Underground Fires Research Articles

A Review of Mine Rescue Ensembles for Underground Coal Mining in the United States

The mining industry is among the top ten industries nationwide with high occupational injury and fatality rates, and mine rescue response may be considered one of the most hazardous activities in mining operations. In the aftermath of an underground mine fire, explosion or water inundation, specially equipped and trained teams have been sent underground to fight fires, rescue entrapped miners, test atmospheric conditions, investigate the causes of the disaster, or recover the dead. Special personal protective ensembles are used by the team members to improve the protection of rescuers against the hazards of mine rescue and recovery. Personal protective ensembles used by mine rescue teams consist of helmet, cap lamp, hood, gloves, protective clothing, boots, kneepads, facemask, breathing apparatus, belt, and suspenders. While improved technology such as wireless warning and communication systems, lifeline pulleys, and lighted vests have been developed for mine rescuers over the last 100 years, recent research in this area of personal protective ensembles has been minimal due to the trending of reduced exposure of rescue workers. In recent years, the exposure of mine rescue teams to hazardous situations has been changing. However, it is vital that members of the teams have the capability and proper protection to immediately respond to a wide range of hazardous situations. Currently, there are no minimum requirements, best practice documents, or nationally recognized consensus standards for protective clothing used by mine rescue teams in the United States (U.S.). The following review provides a summary of potential issues that can be addressed by rescue teams and industry to improve potential exposures to rescue team members should a disaster situation occur. However, the continued trending in the mining industry toward non-exposure to potential hazards for rescue workers should continue to be the primary goal. To assist in continuing this trend, the mining industry and regulatory agencies have been more restrictive by requiring additional post disaster information regarding atmospheric conditions and other hazards before exposing rescue workers and others in the aftermath of a mine disaster. In light of some of the more recent mine rescuer fatalities such as the Crandall Canyon Mine and Jim Walters Resources in the past years, the direction of reducing exposure is preferred. This review provides a historical perspective on ensembles used during mine rescue operations and summarizes environmental hazards, critical elements of mine rescue ensembles, and key problems with these elements. This study also identifies domains for improved mine rescue ensembles. Furthermore, field observations from several coal mine rescue teams were added to provide the information on the currently used mine rescue ensembles in the U.S.

A Numerical Study on Cornice Barrier to Vertical Spread of Opening Spill Plume from Underground Garage Fire

Vertical spread of opening spill plume from underground garage fire is studied by FDS. How can cornice barrier prevent the vertical spread of opening spill plume under the effect of the thermal buoyancy is analyzed. Optimal technical solutions and design parameters are proposed to improve the fire safety of underground building and adjacent buildings. This study can provide theoretical and technical reference for the underground building design.

Thermoelectric self-potential and resistivity data localize the burning front of underground coal fires

Self-potential signals and resistivity data can be jointly inverted or analyzed to track the position of the burning front of an underground coal-seam fire. We first investigate the magnitude of the thermoelectric coupling associated with the presence of a thermal anomaly (thermoelectric current associated with a thermal gradient). A sandbox experiment is developed and modeled to show that in presence of a heat source, a negative self-potential anomaly is expected at the ground surface. The expected sensitivity coefficient is typically on the order of [Formula: see text] in a silica sand saturated by demineralized water. Geophysical field measurements gathered at Marshall (near Boulder, CO) show clearly the position of the burning front in the electrical resistivity tomogram and in the self-potential data gathered at the ground surface with a negative self-potential anomaly of about [Formula: see text]. To localize more accurately the position of the burning front, we developed a strategy based on two steps: (1) We first jointly invert resistivity and self-potential data using a cross-gradient approach, and (2) a joint interpretation of the resistivity and self-potential data is made using a normalized burning front index (NBI). The value of the NBI ranges from 0 to 1 with 1 indicating a high probability to find the burning front (strictly speaking, the NBI is, however, not a probably density). We validate first this strategy using synthetic data and then we apply it to the field data. A clear source is localized at the expected position of the burning front of the coal-seam fire. The NBI determined from the joint inversion is only slightly better than the value determined from independent inversion of the two geophysical data sets.

