What causes explosions in coal mines?
There are two main types of coalmine explosions: methane and coal dust. Methane explosions occur when a buildup of methane gas contacts a heat source and there is not enough air to dilute the gas level below its explosion point.
What problems did coal mining cause?
There are significant environmental impacts associated with coal mining and use. It could require the removal of massive amounts of top soil, leading to erosion, loss of habitat and pollution. Coal mining causes acid mine drainage, which causes heavy metals to dissolve and seep into ground and surface water.
What are the causes of mining accidents?
Mine accidents can have a variety of causes, including leaks of poisonous gases such as hydrogen sulphide or explosive natural gases, especially firedamp or methane, dust explosions, collapsing of mine stopes, toxic gases arising from mine fires, mining-induced seismicity, flooding, or general mechanical errors from …
How do you stop coal dust explosions?
Coal dust explosions in underground coal mines are prevented by generous application of rock dust (usually limestone). If an explosion should occur, the rock dust disperses, mixes with the coal dust and prevents flame propagation by acting as a thermal inhibitor or heat sink.
Is it safe to live near a coal mine?
Coal mining, especially mountaintop mining, has been linked to increased exposure to toxic pollutants, increased morbidity and mortality, and adverse impacts on mental health for people living nearby. Our findings suggest that this dimension of coal use should be regulated as well.
What are the effects of inhaling coal dust?
Exposure to coal mine dust causes various pulmonary diseases, including coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2. Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis, COPD, and other diseases.
What causes an explosion in a coal mine?
Methane explosions occur when a buildup of methane gas contacts a heat source and there is not enough air to dilute the gas level below its explosion point. Likewise, fine particles of coal dust in the right concentration that contact a source of heat can also be explosive.
What was the cause of the courrieres coal mine disaster?
Courrieres Coal Mine Disaster (1906) – France. The fissures in the pit’s walls were believed to have allowed the flammable gases to cause a coal dust explosion underground. The cause of the initial fire was suspected to be either because of the mishandling of mining explosives or due to the ignition of methane by the flame from a miner’s lamp.
What causes a shock wave in a coal mine?
If this pressure is high enough, it can cause the air ahead of the combustion zone to compress and cause a shock wave, Luo explained. Ventilation is the most common method to avoid such methane explosions in coal mines. Large fans are used to blow air out or draw air into mines, but Luo stated that mine ventilation is still a complicated science.
Why are mine explosions so common in Europe?
As coal mining developed in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, severe mine explosions became common. It was soon discovered that the origin of the explosions was the ignition of mixtures of flammable gas, or firedamp and air, which accumulated in the mines. Firedamp is essentially methane liberated from coal when pressure is released.
