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Mining Publication: Evaluation of Polymer Construction Material and Water Trap Designs for Underground Coal Mine Seals
Keywords: Explosions Seals
Original creation date: January 1996
Authors: ES Weiss, WA Slivensky, MJ Schultz, CR Stephan, KW Jackson
Report of Investigations - January 1996
Download PDF Document (1.55 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 00235286
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Energy, Pittsburgh Research Center, RI 9634, 1996 Jan; :1-16
Strength characteristics and air leakage resistance of seals and designs of water traps used in underground coal mines were evaluated in a joint effort by the Pittsburgh Research Center and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The efficacies of various seals in limiting air leakage from a sealed area following an explosion were tested at the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine. Polymer seals composed of a mixture of polyisocyanate and polyol resins were used in a composite structural design in which they were placed between two dry stacked hollow core, concrete block walls. Seals constructed using 76, 46, and 31 centimeter (cm) thick polymer and stone aggregate cores survived an explosion pressure of 145 kilopascal (kPa) and maintained acceptable leakage resistance. Only the 46-cm thick seal survived a pressure pulse of 269 kPa. A seal 97-cm thick with a density of 91 kilograms/cubic meter (kg/m3) constructed with polymer without aggregate did not survive the explosion, whereas a 51-cm thick, 203kg/m3 polymer only seal successfully withstood the explosion pressure. Seals consisting of cellular concrete injected with polymer slurry using a two pour injection process were able to withstand the explosion pressure. Two seal designs using low density cementitious block were also found to be effective. Additional studies demonstrated that three commonly used water trap designs were ineffective under worst case conditions. Improvement was seen with the installation of an additional course of block around the water trough area on the active side of the seal and by lowering the trap opening through the seal.
Image of publication Evaluation of Polymer Construction Material and Water Trap Designs for Underground Coal Mine SealsReport of Investigations - January 1996
Download PDF Document (1.55 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 00235286
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Energy, Pittsburgh Research Center, RI 9634, 1996 Jan; :1-16
See Also
Compendium of Structural Testing Data for 20-psi Coal Mine Seals
Designs for Rapid in Situ Sealing
Designs for Rapid In-Situ Sealing
Evaluation of Explosion-Resistant Seals, Stoppings, and Overcast for Ventilation Control in Underground Coal Mining
Experimental Mine and Laboratory Dust Explosion Research at NIOSH
Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines
Passive Mine Blast Attenuators Constructed of Rock Rubble for Protecting Ventilation Seals
Progress Toward Improved Engineering of Seals and Sealed Areas of Coal Mines
Structural Analysis and Design of Seals for Coal Mine Safety
Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Schmidt Hammer Tests to Determine the Structural Integrity of a Mine Seal
Page last reviewed: November 19, 2015
Page last updated: November 19, 2015
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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