Use of an inertisation unit during a coal mine fire recovery operation

摘要

On February 13, 2003, a fire occurred in a large underground coal mine located in West Virginia. Firefighting activities were unsuccessful. The mine was sealed at the surface openings on February 14, with the intent of inerting the mine atmosphere naturally. However, the mine operator proposed a novel approach for controlling the mine atmosphere. The Mine Safety and Health Administration worked closely with the mine operator on a plan to recover the mine. Queensland Mine Rescue Service Limited was consulted and contracted to provide technology, equipment and personnel to operate an Inertisation Unit. The primary component of the unit was a jet engine. The engine was capable of producing large quantities of inert gases and forcing the gases into the mine. The unit was installed on the surface at the slope and the injection of inert gases was started on April 4, 2003. After the mine atmosphere was successfully stabilized to a non-explosive condition, re-ventilation of the remainder of the mine was initiated. Mine rescue teams entered the mine and began exploration toward the fire area. The progress of the exploration work was hampered by roof falls, water, and excessive heat in the vicinity of the fire. The fire area could not be adequately accessed and a decision was made to permanently seal this area from the rest of the mine. Operation of the Inertisation Unit was discontinued after the fire area was partially isolated and a safe and stable atmosphere could be maintained. Eventually, construction of explosion resistant seals was completed around the fire area and rehabilitation of the remainder of the mine began. This paper will discuss the recovery operation with a focus on the use of the Inertisation Unit.