UNITED STATES BUREAU OF MINES

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

RI 9553 REPORT OF INVESTIGATIONS/1995

Detection and Control of Spontaneous Heating

in Coal Mine Pillars—A Case Study

By Robert J. Timko and R. Lincoln Derick
U.S. Department of the Interior

Mission Statement

As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the

Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally-owned public

lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our

land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological

diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values of our

national parks and historical places; and providing for the enjoyment

of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our

energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their

development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging

stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The Department

also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation

communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S.

administration.
Report of Investigations 9553

Detection and Control of Spontaneous Heating in

Coal Mine Pillars—A Case Study

By Robert J. Timko and R. Lincoln Derick 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bruce Babbitt, Secretary

BUREAU OF MINES

Rhea Lydia Graham, Director
International Standard Serial Number

ISSN 1066-5552
CONTENTS

Page

Abstract ........................................................................................... 1

Introduction ........................................................................................ 2

Spontaneous heating in a Colorado coal mine ............................................................. 2

Spontaneous heating detection methods ................................................................. 4

Gas detection devices .............................................................................. 4

Handheld instruments ........................................................................... 4

Gas chromatography ............................................................................ 4

Minewide monitor .............................................................................. 4

Atmospheric status equations ....................................................................... 4

Surface temperature detection device ................................................................. 5

Pressure and temperature monitoring devices .......................................................... 5

Pillar spontaneous heating and control .................................................................. 5

Long-term pillar spontaneous heating detection ........................................................... 7

Monitoring outside the pillars ....................................................................... 7

Crosscut 1 airlock .............................................................................. 7

Crosscut 1 return ............................................................................... 7

Monitoring inside the pillars ........................................................................ 7

Boreholes 1-1 and 1-2 ........................................................................... 7

Boreholes 2-1 through 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Temperature and differential pressure in test holes 2-1 through 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Permanent control of pillar spontaneous heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ILLUSTRATIONS

1. Plan view of the three pillars evaluated .............................................................. 3

2. Detection of spontaneous heating episodes and resulting control measures implemented ...................... 6

3. Crosscut 1 airlock ............................................................................... 8

4. Crosscut 1 return ................................................................................ 8

5. Locations of prototype 3.7-m boreholes ............................................................. 9

6. 3.7-m boreholes ................................................................................ 9

7. Locations of pillar boreholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

8. Borehole 2-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

9. Borehole 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

10. Borehole 2-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

11. Borehole 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

12. Borehole 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

13. Borehole 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

14. Borehole 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

15. Borehole measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
UNIT OF MEASURE ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS REPORT

Metric Units

cm centimeter Pa Pascal

m meter pct percent

m /s cubic meter per second ppm part per million 3

ml milliliter EC degree Celsius

mm millimeter

U.S. Customary Units

ft foot in cubic inch 3

ft /min cubic foot per minute in H O inch water gage 3

2

in inch

Reference to specific products does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Bureau of Mines.
Physical scientist, Pittsburgh Research Center, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA. 1

Manager, Cyprus Twentymile Coal Co., Oak Creek, CO. 2

Detection and Control of Spontaneous Heating in Coal Mine Pillars-A Case

Study

By Robert J. Timko and R. Lincoln Derick 1 2

ABSTRACT

This U.S. Bureau of Mines study examined spontaneous heating episodes in coal mine pillars in an active

underground coal mine. The information obtained from these incidents was then analyzed to learn which

sampling methods provided the earliest indication of pillar heating. The objective of this study was to discover

if the location of future events of pillar spontaneous heating could be inferred from the available information.

The spontaneous heating-prone area in this evaluation involved pillars located just inby the

mine portals. Several detection methods were used to determine gas levels outside as well as

inside the affected pillars.

It was hoped that, by incorporating external and internal sampling methods into an

organized program, locations undergoing spontaneous heating could be determined more

readily. This study found that by drilling small-diameter boreholes into the pillars, then

obtaining gas samples from the affected pillars, the ability to locate early spontaneous heating

episodes was improved. However, the ability to accurately predict future spontaneous heating

events remains in question.
2

INTRODUCTION

Because of previous spontaneous combustion episodes cycle is completed, air leaking around poorly built seals, or by

within another Colorado mine operating in the same coal seam permitting pressure differentials across weathered or previously

as the mine studied, portal pillars at the study site had to be oxidized pillars.

closely monitored for signs of spontaneous heating. The If spontaneous heating is permitted to continue until

purpose of this study was to document various detection smoldering combustion, it is often necessary to seal a large

methods and to show that, even when using many of these volume underground to control the fire. This can be an extechniques, results could be difficult to interpret. This work was pensive decision, not only because of the loss of valuable coal

in support of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) program to reserves, but also because sealing is typically an expedited

minimize underground fire hazards by employing better process. This usually means that all coal extraction and haulage

ventilation methods. machinery remain within the sealed volume.

