Application of suitable methodology for control of coal fire according to its magnitude in hot strata blast-holes–an approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coal mine fire is a common phenomenon in Indian coalfields and great concerned on safety of the person engaged in mining operations. In opencast coal mine, particularly where the extraction of previously developed coal pillars has been carried out by opencast mining method, chances of spontaneous fire became more frequent and complicated. In such prevailing situations deep holes charging and blasting operation in hot strata may create every possibility to premature detonation of explosives, which leads to fatalities. Henceforth, it is imperative to use appropriate methodology to combat the fires and make it possible for wining of coal safely. This paper highlighted a methodology adopted for safe and effective management of fire by using two different chemical additives admixed with water to bring down temperature under safe workable limit in short duration of time and also make it suitable for charging and blasting operation in hot deep drill holes. On the basis of the magnitude of fires 0.5 to1.0% concentrations of MgCl2 and CaCl2 mixed with water were applied for cooling of high temperature fire in coal bench, overburden as well as hot blast holes with encouraging results in supressing of the flames and rapid cooling of hot strata.