TOPIC: PRESENCE OF FIREDAMP AT BLASTING FACE

DEFINITION

Firedamp is flammable gas found in coal mines. It is the name given to a number of flammable
gases, especially coalbed methane. It is particularly found in areas where the coal is bituminous.
The gas accumulates in pockets in the coal and adjacent strata and when they are penetrated
the release can trigger explosions.

MINING SIGNIFICANCE

It is mainly the mixture of CH4 (methane) and other hazardous gases. Firedamp is found near the
face or in galleries in underground mines. It is harmful for human health.

DISADVANTAGES IN MINING

● It may cause firedamp explosion which may lead to high amount of fire in underground
mines.
● In workings, if the amount of firedamp is higher, the work should be stopped immediately.
● High levels of methane can reduce the amount of oxygen breathed from the air.
● This can result in mood changes, slurred speech, vision problems, memory loss, nausea,
vomiting, facial flushing and headache. In severe cases, there may be changes in
breathing and heart rate, balance problems, numbness, and unconsciousness.

PRACTICAL APPROACH

Methane is released as a direct result of the physical process of coal extraction. Coal is
extracted through mining which in turn releases methane previously trapped within the

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 coal seam into the air supply of the mine as layers of the coal face are removed, thus
creating a potential safety hazard. Methane emissions also arise from the collapse of the
surrounding rock after a section of the coal seam has been mined and the artificial roof
and wall supports are removed as mining progresses to another section

RELEVANT INFORMATION

● Firedamp is responsible for a number of gas explosion in coal mines

● It is tasteless, odourless, lighter than air
● It's specific gravity is 0.553
● It is combustible and burns with the pale blue flame but does not support
combustion
● It is soluble in water
● Firedamp is emitted not only in coal mines but it is also found in rock salt, potash
and clay mines
● It is also called as Marsh gas

THEORY BEHIND TOPIC

● The gas being lighter than air usually found near the roof and also in workings of a
coal mine
● Under the Coal Mine Safety and Health Act 1999 and the Coal Mining Safety and
Health Regulation 2017, if methane concentration is equal to or greater than 2.5%
then the underground mine is dangerous and workers must be withdrawn from
the mine.
● Methane can cause explosion between 5% and 15%.
● Methane is produced by decaying of cellulose(C6 H10 O5)

PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN

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 ● The most effective method of preventing firedamp explosions in mines is by providing
adequate ventilation which will dilute the firedamp, besides other harmful gases, to well
below limits that may be prescribed for different mine workings and carry it away to the
surface.
● All persons should be prohibited from carrying smoking articles (pipes, cigars, cigarettes,
tobacco other than chewing tobacco or snuff), matches or other spark- or flame-making
devices into the workings.
● If, in a district or part of a mine, electrically-operated equipment is not required for
immediate use and men are not working there, power should be cut off in that district or
part of the mine. Tests for methane should be made immediately before the equipment is
energized.
● A reliable methane monitor or cut-out that will automatically cut off power supply to the
electrical equipment when the methane concentration reaches the prescribed maximum
percentage may be installed in endangered mine workings.

FORMATION OF FIREDAMP

● Methane gas in coal formations was generated at the same time the coal was formed,
when plant debris (such as that found in swamps) slowly changed into coal after being
buried and covered for a long time through a process known as coalification.

INTERPRETATIONS

● A combustible mine gas that consists chiefly of methane also : the explosive mixture of
this gas with air.

RELATED QUESTIONS

● Name the common gases found in coal mines following a mine fire or mine
explosion?

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 Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and other
hydrocarbons.

● What is a dangerous mine atmosphere?

A dangerous mine atmosphere is one that is or is likely to become poisonous to breathe,

deficient in oxygen, or explosive.

● What is the explosive range of methane-air mixtures?

5 to 15 percent of methane in air is explosive.

● What are the principal causes of mine explosions?

Ignition of methane or coal dust or both by electric arc open flame including mine fires), misuse of
explosives friction, etc.