Pulverized Coal Research Articles

Influence of the shape and number of obstacles on the excitation effect of dust-containing gas explosion

To investigate the excitation effects of different shapes and quantities of obstacles in dust-containing gas explosions, this study utilized an Euler-Lagrangian model. This model simulated explosions involving dust-laden gas, applying various governing equations to address the roles of coal dust at different combustion stages and its dynamic forces within the flow field. The research examined a 9.5 % gas concentration explosion with 5 g/m3 coal dust in a straight pipeline, assessing the impacts of spherical, regular tetrahedral, and cuboidal obstacles, as well as combinations of 1–3 cuboidal obstacles and three differently shaped obstacles on the explosion's flow field structure, overpressure, and flame propagation speed. Key findings include: dust-containing gas explosions result in more complex flow field structures, and the excitation effects of coal dust and obstacles on flame propagation speed exhibit mutual inhibition. Obstacles increase the maximum overpressure locally without affecting the overall trend of increasing overpressure with distance in closed conduits. Cuboidal obstacles show the most pronounced excitation effects, followed by regular tetrahedral and spherical obstacles, respectively. The number of obstacles also progressively enhances their excitation effects. When three obstacles of different shapes are present, cuboidal and regular tetrahedral obstacles primarily affect the flow field structure, with flame propagation speed and maximum explosion overpressure slightly lower compared to the presence of three cuboidal obstacles alone. These findings offer valuable insights into the destructive effects of gas explosions and the excitation effects of obstacles, providing theoretical support for disaster prevention and recommendations for underground equipment design and layout.

Carbon-free power generation strategy in South Korea: CFD simulation for ammonia injection strategies through boiler burner configurations in tangentially fired boiler

To achieve carbon neutrality in power generation, incorporating ammonia-coal co-firing into coal-fired boilers effectively reduces CO2 emissions. Here, we aimed to optimize ammonia injection methods by investigating the feasibility of 20 % ammonia co-firing in a pulverized coal (PC) boiler through numerical simulations. These simulations aim to analyze the effects of different ammonia injection strategies and burner configurations on the combustion performance and NOx emission characteristics of a 500 MW tangentially fired PC boiler. Results showed that compared to using five burners, single-burner injection reduced outlet NO concentration by 22.72 ppm and unburned carbon content to 0.30 %, which is 0.80 % lower than multi-burner injection and even below the 0.45 % in coal-only combustion. The optimal case (burner A for ammonia injection) achieved a furnace outlet flue gas temperature of 1247.35 K, close to 1241.98 K in coal-only combustion, with the lowest NO emissions (193.89 ppm) among all ammonia co-firing cases. Positioning the single burner for ammonia injection revealed that utilizing the blending method with the ammonia injection burner, such as in the case of upper burner injection, increases both furnace temperature and high-temperature zone areas. However, employing in-boiler blending methods with lower-positioned burner ammonia injection distributes high-temperature zones more extensively. Comparing ammonia injection through coal and auxiliary oil burners, using only the lowest-level burner can significantly reduce NOx emissions while maintaining combustion and thermal efficiencies. This study is the first to simultaneously consider the number, position, method, and type of ammonia injection burners in large-scale commercial coal-fired boilers, providing a valuable reference for future research and practical boiler operations. This comprehensive analysis underscores how ammonia injection strategy and position can optimize ammonia-coal co-firing boiler performance.

Effectiveness and mechanism of microbial dust suppressant on coal dust with different metamorphosis degree.