Spontaneous heating in underground coal mines involves the When coal is prone to spontaneous heating, a problem can

oxidation of coal deposits. Factors affecting the likelihood of arise within pillars that remain after the mining cycle has been

spontaneous heating include coal rank, moisture content, completed. This is especially true in main or submain entries

temperature, ventilation, oxygen concentration, particle size, where large quantities of ventilation air continually flow.

impurities, friability, geological factors, and mining practices (1- Differential pressures exist across the pillars as well as across

4).3

All coals oxidize to some extent when exposed to the

atmosphere. Since oxidation is an exothermic reaction between

coal and the oxygen component of the atmosphere, heat is

constantly being released. This reaction is directly related to

temperature; if the heat released by the oxidation reaction is not

dissipated, the temperature of the mass increases. In some

reactive coals this oxidation can increase to the point that, if

remedial control measures are not instituted, the heating can

continue and the temperature will rise at an increasing rate until

smoldering combustion occurs.

Mine operators usually know if their coal is prone to

spontaneous heating. This understanding may have come from

a previous heating discovered in their mine, from heatings in

other nearby mines within the same coal seam, or from

published USBM research that defines a coal's propensity for

self-heating (5).

Spontaneous heating typically occurs when the quantity of

air passing through the coal is sufficient to support oxidation but

is inadequate to carry off the heat produced by the oxidation

reaction. Some ways to generate spontaneous heating include;

continuing to ventilate a heating-prone area once the mining

any structures, such as stoppings, that are used to separate

entries. These pressure differences tend to induce air leakage

not only through stoppings but also through the pillars

themselves. Under certain conditions, this airflow can generate

spontaneous heating within the pillar. The volume of air

flowing past a pillar in a main or submain entry is sufficient to

dilute combustion products being emitted. Thus, spontaneous

heating in a main or submain entry pillar is more likely to

continue undiscovered. At times, a strange odor is detected or

"sweating" is seen on cooler surfaces near the heating.

However, control procedures are normally begun only after

either carbon monoxide (CO) is detected or smoke is observed.

This report is divided into four sections. The first involves

an overview of the detection methods used. The second section

looks at the discovery and control of the initial pillar heatings.

The third studies the long-term evaluation of control method

effectiveness. This section includes a description of the

boreholes that were drilled into the pillars to obtain additional

information on spontaneous heating. The final section

documents methods developed to permanently control

spontaneous heating within the pillars in question.

SPONTANEOUS HEATING IN A COLORADO COAL MINE

The D seam in Colorado's western slope coal fields is prone of airflow paths through it. These fractures, and their attendant

to spontaneous heating. Coal from the D seam contains an heatings, are especially 

easily fractured vertical cleat (6), which creates a multitude 4

Italic numbers in parentheses refer to items in the list of references at the 3

end of this report.

Cleat is defined as the main joint in a coal seam along which it breaks 4

most easily. Cleat runs in two directions, along and across the seam.
3

prevalent near outcrops. In this area outcrops are common be- Orchard Valley West is a drift mine having coal extracted by

cause of the wide variation in surface elevation. Many of these the room-and-pillar method. Coal cleat alignment was offset

coal outcrops have spontaneously heated, a reaction that re- from initial entry drivage by about 23E. The mine has three

sulted in burned coal from the exposed outcrop to some depth. parallel entries driven from three separate portals. Average

The coal in these locations has been chemically changed to entry height was 2.1 m (7 ft); entry width was 5.5 m (18 ft).

more closely resemble coke. The entries consisted of a beltline flanked by an intake and a

This study evaluated diverse sampling methods that were return entry. When this study began, a vane-axial fan was

used to monitor pillars prone to spontaneous heating. These located at the return-entry portal. It exhausted approximately

techniques were routinely employed by engineers of the 80 m /s (170,000 ft /min). The belt entry was ventilated by

Colorado Westmoreland Coal Co., which later became the low- velocity intake air.

Cyprus Orchard Valley Coal Co. This company is currently The three pillars examined in this study and their associated

operating the Orchard Valley West Mine, located in the D seam dimensions are seen in figure 1. Two pillars, A and B, were

in Colorado's western slope coal region just north of Paonia, located between the belt and the return entries and were

CO. Orchard Valley West was developed as a replacement subjected to differential pressures of 175 Pa (0.7 in H O) across

facility for the Orchard Valley East Mine, which was sealed in them. Pillar C was separated by intake and belt entries and,

1986 after an uncontrolled spontaneous combustion fire. since both entries were on intake air, had no measurable

Because of previous pillar spontaneous heating incidents that differential pressure across it.

occurred just inby the East mine portal, three pillars in the

Orchard Valley West Mine were of particular interest.