Application of Underground Engineering Fire Safety Evaluation Based on the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method

In this paper, built fire control safety evaluation index system according to the underground engineering characteristics of fire and introduce a method to determine the weighing values for assessment index. Put fuzzy comprehensive assessment method on underground engineering of fire safety assessment, then use fuzzy mathematics theory build a model of engineering of fire safety assessment fuzzy evaluation, and through the underground engineering design of fire safety assessment, to prove its scientific and effective.

Coating material of air sealing in coal mine: Clay composite slurry (CCS)

Coating technology is commonly utilized for the air leakage prevention in the roadway of coal mines in China because of low work load and high efficiency. However, traditional coating materials (e.g. concrete) and chemical materials (e.g. polyurethane foam) utilized for air leakage prevention and underground fire, are impracticable to be broadly utilized because of their difficult appliance, high transportation cost and high prices. In terms of the characteristics of underground coating technology, specific requirements for coating air-sealing materials were put forward. The optimized mixing ratio for clay composite slurry (CCS) based on clay, cement, additives (sodium silicate) and glass fibers was determined. The incombustibility of the material was verified using a self-made box test system. The micropore structure of the materials was determined with a micropore structure analyzer. The CCS coating material produced has excellent air sealing performance and very good fire resistance, air tightness, low dehydration, and crack prevention after coagulation in addition to the low cost. Moreover, it has very good application prospects for coating along gob-side roadways, sealed-wall and permanent maintenance roadway, etc.

Emerging risk of autoignition and fire in underground coal storage

The risk and prevention of autoignition in underground coal storage facilities are reviewed in the light of the recent incidents of smouldering fires. Also, the opportunities are considered on the efficiency of the alternatives to prevent and extinguish closed-space fires. The complexities in avoiding and extinguishing underground fires are highlighted in the case example, describing the observations and outcome of a smouldering coal fire in the storage. The principles of self-heating and most critical factors in spontaneous combustion such as the condition and quality of coal are fairly well known, but usually only provide partial help in fire prevention. The documented cases and the case example suggest that nitrogen injection can be useful for extinguishing controllable fires. Three-phase foams and oxygen-displacing exhaust gases appear preferable against uncontrolled fires, particularly if access to the fire area is limited or impossible. Otherwise, efficient fire extinction during power plant operation can be challenging, as any air ingress tends to feed the fire and results in losses of the extinguishing agent and the heating value of coal. Methods and indicators for detecting and predicting the ignition are discussed, and improvements are suggested to enhance the storage and plant availability.

Mathematical modeling of high-temperature nonlinear processes of heat transfer

Mathematical modeling of thermal conditions of massifs during underground fires is the theoretical basis for engineering calculations, planning and firefighting. The article suggests approximate analytical and numerical methods of mathematical modeling of high-temperature heating of a semi-infinite massif taking into account the dependence of its thermalphysic parameters on temperature. We have examined four mathematical models based on the first and third boundary problems of nonlinear heat transfer with constant and variable temperatures of the heating medium (gas fire). We have used the method of approximation of unsteady temperature fields, the method of stratification of the decision area, and the method of chronostratification (partitioning of process on the final time intervals). We have obtained the solutions in forms, which can reduce them “to the number” with a PC; we have estimated the error of the approximate methods, which is less than 5%. The results can be used to improve the reliability, efficiency and quality of engineering calculations in mining industry.

Comparison of Smoke Extraction Modes in Underground Channel Fires

The performance of five different smoke extraction modes for an underground channel fire was numerically investigated originally in this paper. Results have shown that mechanical air supplying from adjacent smoke bays will intensify the air entrainment and increase the smoke production, which lead to a reduction of smoke temperature and buoyancy so that it's easier for smoke to descend to the lower level of the building space. The smoke exhausting process is not effective while using the smoke vents remote to the fire region as the fresh air is strongly sucked into the vents instead of smoke. Compared with the commonly used smoke extraction mode with all the smoke bays together, exhausting the fire-induced smoke with relatively high velocity by using the vents inside of or close to the fire is able to achieve a more effective smoke exhausting process. The most effective smoke extraction mode has also been validated by simulating a platform fire scenario in a full-scale subway station.