The extraction of coal from open-pit mines significantly contributes to environmental degradation, posing grave risks to human health and the operational stability of machinery. In this milieu, microbial dust suppressants leveraging microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) demonstrate substantial potential for application. This manuscript undertakes an exploration of the dust mitigation efficiency, consolidation attributes, and the fundamental mechanisms of microbial dust suppressants across coal dust samples with varying metamorphic gradations. Empirical observations indicate that, in resistance tests against wind and rain, lignite coal underwent mass losses of 7.43g·m-2·min-1 and 98.62g·m-2·min-1, respectively. The production of consolidating agents within the lignite dust, attributable to the microbial suppressants, was measured at 0.15g per unit mass, a value of 1.25 and 1.07 times greater than that observed in bituminous coal and anthracite, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses illuminated that the consolidating products within the coal dust predominantly constituted calcite and vaterite forms of calcium carbonate. The consolidation mechanism of coal dust via microbial suppressants is articulated as follows: Subsequent to the application on coal dust, the suppressants induce the formation of carbonate precipitates with inherent adhesive properties. These carbonates affix to the surfaces of coal dust particles, progressively encapsulating them. Furthermore, they play a pivotal role in bridging and filling the interstices between adjacent dust particles, thereby culminating in the genesis of a dense, cohesive mass capable of withstanding erosive forces.

The status of artisanal coal mining in Afghanistan: Using remote sensing to assess remaining artisanally mineable Jurassic coal resources

Coal mining is critical to the functioning of the current Afghan economy providing jobs, tax revenue, and foreign exchange. Taxes on coal may constitute the Taliban Government’s single largest source of operating income. Prior to the start of mining, Afghanistan had between 215 M and 430 M tonnes of hypothetical category Jurassic coal resources at depths accessible to artisanal miners. Since 1940, between 51 M and 89 M tonnes of coal have been extracted. Technologically primitive mining practices result in suboptimal coal extraction from disorganized room and pillar mines leaving significant amounts of coal unmineable. Frequent tunnel collapse, gas and coal dust explosions, and uncontrolled widespread mine fires have destroyed or made inaccessible significant additional volumes of remaining artisanally mineable resources. The haphazard unmapped development of the existing Jurassic coal makes it impossible to redevelop these fields using more efficient mining technologies. If new mines are to be developed, they will have to tap subsurface coals not accessible to artisanal miners. 66 % of the area mapped as Lower to Middle Jurassic rock does not host outcropping coal beds. This area, as well as some of the areas beneath thin veneers of lowest Cretaceous sediment are potential exploration targets. Jurassic coals are very gassy. Developing coalbed methane prospects is a more effective and less environmentally destructive means to access the energy contained in the Jurassic coals.

A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its determinants among underground coal mine workers in Bankola area, Durgapur, West Bengal

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide that effectuate an economic and social burden that is both considerable and progressive. Mortality from respiratory disease remains an important occupational hazard among coal miners. Inhalation of coal mine dust is known to cause several respiratory diseases including COPD. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of COPD among coal miners and to find out the predictors of the same in Bankola Area, Durgapur, West Bengal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 coal miners selected by simple random sampling from the list of mines in Bankola Area, Durgapur, West Bengal. The required data was collected by face-to-face interview with the help of a predesigned pretested questionnaire and subsequently clinical examination along with spirometry in an eligible subset of population. Data thus collected had been analysed by SPSS 16.0 version. Results: Prevalence of COPD among mines was found to be 11.7%. Most of the miners showing obstructive pattern, had Grade 2 severity of airflow limitation (43.2%) whereas 8.2% had Grade 4 severity. Multivariate analyses revealed that miners who were smoking for more than 20 years, working in highly dusty areas and those who were working at coal face had higher odds of developing COPD. Conclusions: Addressing substance use as well as improvement in working environment including use of personal protective equipment can holistically lead to better respiratory health of the miners.