3 3

2
4

SPONTANEOUS HEATING DETECTION METHODS

Previous research studies have shown ways to more closely Only after researchers were sure that the sample turnaround

monitor for spontaneous heating (7-9). Six different detection time was adequate to provide sufficient warning of spontaneous

methods were used during this study. These techniques

sampled from three specific pillar locations; the atmosphere

surrounding the pillars, the pillar surfaces, and within the

pillars. Gas detection devices measured emissions from the

atmosphere surrounding the pillars as well as from within the

pillars. A commercially- available infrared camera was used to

survey pillar surfaces for elevated temperatures. Pressure

measuring instruments were used to examine the differential

pressures obtained from within the pillars. Thermocouples

measured pillar internal temperatures.

GAS DETECTION DEVICES

Handheld Instruments

Throughout this evaluation the Industrial Scientific CMX270 handheld multigas detector was used to measure day-today oxygen (O ), methane, 2 and CO emissions. Gas levels were

obtained by moving the instruments along the rib surfaces of

the pillars. Of specific interest was CO. When CO was

detected, the location was marked with spray paint for future

reference.

Gas Chromatograhy

More accurate gas sample results were obtained by gas

chromatography in conjunction with handheld observations.

Researchers were particularly interested in CO and O levels. 2

These were considered important indicators in the progression

of spontaneous heating.

Chromatographic samples were obtained by inserting a

96%-air-evacuated, 20-ml (1.22-in ) Vacutainer test tube into 3

a plastic plunger. This assembly was similar to a device used

to extract blood for clinical testing. Inside the plunger was a

hypodermic needle. This needle punctured a rubber bladder at

one end of the test tube, causing a sample of gas to enter the test

tube. Pulling the test tube from the plunger resealed the rubber

bladder and prevented the gas sample from escaping or being

contaminated. Each test tube was returned to the laboratory

where gas concentrations were determined through electroncapture analysis.

Gas chromatographic analysis was considered the most accurate method for determining the various gaseous

components. However, because of the appreciable time delay

that occurred between gas sample capture and analysis, initially

gas chromatography was primarily used to confirm or

challenge the results obtained with handheld instruments.

heating did they consider gas chromatography a viable day-today technique for data collection.

Minewide Monitor

A minewide CO monitoring system with attendant

surface-located computer peripherals was in operation. To

permit pillar emission sampling prior to the gas being diluted in

the mine ventilation airstream, the sensors were located

between the pillar ribs and isolation curtains that were hung

from roof to floor around pillars A and B. While these

instruments did detect CO emissions from the pillar, their

results provided only an indication that spontaneous heating

was taking place somewhere within the pillar and did little to

assist in locating the spontaneous heating episode. Because of

this drawback, minewide monitors were used only as backup

devices.

ATMOSPHERIC STATUS EQUATIONS

Two equations were used to monitor the status of the atmosphere outside as well as within the pillars. The variables

for these equations were obtained through chromatographic

analyses of gas samples. Graham's Index (10) is also called the

index of carbon monoxide (ICO). The ICO is a dimensionless

number and is temperature dependent (its value rises with

increasing temperature). It makes two assumptions: any CO

detected is fire generated, and the oxygen-to-inert-gas (nitrogen

[N ] plus argon [Ar]) ratio is 2 0.265, indicating that the available

air is from a normal atmosphere. The equation is:

ICO = (CO × 100)/({0.265 × [N + Ar]} - O ), 2 2

where CO = carbon monoxide, in pct,

and (0.265 × [N + Ar]) - O 2 2

 = oxygen deficiency, in pct.

Mitchell (11) states that the CO-CO ratio is an excellent tool 2

for determining changing atmospheric status. While

individually these gases can be affected by dilution, their

dimensionless ratio is not. Mitchell also contends that flaming

combustion can be expected when CO-CO values approach 2

0.5.5

Lecture on Mine Fires presented by D. W. Mitchell at BethEnergy Mining 5

Company, Eighty Four, PA, 1989.
5

ICO and CO-O values were meaningful only when they 2 PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE

were used to develop a trend; individually these numbers were MONITORING DEVICES

worthless. A rule of thumb states that, if three successive

samples indicate a rise in either the ICO or CO-CO ratio, the To obtain information from within each pillar, several small- 2

sampling frequency should be increased. diameter boreholes were drilled into pillars A, B, and C. A

SURFACE TEMPERATURE DETECTION DEVICE each borehole. This line provided a means for obtaining gas

The surfaces of pillars A, B, and C were routinely scanned differential between the far end of the borehole and the entry

with a Hughes Probeye infrared camera to locate elevated from which the borehole was driven. A Magnehelic-type

temperatures. This device was traversed across the coal surface pressure measuring instrument assessed pressures at the various

and displayed the temperature as one of 10 different hues of a boreholes.

single color. The camera was calibrated so that the brightest A thermocouple was installed inside each borehole. If the

hue corresponded with skin temperature (about 34 EC). Since area near a borehole undergoes spontaneous heating, thermal

the Orchard Valley West Mine was on exhausting ventilation, conduction should cause the temperature within the borehole to

scanning initially was performed primarily on the return sides rise. Any temperature increase should be accompanied by a

of pillars A and B. corresponding rise in CO at the same location.

