ABSTRACT The problem of CO exceeding the limit in the return airway corner of low-stage coal seriously affects fire prediction and forecasting as well as the health and safety of operating personnel. Identifying the sources of CO in return airway corner can help in the adoption of targeted measures to reduce the risk of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). In this paper, a method based on oxygen isotope is proposed to identify the source of CO accumulation in return airway corner. Laboratory experiments (pyrolysis, ambient temperature oxidation [ATO], and crushing) and field tests (CO testing in the goaf and working face) were conducted to study the pattern of CO generation and field distribution and to obtain gas samples. The δ18O relationship between different sources of CO was analyzed by combining the results of18O tests of CO from experiments and in the field. Results show that the coal seam does not contain primary CO. The CO in the return airway corner originates from ATO and crushing of the coal. The coal sample can produce CO quickly during the first stage of oxidation at room temperature and during the crushing process, and it has a good linear relationship with time. The δ18O average of CO in the goaf is 26.41‰, which is close to ATO. The mean value of δ18O of CO in the return airway corner is 24.49‰, which is located between ATO and crushing. The calculated proportions of CO in the return airway corner originating from ATO and crushing were 87% and 13%, respectively. The study’s findings provide fresh perspectives for the prevention and control of CSC.
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