Presenting an engineering classification system for coal spontaneous combustion potential

Amir Saffari,Farhang Sereshki,Mohammad Ataei,Keramat Ghanbari

doi:10.1007/s40789-017-0160-7

Amir Saffari, Farhang Sereshki + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-017-0160-7

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Abstract

The phenomenon of coal spontaneous combustion is one of the common hazards in coal mines and also one of the important reasons for the loss of coal in piles and mines. Based on previous researches, different types of coals have different spontaneous combustion characteristics. For coal loss prevention, a measure is necessary for prediction of coal spontaneous combustion. In this study, a new engineering classification system called ‘‘Coal Spontaneous Combustion Potential Index (CSCPI)’’ is presented based on the Fuzzy Delphi Analytic Hierarchy Process (FDAHP) approach. CSCPI classifies coals based on their spontaneous combustion capability. After recognition of the roles of the effective parameters influencing the initiation of a spontaneous combustion, a series of intrinsic, geological, and mining characteristics of coal seams are investigated. Then, the main stages of the implementation of the FDAHP method are studied and the weight of each parameter involved is calculated. A classification list of each parameter is formed, the CSCPI system is described, and the engineering classifying system is subsequently presented. In the CSCPI system, each coal seam can be rated by a number from 0 to 100; a higher number implies a greater ease for the coal spontaneous combustion capability. Based on the CSCPI system, the propensity of spontaneous combustion of coal can be classified into three potential levels: low, medium, and high. Finally, using the events of coal spontaneous combustion occurring in one of the Iranian coal mines, Eastern Alborz Coal Mines, an initial validation of the mentioned systematic approach is conducted. Comparison of the results obtained in this study illustrate a relatively good agreement.

Highlights

Coal mining is a very intricate system and process
In the Coal Spontaneous Combustion Potential Index (CSCPI) system, each coal seam can be rated by a number from 0 to 100; a higher number implies a greater ease for the coal spontaneous combustion capability
The main objective of this paper is to present a new system for evaluating the factors affecting the coal spontaneous combustion capability using Fuzzy Delphi Analytic Hierarchy Process (FDAHP)

Summary

Introduction

Coal mining is a very intricate system and process. The rough working conditions and the hazardous environment are the most important factors that affect a coal mining process.Faculty of Mining, Petroleum and Geophysics Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Daneshgah Blvd., P.O. Coal mining is a very intricate system and process. The rough working conditions and the hazardous environment are the most important factors that affect a coal mining process. Faculty of Mining, Petroleum and Geophysics Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Daneshgah Blvd., P.O. Box 3619995161, Shahrood, Iran. HSE Management of Eastern Alborz Coal Mines Company, Shahrood, Iran. The hazards of underground mining are critical factors, which should be considered in the design and planning step of coal mines. Some significant hazards in underground coal mining can be summarized as subsidence, outburst, and spontaneous combustion. It is necessary to accurately identify the risks involved and to find the ways to forecast, prevent, and control them

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