small-diameter copper sampling line was then placed within

samples and enabled researchers to measure the pressure

PILLAR SPONTANEOUS HEATING AND CONTROL

During a routine survey with the infrared camera, elevated reduced the potential for air flow through pillar A. CO levels

surface temperatures were discovered along the pillar A rib in within the airlock stabilized at about 10 ppm.

the crosscut 1 airlock (figure 2). Further investigations found As previously mentioned, the infrared camera also found

heatings within the airlock along pillars A and B. A elevated surface temperatures inside the airlock along the pillar

Magnehelic-type device found that pressure fell 175 Pa (0.7 in B rib. When the belt-side door of the crosscut 1 airlock was

H O) from the 2 belt side to the return side of the crosscut 1 opened, as described above, the flow path distance through

airlock. Since air was flowing through the pillar and then into pillar B was reduced considerably. To limit air flow, and thus

the airlock, the pillar A heating could have occurred anywhere the likelihood of spontaneous heating, a metal stopping was

along a line roughly paralleling the coal cleat between the belt- built along the pillar B rib extending from the belt-side

entry pillar rib and the crosscut 1 rib. Conversely, the heating stopping to the return-side stopping. Air could then enter pillar

along the pillar B rib had to be near the surface because air was B only upstream of the belt-side stopping. This additional flow

flowing into the pillar at that location. distance reduced the potential for air to flow through the pillar,

A CO sensor was positioned inside the airlock on the pillar making spontaneous heating less likely.

A rib and connected to the minewide monitor. A brattice The infrared camera was used at regular intervals to scan

curtain was hung within the airlock along the pil-lar A rib to both the belt- and return-entry surfaces of pillar A, the crosscut

isolate the CO sensor from the remainder of the airlock volume. 1 airlock, and the return-entry surfaces of pillar B in the vicinity

This curtain was located about 1 m (3.3 ft) away from and of the airlock. Although no evidence of additional heating was

parallel to the pillar A rib, effectively isolating the rib. CO found within the airlock or along pillar B, two hot spots were

levels in the airlock behind the curtain stabilized at about 26 found in pillar A between the return-side stopping of the

ppm. crosscut 1 airlock and the return entry. A follow-up survey

 An attempt was made to reduce airflow through pillar A. with a handheld detector found CO emissions in excess of 200

The doors in the airlock belt-side stopping and the belt-entry ppm. It became apparent that the increased resistance through

containment stopping were opened to provide a low-resistance pillar A did not eliminate the potential for spontaneous heating

flow path between the belt and the airlock return-side stopping. but simply moved it.

A 0.6-m (2-ft) diameter duct was opened in crosscut 1 between To obtain CO emissions from heating in the new pillar A

the belt and the intake entries, which effectively balanced before they became diluted by the high-volume return air, a

ventilation pressure between the belt and the intake entries. brattice curtain was hung between the return-side airlock

The belt-to-return pressure differential was now across the stopping in crosscut 1 and the return entry. This curtain was

crosscut 1 airlock return-side stopping. These changes parallel to and about 1 m (3.3 ft) from the pillar A rib. A CO

increased the flow path distance, raised the resistance, and sensor, connected to the minewide system, was then positioned
6

between the curtain and the pillar rib. Because of excessive crosscut 1. A floor-to-roof brattice curtain was hung in the belt

condensation within the enclosed volume, this sensor entry from the portal to the containment stopping. A second

malfunctioned a few days after installation. To overcome this curtain was hung between the containment stopping and the

problem, the instrument was disconnected and removed between airlock. A third brattice curtain was suspended from the returnsample periods. side stopping of the crosscut 1 airlock to just inby the fan in the

The effects of changing door positions on crosscut 1 CO return portal. These three curtains effectively enclosed pillar A.

emissions were determined by alternately opening and closing To monitor the status within the curtained-off volume, CO

the belt-side and return-side airlock doors. With the airlock belt- sensors were installed between the curtains and pillar A. One

side stopping door open and the return-side stopping door CO sensor was placed in the belt entry just outby the

closed, the handheld CO levels were 10 ppm inside the airlock containment stopping. A second CO sensor was located within

and 12 ppm in the return. The belt-side stopping door was then the return enclosure. Both the curtains and the CO sensors

closed and the return-side door opened. Handheld CO values remained in place for the remainder of the study.

rose to 17 ppm in the airlock and 30 ppm in the return. Both the During a routine survey shortly after the curtains surrounding

airlock belt-side and return-side stopping doors were then closed pillar A were erected, the infrared camera found two heatings

to maximize resistance through the airlock. CO levels at the air- between the portal and the containment stopping in the belt-entry

lock and in the return increased to about 30 ppm. The belt-side enclosed volume. Since these heatings were on the intake side

stopping door was then reopened and stayed in this position for of pillar A (similar to that found in the crosscut 1 airlock at pillar

the remainder of the study. CO levels then returned to their B) they were expected to be just beneath the surface. After a

original values. small amount of coal rib was removed from the pillars, the

An attempt was made to isolate pillar A from the ventilation heatings were found. They were extinguished by digging out the

pressures thought responsible for the elevated CO within smoldering material and then flushing the areas with water.
7

