The explosive range of methane, for example, is 5 to 15 percent in the presence of at least 12.1 percent oxygen. Solubility is the ability of a gas to be dissolved in water. Some gases found in mines are soluble and can be released from water. Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, for example, are water-soluble gases. Both may be released from water.
Solubility is an important factor to consider during recovery operations.
When a mine is sealed off for any length of time, water can collect in it. This water may have occurred naturally, or it may have been introduced during firefighting. Whatever the case, pools of water can release water-soluble gases into the air when they are stirred up. Pumping water from such pools, or wading through them, can release large amounts of soluble gases- which would not otherwise be found in the mine atmosphere. Taste- Color, odor, and taste are physical properties that can help you identify a gas, especially during barefaced exploration.