Floor dust erosion during early stages of coal dust explosion development

• Published in: International journal of mining science and technology 2019-12, Vol.29 (6), p.825-830
• Main Authors: Harris, Marcia L., Sapko, Michael J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coal dust; Dust sampling; Explosion; Underground
• ISSN: 2095-2686
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2019.09.001

•Two dust erosion models predict dust scour depth from a methane-air explosion.•Comparison of prediction calculations and test dust scour measurements.•Average dust scour depth of the explosion development is 1.8 ± 1.2 mm.•Discuss sample depths for likely explosibility of coal dust and rock dust mixes. 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.