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Mining Publication: A Method To Eliminate Explosion Hazards in Auger Highwall Mining
Keywords: Auger mining Highwall mining Inerting atmosphere
Original creation date: January 1993
Authors: JC Volkwein, JP Ulery
Report of Investigations - January 1993
Download PDF Document (1.68 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10012096
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, NTIS No. PB93-190411, RI 9462, 1993 Jan; :1-14
The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated a method of using inert gas to prevent the formation of explosive gas mixtures in auger highwall mining of coal. A combination of gasoline and diesel engine exhaust gases was introduced into the auger drill hole using a short section of pipe located at the collar. Gas samples were taken and analyzed on-site with infrared detectors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide. Evacuated bottle samples were also taken and analyzed by gas chromatography in the laboratory. These gas results were analyzed for explosibility. Coal samples from various depths were used to obtain the gas content of the coal using the modified direct method. Personal exposure to carbon monoxide was also monitored. The highest methane level observed was 9.55%. The levels of inert gas (carbon dioxide and nitrogen) were sufficiently high to prevent any ignition of the methane. Results showed that for all conditions during mining, gas concentrations were nonexplosive. The gas content of the coal was about 0.30 cm3/g. The maximum personal time-weighted average sample for carbon monoxide was 20 ppm. This system provides a safe, inexpensive, simple method for preventing explosions during auger mining.
Image of publication A Method To Eliminate Explosion Hazards in Auger Highwall MiningReport of Investigations - January 1993
Download PDF Document (1.68 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10012096
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, NTIS No. PB93-190411, RI 9462, 1993 Jan; :1-14
See Also
Analysis of Highwall Mining Stability - The Effect of Multiple Seams and Prior Auger Mining on Design
Analysis of Practical Ground Control Issues in Highwall Mining
ARMPS-HWM - Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability - Highwall Mining - 1.3.02
Control and Monitoring of Gas in Blind Auger Headings
Development of an Anti-Caking Rock Dust
Electrical Equipment Explosion Protection Research
Inertization Technologies
Technology News 462 - Ground Penetrating Radar for Highwall Guidance
Teleoperation of a Highwall Mining System
The Use of Nitrogen-Enhanced Foam at the Pinnacle Mine Fire
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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