Prediction of incubation period for spontaneous combustion of long-flame coal based on specific heat capacity and caloricity

Abstract

A key index for assessing the risk of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is the incubation period of spontaneous combustion (IPSC). Long-flame coal samples were obtained from the Liushicun coal mine in Shaanxi, China. On the basis of the Kalenkin model and the thermal effect, thermophysical properties, and characterization parameters of CSC, an IPSC calculation model was established. The model assumes that surface oxidation and adsorption heat are combined to produce a heat effect, evaporate the water contained in coal, and desorb adsorbed gas. The time required for the temperature of coal to increase from room to ignition temperature can be calculated to obtain the IPSC of long-flame coal. In this study, the IPSC of long-flame coal was calculated to be approximately 45 days. This finding can provide a basis on which coal mines can formulate effective fire-fighting measures.