Assessment of the contamination by carbonaceous anthropogenic particulates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration in recreational areas of an estuary heavily industrialized in Northern Spain

The commercial management of coal and its by-products has the potential to negatively impact natural coastal environments. The coal conversion processes and coke production are sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions that also contribute to the pollution of those aquatic environments. This research assesses the contamination by carbonaceous anthropogenic particles and by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of some recreational sites (Arañón, Peña del Caballo and San Balandrán area) located in the Avilés' estuary, an area in Northern Spain that has been heavily industrialized since the 1950s. The results obtained indicate a low concentration of solid organic anthropogenic particles in the intertidal sediments of the recreational sites in the estuary, probably due to the protective measures set in place at the facilities managing bulk coal and coke, which prevents the dispersion of coal dust (and other materials) as well as the eventual failure into the estuary. The characteristics of 16 priority pollutants PAHs analyzed in two recreational sites of the estuary (San Balandrán area), their distribution by aromatic ring number together with their diagnostic ratios demonstrate a pyrogenic nature with a main source from processes of coal and coke conversion (including combustion) in the facilities around the estuary. Some contribution of PAHs derived from petroleum cannot be ruled out. This contamination by PAHS is constant and sustained over time. The majority of the considered PAHs are well above the Spanish Generic Reference Level, (GRL) established for “protection of ecosystems with aquatic organisms”, and only a few of them are notably above the corresponding Spanish GRL established for “other uses of land”, which should include lands for recreational activities. The analysis of the potential toxicity risk of PAHs for human health and the organisms of the aquatic ecosystem suggests a relatively low toxicity risk to very high toxicity risk in the San Balandrán environment according to the concentration and distribution trend of PAHs identified in this area. This trend is dependent on the coastal dynamics and the protection level of the site, which also affect the distribution of the anthropogenic carbonaceous particulates in the same way.

Experimental and molecular dynamics study on the influence of surfactants on the wettability of different rank coal

This study sought to enhance the wettability of coal surfaces to minimize coal mine dust generation and improve underground working conditions. To this end, we evaluated the effect of different surfactants on different coal ranks. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we constructed different coal-surfactant-water molecular systems and elucidated the microscopic migration pattern of water molecules on coal surfaces. Our findings thus provided insights into the wetting mechanisms of coal of varying ranks from multiple perspectives. Our findings indicated that the wettability of coal decreases with higher coal metamorphism. However, adding surfactants to water significantly improves the wetting effect of liquids on coal. Notably, a 1.0 wt% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution exhibited the smallest indirect contact angles with long flame coal and gas coal samples, measuring 25.1° and 25.8°, respectively. Conversely, a coconut diethanolamide (CDEA) solution at a 1.0 wt% concentration demonstrated superior wetting effects on anthracite coal samples, with a contact angle of 25.7°. Upon surfactant addition, the diffusion coefficient of water molecules notably increased, with maximum values reaching 2.32Å2/ps, 2.56Å2/ps, and 2.15Å2/ps, respectively. Moreover, both the total potential energy of the coal molecular layer and the surface electrostatic potential exhibited an increasing trend. This enhancement strengthens the adsorption capacity of coal molecular surfaces for water molecules, thereby promoting coal wettability. Collectively, our findings provide new insights for optimizing surfactant use and efficiently mitigating dust in coal mines.

Realization of Bio-Coal Injection into the Blast Furnace

The steel industry accounts, according to the International Energy Agency, for ~6.7% of global CO2 emissions, and the major portion of its contribution is from steelmaking via the blast furnace (BF) route. In the short term, a significant reduction in fossil CO2 emissions can be achieved through the introduction of bio-coal into the BF as part of cold bonded briquettes, by injection, or as part of coke. The use of bio-coal-containing residue briquettes was previously demonstrated in industrial trials in Sweden, whereas bio-coal injection was only tested on a pilot scale or in one-tuyere tests. Therefore, industrial trials replacing part of the pulverized coal (PC) were conducted. It was concluded that the grinding, conveying, and injection of up to 10% of charcoal (CC) with PC can be safely achieved without negative impacts on PC injection plant or BF operational conditions and without losses of CC with the dust. From a process point of view, higher addition is possible, but it must be verified that grinding and conveying is feasible. Through an experimentally validated computational fluid flow model, it was shown that a high moisture content and the presence of oversized particles delay devolatilization and ignition, lowering the combustion efficiency. By using CC with similar heating value to PC, compositional variations in the injected blend are not critical.