Study on Feasibility of Automatic Sprinkler System Applied in Underground Tunnel

For realizing the characteristics of underground fire and the actuality of fire protection facilities, and putting forwards the advice, we should set automatic sprinkler systems in underground tunnels. In this paper, the smoke development and the temperature distribution was simulated using field model (FDS). And the comparisons between the two cases were made. From the results we can see that setting automatic sprinkler systems in underground tunnels has both advantages and disadvantages. But considering synthetically it is feasible.

Explosion and/or fire risk assessment methodology: a common approach, structured for underground coalmine environments / Metoda szacowania ryzyka wybuchu i pożarów: podejście ogólne, dostosowane do środowiska kopalni podziemnej

In order to meet statutory requirements concerning the workers health and safety, it is necessary for mine managers within Valea Jiului coal basin in Romania to address the potential for underground fires and explosions and their impact on the workforce and the mine ventilation systems. Highlighting the need for a unified and systematic approach of the specific risks, the authors are developing a general framework for fire/explosion risk assessment in gassy mines, based on the quantification of the likelihood of occurrence and gravity of the consequences of such undesired events and employing Root-Cause analysis method. It is emphasized that even a small fire should be regarded as being a major hazard from the point of view of explosion initiation, should a combustible atmosphere arise. The developed methodology, for the assessment of underground fire and explosion risks, is based on the known underground explosion hazards, fire engineering principles and fire test criteria for potentially combustible materials employed in mines.

Application Study on the Underground Garage Fire Ventilation By High Expansion Foam

According to the characteristics of high expansion foam，In view of large underground garage fire characteristic, On the use of high expansion foam fire ventilation feasibility of underground garage, And emphatically discusses the high expansion foam fire extinguishing system in the underground garage fire ventilation application.

A Fume Concentration Model of Underground Mine Fire and Its Calculation

In order to obtain fume concentration distribution of underground mine fire spread process, a fume concentration calculation model, which takes into accounts into the effect of the fume's diffusion effect and the transport effect of the airflow, is established with the gradient transfer theory. The corresponding calculation steps are put forward. Then through calculating the fire fume concentration of a typical underground mine, the risk range of certain time after the fire accident can be given according to related standards. The results verify the validity and accuracy of the model and can provide references for the evacuation and rescue of underground mine fire accident.

Crowd disasters: a socio-technical systems perspective

We present a socio-technical systems framework and underlying principles to help understand a sample of crowd-related disasters. Our approach is founded on the premise that disasters result from complex systems failures, wherein a series of interdependent factors combine in such a way as to cause problems. We explore the explanatory power of our approach by analysing three incidents; Hillsborough football stadium disaster (1989), King's Cross underground fire (1987), and Bradford City stadium fire (1985). We find a common set of fundamental, interrelated issues and consistent violations of our socio-technical design principles. We conclude by discussing how our framework, principles and socio-technical thinking more generally, may contribute to theory and practice.

Improvement of a mine fire simulation program — incorporation of smoke rollback into MFIRE 3.0

Smoke rollback is a dangerous threat to miners and firefighters in an underground mine fire. The ability to predict smoke rollback can greatly improve the chances for safe miner evacuation and mine fire control and firefighting. A modified semi-empirical equation based on large-scale experiments conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was developed to quantify smoke rollback during an underground mine fire. The equation was incorporated into a mine fire simulation program (MFIRE 3.0) to allow the user to predict the occurrence of smoke rollback and calculate the smoke rollback distance. This article describes the development of the equation and compares the experimental results with those predicted by MFIRE 3.0. The results indicate that the improved MFIRE 3.0 is capable of determining smoke rollback in a fire entry, not only to provide early warning for smoke rollback but also to verify the effectiveness of smoke rollback control efforts.