LONG-TERM PILLAR SPONTANEOUS HEATING DETECTION

Mine officials believed the survival of this mine hinged on theory that oxidation was taking place somewhere in pillar A.

the ability to rapidly detect, locate, and extinguish every pillar Conversely, both ICO and CO-CO results (figures 4C and 4D)

spontaneous heating episode. Following the initial heatings in

pillars A and B and the subsequent ventilation changes made to

control these heatings, a long-term study of the atmospheres

both outside and inside pillars A, B, and C was begun.

MONITORING OUTSIDE THE PILLARS

Gas samples were obtained at regular intervals from the

curtained-off atmospheres in both the crosscut 1 airlock and the

crosscut 1 return location. Results of all sampling locations are

presented in four specific graphs, including: handheld results,

CO and O data derived through gas chromatography, the ICO, 2

and the CO-CO ratio. 2

Crosscut 1 Airlock

As previously described, elevated surface temperatures

within the crosscut 1 airlock were initially found with the

infrared camera. To obtain additional information, two gas

sampling positions were established within the curtained-off

volume in the airlock near the airlock return-side stopping and

were labelled "high" and "low." High samples were obtained

from the coal rib surface about 1.8 m (6 ft) above the floor.

Low samples were obtained from the coal rib about 0.3 m (1 ft)

above the floor.

Handheld CO values are shown in figure 3A. Even though

these results remained relatively stable throughout the

evaluation, the presence of CO in the atmosphere indicated that

some level of oxidation was taking place within pillar A and

was being vented to the atmosphere in the airlock.

Gas chromatographic analyses of airlock samples (figure

3B) found CO in conjunction with below-ambient oxygen

concentrations (less than 20.94 pct O ), indicating that oxygen 2

was being consumed by the oxidation reaction. ICO and COCO results at both the high and low sampling locations (figures 2

3C and 3D) remained stable with the exception of the large

fluctuations in September.

Crosscut 1 Return

Two specific positions along the pillar A rib between the

airlock return-side stopping and the return entry were analyzed.

These positions were labelled "left" and "right."

Handheld results (figure 4A) showed that CO values at the

right location were consistently higher. Chromatographic

results (figure 4B) paralleled those CO values found with the

handheld instruments. Depleted oxygen levels reinforced the

2

gave no indication that the oxidation reaction was accelerating

in the vicinity of these locations.

MONITORING INSIDE THE PILLARS

Infrared scanning of pillar surfaces and gas sampling of the

atmosphere surrounding the pillar did not provide sufficient

information to permit an accurate prediction of future

spontaneous heating events. Since additional heatings were

likely to occur within pillar A, a decision was made to test-drill

two small-diameter boreholes into the pillar, sample the

atmospheres within these holes, and determine whether this

information could more accurately predict future heatings.

Boreholes 1-1 and 1-2

Two, 3.8-cm (1.5-in) outside diameter (OD) boreholes, designated boreholes 1-1 and 1-2, were drilled into pillar A from

the belt entry toward the return at roughly right angles to the

coal cleat (figure 5). Each borehole was approximately 3.7 m

(12 ft) deep. A 9.5-mm (0.375-in) OD copper tube was

extended to the back of each borehole. The outby end of the

borehole was then sealed with a urethane foam plug.

Air samples were taken from the two boreholes. Initial gas

chromatographic results showed borehole 1-1 with 7 ppm CO

and 20.4 pct O while borehole 2 1-2 had 23 ppm CO and 20.3

pct O . This preliminary data indicated one of two things: (1) 2

the atmosphere in this pillar was stable (oxidation was being

controlled), or (2) the sample location was upstream of any

spontaneous heating activity. Clearly, these introductory

results did not provide the additional information expected.

Long-term handheld samples from each 3.7-m (12-ft) borehole are seen in figure 6A. Values at borehole 1-2 remained

stable while those at borehole 1-1 showed three specific rises,

one near the end of May, a second in October, and a third in

December. The reason for these fluctuations was unknown.

Gas chromatographic analyses (figure 6B) show that O2

concentrations remained at ambient levels while CO values rose

slightly until about the midpoint of the evaluation, then

gradually decreased.

The ICO and CO-CO ratios at both boreholes (fig-ures 6 2 C

and 6D) fluctuated wildly. Had the ICO been the only

sampling method used to monitor for spontaneous heating, the

fluctuations would probably have kept officials on constant

alert throughout the study. The CO-CO ratio was less than the 2

atmospheric samples taken at the airlock or return locations and

was indicative of a stable atmosphere.
8
9
10

Boreholes 2-1 through 2-7 signifying that some level of spontaneous heating was taking

A more comprehensive pillar sampling strategy was developed. Seven 3.8-cm (1.5-in) OD boreholes were drilled into

pillars A, B, and C (figure 7). Boreholes 2-1, 2-5, 2-6, and 2-7

were drilled into pillar A; borehole 2-2 was drilled into pillar B;

and boreholes 2-3 and 2-4 were drilled into pillar C. As with

boreholes 1-1 and 1-2, these seven were aligned at right angles

to the coal cleat. All holes were drilled horizontally except

borehole 2-5, which was angled downward, projecting into the

coal seam immediately beneath the D seam.