Experimental investigation on the impact of water immersion time and particle size on the ignition characteristics of coal dust

After drying, water-immersed coal is more prone to spontaneous combustion than raw coal. However, the influence mechanisms of particle size and water immersion duration on the physicochemical properties of coal dust, as well as the explosion and fire hazards of water-immersed coal dust, have not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, two particle sizes of coal dust were selected, and experiments were conducted using the Godbert-Greenwald furnace, Hartmann tube, Muffle furnace, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer. The study investigated the impact of different water immersion times, dust particle sizes, and dust concentrations on the sensitivity of coal dust fires and explosions, analyzed the process of functional group changes in coal dust particles in water and other mechanisms of transformation. The results indicated that the water immersion process increased the number of active functional groups on the surface of coal dust, significantly reducing the Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT) and Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) values for different samples, and also enhancing the ignition sensitivity and peak temperature of coal dust layer fires. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the characteristics of coal dust and is of great significance for improving the prevention and control of coal dust fires and explosions.

A visible light positioning system for coal mine personnel based on convolutional recurrent neural network

Visible Light Positioning (VLP) technology exhibits promising potential for underground coal mine positioning. While numerous studies have explored VLP in indoor environments, attention to VLP systems for underground mines still needs to be improved. In this paper, based on the traditional indoor visible light communication channel model, the effects of unique features on VLP, such as irregular walls, inclined and rotating receiving ends, and coal dust particles in underground mines, are considered and modeled in detail. In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of personnel VLP in complex mine environments, this paper proposes a deep-learning-based VLP system for underground personnel in coal mines, which consists of two LEDs and four photodetectors (PDs), where the four PDs are mounted on miners' helmets, in conjunction with the actual mine environment. Due to environmental factors and noise, there are apparent spatio-temporal characteristics in the received signal strength of the PDs. Therefore, the system adopts a convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN) for feature extraction. In the experimental phase, the method's average localization error was 11.24 cm, with 90% of the localization errors within 20.4 cm. The experimental results show that the system has high positioning accuracy and meets the requirements of personnel positioning in underground mines.

Experimental and molecular simulation study on the influence of chain length and anion structure of ionic liquids on the wettability of highly hydrophobic bituminous coal

The wettability of bituminous coal is critical for the coal dust suppression and can be apparently modulated by ionic liquids. However, the modulation mechanism still remains elusive. Here, a combination of macroscopic experiments, mesoscopic characterization, and microscopic simulations (quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics) are leveraged to parse the effect on the wettability of coal dust surfaces of three novel ionic liquids ([C12MIm]Br, [BMIm]Br, [BMIm]Cl) featuring the varying chain lengths and anions in the coal-water system. The results show that the selected ionic liquids exert a distinct bridging function from traditional surfactants which invoke the hydrogen bonding interaction. This ionic liquids-mediated bridging mechanism heavily depends on their chain length structure, which can firstly penetrate deeply the internal pores of coal dusts and then adsorb on the coal surfaces to rapidly strike a dynamic equilibrium. Ionic liquids interacting with coal dust can primarily reduce the energy difference between polar and nonpolar interactions within coal dust, thereby enhancing the electrostatic interactions between coal dust and water molecules and effectively improving coal dust wetting properties. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the rational design of high-performance ionic liquids for coal mine dust control.

Changes of lung function and inflammatory factors in rat models of coal workers' pneumoconiosis

