作用在单一瓦斯参与下更加强烈。煤尘的加入使得流场湍流度增大,混合爆炸释放更多能量,激波强度增大,爆炸压力提升。障碍物对火焰的影响仅在其附近有效,障碍物下游最大超压明显提升。随障碍物数量的增加,激波反复振荡、叠加,使得压力升高,湍流度增加,火焰形成射流并加速燃烧。火焰传播速度和最大超压与障碍物数量呈正相关关系。

密闭管道内瓦斯爆炸卷扬沉积煤尘爆炸传播特性

为了探究密闭管道内瓦斯爆炸卷扬沉积煤尘爆炸的传播特性,在自主研制的瓦斯爆炸卷扬沉积煤尘爆炸试验系统内,从爆炸压力、火焰以及压力-火焰的耦合关系等方面,研究了不同瓦斯体积分数及煤尘质量浓度下瓦斯爆炸卷扬沉积煤尘爆炸的爆炸压力传播特性及火焰传播特性,并利用Fluent数值模拟软件分析了煤尘的卷扬分散特征。结果表明:密闭管道内瓦斯体积分数为10%时的最大爆炸压力整体高于瓦斯体积分数为12%和8%时的最大爆炸压力。当瓦斯体积分数为10%,煤尘质量浓度为250 g/m^(3)时,最大爆炸压力传播规律表现为在瓦斯段先升后降再升,到达煤尘段后持续上升;随着煤尘质量浓度的增加,在瓦斯段则表现为先升后降,在煤尘段依旧持续上升。当瓦斯体积分数为8%和12%时,最大爆炸压力随煤尘质量浓度增加呈上升趋势,而瓦斯体积分数为10%时则呈现下降趋势。密闭管道内火焰锋面到达时间与传播距离呈正相关,瓦斯体积分数为10%时火焰锋面到达各测点的时间短于瓦斯体积分数为12%和8%的传播时间。火焰传播速度随传播距离呈先增大后减小的趋势,当瓦斯体积分数为10%时,火焰传播速度最快。密闭管道内瓦斯爆炸卷扬沉积煤尘爆炸的爆炸压力-时间曲线会出现2次峰值。第1次峰值是由瓦斯爆炸的前驱冲击波产生,当火焰传播至煤尘段后,压力同时开始上升,且压力峰值时刻和火焰峰值时刻耦合,达到第2次压力峰值,随着火焰信号的消失,压力逐渐减小直至反应停止。密闭管道内前驱冲击波与反射波使得煤尘卷扬分散,形成“漩涡状”煤尘云,促进煤粉与爆燃波接触。当煤尘质量浓度一定时,体积分数为10%瓦斯的卷扬程度优于体积分数12%和8%瓦斯;当瓦斯体积分数一定时,煤尘卷扬程度随煤尘质量浓度的增加而递减。

煤磨系统一次热风管道泄爆面积确定方法研究

为降低火力发电厂煤粉制备工艺过程中潜在的粉尘爆炸风险,对一次热风管道泄爆面积定量确定方法开展研究。首先,以不同地区3个发电厂所用煤粉为例,通过实验测试得到最大爆炸压力和爆炸指数;然后,利用Ansys软件分析计算某型号中速磨机一次热风管道的抗爆强度;最后,依据《粉尘爆炸泄压指南》标准计算得到中速磨机一次热风管道的泄爆面积。结果显示:实验得到煤粉爆炸压力和爆炸指数均先随浓度的增加而增加,达到最大值后又随浓度的增加而降低;模拟计算得到一次热风管道的抗爆强度为0.014~0.14MPa;针对3个发电厂煤粉和抗爆能力不同,一次热风道需要的泄爆面积分别为0.33~0.09m^(2)、0.38~0.1m^(2)、0.2~0.06m^(2)。以上研究成果对于煤磨系统一次热风管道的泄爆设计具有参考价值。