Raw Coal Storage

Case Study Solution

Solution
 Height of coal pile solution:
 VM% of coal 2 (i.e. 40%) is higher than coal 1, hence we need to
consider the height of coal pile of respective coal 2 as the base
height for both materials.
 Therefore, height of coal pile should be 4m (for a new coal the lower
limit should be taken until experience is gained).
 Storage time solution:
 For storage time of a particular coal pile, VM% shall be basis of
consideration.
 Hence, storage time of coal shall be approximately 1 - 2 months
 Surveillance of raw coal stockpiles solution:
 Measurements must be done every 3 - 4 m in depth with
thermometers in 1”- tubes with sealed bottom

© Indiss Engineering Pvt. Ltd. 2

Solution
 Precaution to be taken during coal storage.
1. Control the temperature of the pile.
• Measurements must be done every 3 - 4 m in depth with
thermometers in 1”- tubes with sealed bottom
2. Control the height of the coal pile.
3. Avoid long storage time.
• First-in first-out principle should be followed
4. Compression (for long storage outside the stockpile).
5. To have access to remove fires in the storage
6. Fire fighting to have access to each area of the piles.

© Indiss Engineering Pvt. Ltd. 3

Solution
 Smouldering in raw coal storage:
 Dig-out smouldering coal and separate it from the pile.
 Move the loader and spread the smouldering material to
suppress it with lot of water quenching at the end.
 Other method is to cover it with soil (raw meal can also be
used) to cut down the oxygen
 Hydrant shall be located all around the coal storage pile to access
all corners of the pile.
 Water monitor / hose pipe shall be used for water quenching
the pile in case of fire.

© Indiss Engineering Pvt. Ltd. 4

Solution: Bonus task
 Carbon black should be used in closed unloading and transport
system as it may be a carcinogenic material (risk of cancer).
 The material should only be received in enclosed bulkers:
 Unload bulker directly in the raw coal bin.
• Direct unloading in fine coal bin to be avoided (problems with
Pfister operation)
 Carbon black can contain foreign particles (rubber, metal wire,
rope, small coal particles etc)
• Screening will be required
 If bulker is not possible, totally enclosed (and dedusted) bag
unloading system to be foreseen with minimum exposure to
people.

© Indiss Engineering Pvt. Ltd. 5