Spontaneous combustion was a major problem in the Warwickshire and
Staffordshire coalfields. Measures to contain it underground involved
large numbers of men and large quantities of materials, leading directly
to collieries becoming uneconomic and closing. On the surface, tips were
continually burning. A variety of measures were used to combat the
problem, usually based on exclusion of air. However, underground, if
the site of the burning was small and accessible, then "Direct Attack"
might be used. This involved digging out and extinguishing the burning
material. Of course, this allowed air direct access to the smouldering
coal, which would burst into flame- all very exciting. This resulted in
water from fire hoses being turned onto it. The generation of
water/producer gas was a real (although totally ignored) possibility,
with potentially disasterous results. However, I have never known nor
heard of it actually happening.
Barry Job.
-----Original Message-----
From: D.R.Poyner [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 02 April 2003 08:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Spontanious conbustion in coal mining tips
I have vague recollections of water reacting with hot coal to produce
water gas/producer gas(?); can't remember the exact composition but
probably a mixture of CO and H2, amongst other things. As others have
indicated, I am sure it all depends on the amount of water you add as to
whether it helps or hinders the process.
David Poyner
On 1 Apr 2003 at 20:05, Graham Owens wrote:
>> From my own experience spraying water onto burning coal stocks
only helps
> intensify the burning. As explained elsewhere on other posting heat
> exponentially increases the rate of oxidation, effectively the steam
> created propagates heat through a greater area resulting in more
> extensive areas of burning. Obviously complete drowning the coal in
> water will effectively swamp areas of burning, but has a significant
> detrimental effect on coal quality. We always found compacting the
> coal to minimise air leakage is vital, and then to physically dig out
> burning material and then compact the effected area asap was the most
> effective solution.
>
> Incidentally I believe that the bunkers on the Titanic were ablaze
> enough before setting sail, yet this was considered common place and
> not a issue of major concern (for some reason icebergs also come to
> mind!!!)
>
> Graham Owens
>
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