Objective: To observe the changes of lung function and inflammatory factors in rat models of coal workers' pneumoconiosis at different time points. Methods: In June 2021, 96 healthy male SD rats with SPF grade were divided into 1, 3, and 6-month control group and dust staining group (coal dust group, coal silica dust group, quartz group) according to random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. After one week of adaptive feeding, a one-time non-exposed tracheal perfusion method (1 ml/ piece) was used. The dust dyeing group was given 50 g/L coal dust, coal silica mixed dust and quartz dust suspension, respectively, and the control group was given 0.9% normal saline solution. At 1, 3 and 6 months after perfusion, lung function was detected by animal lung function apparatus, then all lung tissues and alveolar lavage fluid were killed, and lung histopathological morphological changes were observed by HE staining, and the contents of interleukin (IL-1β), IL-18, IL-4 and IL-10 in alveolar lavage fluid were detected by ELISA. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups. Two factors (inter-group treatment factor (4 levels) and observation time factor (3 levels) ) were used in the analysis of the effects of inter-group treatment and treatment time on related indicators. Results: HE staining results showed that coal spot appeared in the lung tissue of coal dust group, coal spot and coal silicon nodule appeared in the lung tissue of coal dust group, and silicon nodule appeared in the lung tissue of quartz group. Compared with the control group, the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 0.2 second (FEV(0.2)) of rats in the dust staining group had interaction between the treatment and treatment time (P<0.05). With the increase of dust dyeing time, FVC and FEV(0.2) decreased significantly at 3-6 months of dust dyeing, and the maximum gas volume per minute (MVV) decreased significantly at 1-3 months of dust dyeing (P<0.05). The lowest lung function index was in quartz group, followed by coal-silica group and coal-dust group. There were statistically significant differences in the main effect and interaction effect of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-18 among all groups in treatment and treatment time (IL-18: F=70.79, 45.97, 5.90, P<0.001), and interaction existed. The highest content of inflammatory factors in alveolar lavage fluid of all dust groups was quartz group, followed by coal silica group and coal dust group. There were significant differences in the main effect and interaction effect of anti-inflammatory factors between groups and treatment time (IL-4: F=41.55, 33.01, 5.23, P<0.001, <0.001, <0.001; IL-10: F=7.46, 20.80, 2.91, P=0.002, <0.001, 0.024), and there was interaction. The highest content of anti-inflammatory factor was in quartz group, followed by coal silica group and coal dust group. Conclusion: Lung function decreased and levels of inflammatory fators increased in rat models of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, with the quartz group being the most severely damaged. Lung function is mainly impaired in thrid-six months, and the content of inflammatory factors begins to change in first-thrid months. MVV are the earliest and most obvious in lung function. IL-18 is suitable for monitoring changes in the pro-inflammatory response of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and IL-10 is suitable for monitoring changes in anti-inflammatory response.

Experimental investigation and molecular dynamics study on the influence of non-ionic fluorocarbon solutions on the fast-wetting mechanism of coal dust

To explore methods for enhancing the wetting performance of coal dust to mitigate its hazards, this study selected four different structures of non-ionic fluorocarbon solutions: perfluorinated propyl acrylate (PFPA), perfluorooctyl acrylate (PFTA), perfluorooctyl sulfonyl phenyloxy ethyl methylacrylate (PPM), and perfluoro propanoic acid (PFA). The dynamic wetting performance and mechanisms of these solutions on coal dust were measured and analyzed through kinetic calculations. The results indicate that all four fluorocarbon solutions achieve optimal wetting performance at a concentration of 0.3 %. Comprehensive analysis shows that their wetting ability follows the order PFPA > PFTA > PPM > PFA. Further analysis reveals that coal dust treated with PFPA shows an increase in structures such as COOH and CO. The relative concentration distribution indicates partial overlap between the fluorocarbon solution and water, with an overlap range of 8.2 Å. Additionally, the maximum diffusion coefficient is 0.577 Å/ps, and the system’s adsorption energy is the highest at −5757.25 kcal/mol.