A 0.95-cm (0.375-in) OD gas-sampling line was extended

to the back of each borehole. Gas samples obtained from the

back or far end of each hole were called "inby" samples. A

second 0.95-cm (0.375-in) OD line stopped just inside the

borehole opening. Results from these locations were referred

to as "outby." The end of each hole was then sealed with a

urethane foam plug.

Borehole 2-1 was 21.3 m (70 ft) deep. The inby end of this

hole was in close proximity to the belt entry. Handheld results

(figure 8A) showed that CO levels at the inby sampling location

resembled those values at borehole 1-2 while the outby

sampling location was consistently higher, by about a factor of

20.

Results obtained through gas chromatography (figure 8B)

resembled handheld samples. Again, a measurable difference

existed in CO levels between inby and outby sampling

positions. Values of O at the inby position were slightly 2

depleted, while those at the outby position were well below

ambient. These results supported the premise that ambient air

was flowing parallel to the coal cleat and O was being 2

consumed as it flowed through the pillar.

ICO and CO-CO trends paralleled each other throughout 2

this study (figures 8C and 8D). The increase near the end of

the study was probably due to efforts performed in response to

a spontaneous combustion episode that occurred in pillar A at

borehole 2-6.

Borehole 2-2, 19.5 m (64 ft) deep, was the only hole drilled

in pillar B. This borehole was created to determine if air was

flowing through the pillar. Handheld results at both inby and

outby sampling positions (figure 9A) showed appreciable

fluctuation throughout the study. These data provided little

information relative to the identification or location of

spontaneous heating in pillar B.

Throughout the study, gas chromatographic CO values from

borehole 2-2 averaged about 1,000 ppm at inby and outby

locations (figure 9B). While O levels at both locations were 2

initially depressed, they appeared to rise slowly throughout the

study. These results tend to show that oxidation was taking

place.

The ICO ratio appeared stable (figure 9C). The CO-CO2

ratio (figure 9D) slowly increased throughout the study,

place. Comparing the CO-CO ratio, the ICO, the raw CO and 2

O data, and the pressure differential across pillar B tended to 2

reinforce the belief that the heating would not accelerate.

Borehole 2-3, drilled into pillar C, was 13.7 m (45 ft) deep.

Pillar C was located between the intake and belt entries and had

no measurable pressure differential across it. This resulted in

no airflow through the pillar. It was therefore presumed that

gas sampling results from within pillar C would model normal

coal oxidation rates within all pillars. Measurable CO values

were predicted however, because no air was flowing through

pillar C, O was expected to be depleted. 2

Handheld results (figure 10A) showed that CO levels remained elevated and stable throughout the evaluation, with both

inby and outby locations having similar results. Gas

chromatographic data (figure 10B) found that inby and outby

CO values paralleled the handheld results. Levels of O2

remained below ambient; there was no explanation for the

fluctuations.

ICO and CO-CO results (figures 10 2 C and 10D) remained

stable and below values found at the other test hole locations.

These results were believed to be a signature of normal

oxidation within coal pillars having no differential pressure,

and thus no appreciable airflow, through them.

A second borehole, designated test hole 2-4, was drilled into

pillar C. This borehole was 9.1 m (30 ft) deep. Handheld CO

values (figure 11A) and gas chromatographic results (figure

11B) from both the inby and outby sampling positions

correlated well with each other and with those values found at

test hole 2-3. Based on comparative results between boreholes

2-3 and 2-4, internal pillar CO values near 1,000 ppm as well

as O levels of about 10 pct were considered indicative of the 2

oxidation rate in the D seam.

ICO and CO-CO results from test hole 2 2-4 (figures 11C and

11D) were more similar to borehole 2-1 data than to borehole

2-3. This apparent inconsistency was probably caused by the

proximity of test hole 2-4 to the coal burn line.

Borehole 2-5, 9.1 m (30 ft) deep, was angled downward into

the coal seam immediately below the D seam to obtain gas

samples from that seam. Figure 12A shows that once the

concentrations stabilized, handheld results remained essentially

unchanged until about a month before the end of the study.

Changes in CO values were due to efforts by mine personnel to

extinguish a pillar fire that was discovered in the belt entry just

outby the borehole.

Chromatographic CO values (figure 12B) closely paralleled

handheld concentrations. The O levels at both the inby and 2

outby positions remained close to ambient. ICO and CO-CO2

results (figures 12C and 12D) were unchanged until the fire.