A Critical Review of Current Crisis Simulation Methodology

This paper is concerned with simulation exercises used to train key response agencies for crisis situations. While 'multi-agency' simulations are increasingly acknowledged as a necessary and significant training tool for emergency response organisations, many current crisis simulations are still focused on the revision of existing response plans only. However, a crisis requires a rapid reaction, yet in contrast to an 'emergency', the risks for critical decision makers in crisis situations are difficult to measure, owing to their ill-structure. In other words, a crisis situation is likely to create great uncertainty, unfamiliarity and complexity, and consequently should be managed by adaptive or second order expertise and techniques, rather than routine or structured responses. In this context, the paper attempts to prove that the current practices of simulation exercises might not be good enough for uncertain, unfamiliar, and complex 'crisis' situations, in particular, by conducting case studies of two different underground fire crises in Korea (Daegu Subway Fire 2003) and the UK (King's Cross Fire 1987). Finally, it is suggested that the three abilities: 'flexibility', 'improvisation' and 'creativity' are critical in responding to a crisis situation.

The Technology of Forecasting and Predicting the Hidden Danger of Underground Coal Spontaneous Combustion

Coal has a large number of macromolecular compound as a combustible organic rock, when it happens oxidation reaction after contacting oxygen, not only the coal's quality has changed but also it will present some chemical phenomena and external features. The hidden danger of coal spontaneous combustion is predicted by observing and analyzing those features, synthesizing its features and the differences at the different stage of development, so that it can provide reliable guidance to prevent underground spontaneous fire. The study of indicator gases to forecast and predict coal spontaneous combustion is more and more important to prevent the spontaneous combustion. For this reason, the paper, according to the indicator gases and critical value, systematically introduces the technology of predicting the hidden danger of underground coal spontaneous combustion such as detecting the carbon monoxide concentration, chromatographing the gas composition, detecting the coal temperature and infrared radiation detection analysis, which provides the guidance for the prediction of the coal spontaneous combustion.

Plastic surgery and burns disasters. What impact do major civilian disasters have upon medicine? Bradford City Football Club stadium fire, 1985, King's Cross Underground fire, 1987, Piper Alpha offshore oil rig disaster, 1988

Plastic surgery and burns disasters. What impact do major civilian disasters have upon medicine? Bradford City Football Club stadium fire, 1985, King's Cross Underground fire, 1987, Piper Alpha offshore oil rig disaster, 1988

« A unique aura of ancient, elemental evil » : les migrations du feu dans The Great God Pan (1894) d’Arthur Machen

Fire and its derived metaphors are omnipresent components of the Great God Pan, Arthur Machen’s decadent fin-de-siècle fantasy. Machen’s nightmarish novella relates the aftermath of a failed scientific experiment on a young female patient by a neurologist strongly influenced by alchemical writings. This cerebral exploration results in the bringing to light and subsequent release of an untamable subterranean force of regression, indistinction, and dissolution embodied in the central female character of Helen Vaughan. The latter, the monstrous progeniture of the young patient and of the eponymous satanic entity, is repeatedly associated with an impure underground fire, a sign of her transgressive all-consuming sexuality. Naturally, her dark protean character is to be aligned with other late-Victorian representations of venomous females, often characterized by the presence of flamboyant motifs. The fires of growing feminist rebellion, perceived in the 1890s as a threat to the very foundations of Victorian society, certainly animate Helen’s character. Crucially, fire is subjected to constant displacements and shifts in this narrative structured like a (bad) dream : it is a circulating trope most definitely indexing Victorian fears of degeneration and decline.

Study on Snow-Melting System around Steel Top of Underground Fire Cistern using Heat Pipe

Study on Snow-Melting System around Steel Top of Underground Fire Cistern using Heat Pipe

Early detection and monitoring of forest fire with a wireless sensor network system

This work presents a low-rate wireless personal area network-based sensor network for early detection and monitoring of forest fires. The system has been designed to perform different parameter measurements at different tree heights, depending on the forest relief. Thereby, it is possible to know how fire affects the soil mantle, stems and treetops, as well as to detect underground fires. Measures of power consumption confirm the feasibility of the implementation of this sensor network. Using a duty cycle of 0.33% and with the selected low-voltage-low-power compliant sensors, the network operating life is greater than one year.