Experimental study on characteristics of methane-coal dust explosions and the spatiotemporal evolution of flow field in early flame

To understand the explosion characteristics of methane-lignite coal dust mixtures and the spatiotemporal evolution of the early flame flow field, explosion pressure, OH* emission spectra, and early flame schlieren images were captured in a 60L constant volume combustion bomb. Schlieren image velocimetry was used to obtain the instantaneous velocity distribution of the methane-coal dust flame front. The results indicate that adding coal dust causes a nonlinear increase in explosion pressure, particularly at low methane concentrations. At a 5 % methane concentration, adding coal dust can increase the maximum explosion pressure by up to 39 % (190 kPa). The trend of the OH* emission spectra corresponds with the maximum explosion pressure. A slight increase in coal dust significantly enhances the OH* emission spectra, especially at lower concentrations, potentially increasing it by nearly five times. However, at higher coal dust concentrations, the OH* emission spectra are significantly reduced. Additionally, within the considered concentration range (≤58.14 g/m³), larger turbulent integral length scales in initial conditions consistently result in the fastest flame acceleration. These findings provide experimental evidence for further exploration of the explosion mechanisms of methane-coal dust mixtures and the development of chemical reaction kinetic models.

Inhibitory effect of calcium carbonate precipitation induced by Triton X-100 and microorganisms on coal dust

During underground tunnel construction, dust endangers the safety and health of workers. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) represents a novel green dust suppression technology for addressing coal dust pollution, capable of effectively mitigating coal dust pollution. Nevertheless, the concentration of urease will exert a certain influence on the performance of MICP to some extent. Therefore, how to improve the efficiency of urease activity on coal dust suppression is a popular research topic. In this study, based on MICP technology, the properties of microbial dust suppression materials were investigated through contact angle, surface tension, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction using Bacillus megaterium and the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100. The results demonstrate that when the concentration of the bacterial solution is 20 % and the concentrations of urea and calcium chloride are 0.7 mol·L–1, the addition of 1 % Triton X-100 can increase the yield of calcium carbonate to 21.83 %, enhance the structural density of the gel, and increase the UCS by 15.63 %. The calcite and quartz formed on the coal dust surface improved its wettability with a contact angle of only 22°, showing an excellent dust-suppression effect. These research findings serve as a reference for enhancing the MICP dust suppression efficacy and have significant implications for the development and application of microbial dust-suppression agents. This dust suppression method has potential applications in quarries and underground environments.

Pressure Characteristics and Secondary Ignition Effects of Gas Produced in RDE Using Lignite and Anthracite/CH4 Fuel.

This study aims to address the energy efficiency release and environmental impact of coal dust in rotating detonation engines (RDEs) by monitoring the detonation characteristics of lignite and anthracite in methane gas-solid mixtures using high-precision sensor technology. Experimental results indicate that the peak detonation pressure of anthracite is 1.4% higher than that of lignite, and its detonation wave propagation speed is at least 5.5% faster, suggesting that anthracite exhibits more stable and efficient fuel energy release characteristics during detonation. Additionally, the sensor technology enabled detailed recording of pressure fluctuations and gas composition changes during the detonation process, providing accurate data for assessing and controlling emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These data are crucial for designing more efficient and environmentally friendly coal dust detonation systems, enhancing mine safety and environmental protection. The outcomes of this research not only advance technological progress in the field of energy science but also address efficiency and environmental issues in industrial applications, offering significant support for achieving safer and more sustainable energy production methods.

Comprehensive design and performance validation of a wind tunnel for advanced respirable dust deposition investigations

This study presents the comprehensive design and performance validation of a wind tunnel specifically developed for advanced investigations into respirable dust deposition pertinent to coal mining environments. The design integrates a constant particle delivery system engineered to maintain uniform particle dispersion, which is critical for replicating real-world conditions in coal mines. Our methodology involved using ANSYS Fluent for the design and optimization of a blowing-type wind tunnel, with a focus on controlling turbulence levels and minimizing pressure drops, which are crucial for accurate dust behaviour simulation. The core of our research emphasizes the deployment of the Aerosol Lung Deposition Apparatus (ALDA) alongside a custom dust injection system to measure particle distributions within the test section. This setup enabled us to simulate the inhalation of coal dust particles, providing a realistic scenario for assessing potential hazards to miners. Validation of the tunnel’s performance was achieved through extensive testing with dust sensors and a hot-wire anemometer, which verified the airflow velocity and turbulence against the initial design specifications. The findings affirm the wind tunnel's capability to effectively model dust deposition and its impacts, thereby offering opportunities for enhancing miner safety and health standards.