The only indication of fire at borehole 2-5 was a slight increase

in the ICO and a corresponding decrease in CO-CO . The 2

fluctuations that followed the initial changes were believed
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12
13
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to be caused by efforts to control the fire, rather than being The following day, more smoke and glowing coal were disindicative of the fire itself. covered in the belt entry behind the tunnel liner, just outby the

Borehole 2-6 was 9.1 m (30 ft) deep. Handheld results previous event. This fire was also extinguished by removing

(figure 13A) from this hole fluctuated throughout the test.

Chromatographic analyses (figure 13B) of CO slowly increased

while O decreased until the oxidation reaction markedly 2

accelerated. The sampling frequency was then increased to

provide additional data. The trend of subsequent samples was while exhibiting a very gradual increase over time, were below

toward increased oxidation. ICO and CO-CO data (figures the values 2 found at all other locations. The O values were

13C and 13D) also displayed marked increases in conjunction unchanged but slightly below ambient throughout the study.

with other sampling results.

As the trend began to change, a thorough investigation of

pillar A was performed with the infrared camera. An area of found at other locations. If an increasing trend alone was

glowing coal was discovered behind the tunnel liner in the regarded as a predictor of spontaneous heating, looking at this

pillar A rib, upstream of borehole 2-6 and between the borehole data could lead one to infer that a heating was taking place

and the mine portal. The burn zone extended into the pillar rib

about 0.3 m (1 ft). It was extinguished by extracting the was ever located. These indications could have been from the

burning coal and saturating it and the remaining in situ pillar pillar A belt-entry fire or from residual heating in the coked

coal with water. material outby the borehole.

the burning material and flooding the area with water.

Borehole 2-7 was 9.1 m (30 ft) deep. Inby and outby values

of handheld CO (figure 14A) were less than those levels found

at the other holes. Chromatographic CO samples (figure 14B),

2

ICO and CO-CO results exhibited a continual increase 2

(figures 14C and 14D) even though they were below values

upstream of borehole 2-7 in pillar A even though no heating
15

Temperature and Differential Pressure small pressure differential across it. Since there was a

in Test Holes 2-1 through 2-7 concentrated effort to balance pressures across pillar C, the

Figure 15A shows the borehole internal temperatures.

Boreholes were divided into two groups: those having

elevated-but-stable temperatures (2-2, 2-3, and 2-4); and those

having elevated-and-increasing temperatures (2-1, 2-5, 2-6, and

2-7). Only the pillar A borehole temperatures were both

elevated and increasing.

A comparison was made of those locations having elevatedbut-stable temperatures with those undergoing increasing

temperatures. The temperatures at boreholes 2-5 and 2-6

continually increased over time. Based solely on this

information, temperature increases could lead one to conclude

that the oxidation reaction was most active in the vicinity of

holes 2-5 and 2-6. The two active fires were located just outby

these boreholes.

The results of the pressure measurements are shown in

Figure 15B. Borehole 2-2, in pillar B, exhibited only a very

pressure differentials within boreholes 2-3 and 2-4 also were

minimal.

As expected, pressures differentials were highest across

pillar A. Borehole 2-1 was driven so far into the pillar that its

inby end was in close proximity to the belt entry. Borehole 2-5

was driven into pillar A from the belt entry, therefore the

pressure differentials were negative. Pressures in hole 2-6

remained stable throughout the study. Pressure differentials

were greatest at borehole 2-7, located nearest the fan.

A correlation existed between borehole pressure and temperature. If a pressure differential existed within the hole, that

borehole also had elevated and increasing temperatures.

Temperature and pressure data reinforced the premise that

some level of spontaneous heating was constantly occurring in

pillar A.
16

PERMANENT CONTROL OF PILLAR SPONTANEOUS HEATING

Although the detection methods seemed to be capable of The resulting barrier reduced the potential for air leakage

predicting a spontaneous heating, they did nothing to prevent through the pillar.

future episodes. Because spontaneous heating was a constant The second task involved relocating the mine fan. The fan,

process in pillar A, a permanent solution to the heating problem originally located at the return-entry portal, was moved to a

was needed. In response, two control methods were location approximately 150 m (500 ft) away. This location

implemented. required that a 76-m (250-ft) shaft be vertically driven to

To immediately control spontaneous heating in Pillar A, a intersect a return entry in the coal seam about 370 m (1,200 ft)

solution of magnesium chloride and water was injected into the inside the mine.

boreholes. This solution was designed to flow into the Moving the fan enabled the return entry to be converted to

numerous fractures within the pillar. As the liquid evaporated, a second intake entry, effectively eliminating pressure

the salt that remained tended to seal many of those fractures. differentials between the belt and the newly created intake.
17

Because spontaneous heating in this mine was primari-ly found spontaneous heating not only from pillars A and B, but also for

in the vicinity of the burn line immediately inby the portals, the entire mine. 

relocating the fan reduced the likelihood of ••••••••••

CONCLUSIONS

The purpose of this study was to monitor for spontaneous Shortly thereafter a fire was found just upstream of this

heating using several different detection methods, to document

the accumulated data, and to determine if the results enabled

one to predict and locate any zones undergoing spontaneous

heating. Six different detection methods were used including:

minewide CO monitors; an infrared heat-sensing camera;

handheld, real-time CO detection instruments; grab samples

analyzed by gas chromatography; pillar internal temperatures;

and pillar differential pressures.

Initially, monitoring methods involved evaluating only the

surfaces of pillars and the gases being emitted from them. The

infrared heat-sensing camera was invaluable in locating

heatings that had progressed to the surface of the pillar.

Because of differential pressures across the pillars, this device

was most valuable in studying conditions on the return side of

the pillars. Due to its limitation of surface-only analysis, the

infrared camera was not considered a viable stand-alone device

for spontaneous heating detection.

Two gas detection methods were used: (1) handheld instruments that were capable of providing real-time CO levels,

and (2) gas data derived through chromatography that

presented a historical summary of several different gases. To

ensure that handheld instruments provided accurate

measurements, they were calibrated at regular intervals against

known CO standards. As an additional check, the handheld

instruments were routinely used in parallel with samples

analyzed by gas chromatography, considered the most accurate

method of data acquisition. Much of the handheld data closely

paralleled gas chromatographic analyses.

Chromatographic analytical efforts concentrated on

measuring CO and O levels since these gases were indicative 2

of pillar oxidation. As an additional check, gas

chromatographic data were incorporated into two commonly

used atmospheric status equations to determine if changes in

certain gas concentrations could indicate that spontaneous

heating was taking place. The ICO and the CO-CO ratio were 2

referenced as appropriate for monitoring spontaneous heatingprone atmospheres. Even though the trends developed by these

equations did visibly change just prior to the fire, it remained

questionable whether these equations improved the ability to

diagnose a heating, as compared with a direct examination of

CO and O levels. 2

To more closely pinpoint spontaneous heating locations,

seven small-diameter boreholes were drilled into three different

coal pillars just inby the mine portals. In hole 2-6, following

three consecutive samples with increasing CO concentrations

and corresponding decreases in O , researchers concluded that 2

the oxidation process was accelerating and increased sampling

frequency with handheld instruments and gas chromatography.

borehole.

Pillar temperature data showed the influence of differential

pressure on pillar temperatures. Test holes with elevated and

increasing temperatures were located in the pillar between the

belt and return entries, where differential pressures were

greatest. These became the locations thought most likely to be

undergoing accelerated oxidation. These assumptions were

proven valid when the fire was discovered in the vicinity of the

test holes having the highest temperatures.

Pressure measurements were based on the differences in

pressure between the pillar and the entry from which the hole

was driven. These results were more closely tied to ventilation

parameters than to fire potential, but locations that had a greater

differential pressure across them tended to exhibit the

characteristics of spontaneous heating. A correlation was

found between the differential pressures across the pillar and

the incidence of active heatings, however this detection method

alone was not considered sufficient as an early warning device.

In conclusion, the combination of several different detection

methods, in conjunction with pillar boreholes, were important

for detecting and locating early episodes of combustion in

pillars. Handheld instruments, calibrated at regular intervals,

were sufficient for day-to-day monitoring of the boreholes,

especially if performed in conjunction with pillar temperature

measurements. Gas chromatographic samples can initially be

obtained at a reduced frequency, perhaps one sample per week,

to generate a reliable baseline. If three consecutive handheld

readings detect increasing CO and the corresponding

temperatures are rising, handheld measurements and grab

samples for gas chromatographic analyses should be performed

at more frequent intervals until either CO levels return to

baseline values or a heating is confirmed.

While this study was taking place, a fire was detected within

a pillar. Changes in handheld gas detection data, pillar

temperatures, and gas chromatographic data indicated a fire had

occurred. When using a combination of these three detection

methods to monitor the status of the atmospheres within these

boreholes, the location of spontaneous heating was established.

To prevent future pillar heatings, two permanent controls

were developed. First, a temporary control was established by

injecting a magnesium chloride solution into the pillar that

sealed many of the fractures. Second, the ••••••••••
18

mine fan was moved from the return-entry portal to a shaft

some distance from the portals. This second measure

eliminated differential pressures across the portal pillars,

effectively eliminating spontaneous heating potential where it

was most likely to occur

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Combustion - A Coal Mining Hazard. CIM Bull., v. 66, No. 738, 1973,

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2. Kim, A. G. Laboratory Studies on Spontaneous Heating of Coal: A

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3. Kuchta, J. M., V. R. Rowe, and D. S. Burgess. Spontaneous

Combustion Susceptibility of U.S. Coals. USBM RI 8474, 1980, 37 pp.

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194.

9. Koenning, T. H. Spontaneous Combustion in Coal Mines. Paper in

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INT.BU.OF MINES,PGH.,PA 30105
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