Investigation and CFD simulation of coal dust explosion accident in confined space: A case study of Gaohe Coal Mine Ventilation Air Methane oxidation power plant

The study investigates a coal dust explosion accident within a confined space in Shanxi. The accident was caused by coal dust coming into contact with a high-temperature heat source under the influence of the stack effect. Based on the investigation of the coal dust explosion accident, the study uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to reconstruct the accident scenario. The simulation results provide a detailed depiction of coal dust movement within subsurface semi-enclosed confined spaces during the ventilation diffusion stage, influenced by the stack effect, and confirm the formation of a coal dust layer at the heat source due to coal dust deposition. The simulation results of the two explosion processes indicate that excessively high coal dust concentrations within confined spaces have a negative correlation with the development of explosion flames and the peak overpressure. It resulted in a secondary explosion with a relatively low concentration of coal dust, where the peak overpressure was five times that of the primary explosion. Comparative analysis between simulation results and actual investigations the accuracy of the CFD simulation in capturing the accident process and its characteristics, providing valuable insights for preventing and controlling coal dust explosion accidents.

Experimental Investigation on Bituminite Dust Suppression Characteristics of a Bonding-Wetting Composite Dust Suppressant.

In order to reduce the occupational health hazard of coal dust to miners, surface tension and viscosity tests and bituminous coal powder sedimentation experiments were conducted. A composite dust suppressant with bonding-wetting effects was developed. Meanwhile, based on the FTIR test and peak-differentiating curve fitting, the changes of peak areas of coal samples before and after dust suppressant treatment were investigated, with quantitative analysis on hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. Gravity drop weight tests and Malvern particle size analyses were carried out. The particle size distribution was studied based on the Boltzmann function model. The characteristic particle size theory was adopted to analyze dust reduction performance and time's effect on the performance. Results show that the surface tension of the composite dust suppressant is 31.02 ± 0.09 mN/m with the viscosity being 84.60 mPa·s for the mixture of 0.1% SDS solution and 0.4% CMC-Na solution being 1:5. The ratio of the hydrophilic group of bituminous coal reaches 97.37% affected by the dust suppressant with a good wetting and cohesiveness effect. The characteristic particle size D 10 of dust increases by 11.77 and 46.67%, D 50 rises by 7.56 and 36.89%, and D 90 grows by 10.56 and 32.96%, respectively. The compressive strengths of the Shenmu coal sample and Lucun coal sample increase by 82.86 and 66.72% compared with that of raw coal after 48 h of dust suppressant treatment. The breakage degree at the end face of treated coal is smaller than that of raw coal. The composite dust suppressant makes the particles in coal more cohesive and effectively weakens the dust-producing property. Research results are of practical significance for improving the effect of water injection on dust reduction.

Consolidation performance and mechanism of composite dust suppressant based on graft modification

AbstractTo solve the severe coal dust pollution and dust hazards in underground coal mines, this study utilized graft copolymerization modification technology and compound technology to develop a mining composite consolidation dust suppressant. On this basis, analysis of its consolidation wettability and dust suppression mechanism was conducted through characterization tests and molecular dynamics simulation methods. The results show that polyacrylamide (PAM) had been successfully grafted onto the soybean protein isolate (SPI) molecule, and form a SPI‐PAM complex. After the dust suppressant acted on the coal dust surface, it utilized its wealthy hydrophilic groups, for the adsorption of water molecules and the positive amide group for binding to produce a large area of agglomeration of coal dust particles at the interface, exhibiting good wetting and consolidation into a shell. At the same time, molecular dynamic simulation verified that the diffusivity of water molecules in the dust suppressant‐coal system was 0.30Å2/ps, decreased by 43.3%, and the interaction energy with coal molecules was −200.27 kcal/mol, absolute value increased by 41.35%, which made the dust suppressant molecules more easily adsorb and agglomerate on the surface, demonstrated an excellent solidification and dust suppression effect.