Suppression Methods for Deep Seated Coal Fires

摘要

This study was a joint U.S. Coast Guard/Maritime Administration effort toidentify fire prevention and/or suppression techniques for spontaneously induced coal cargo fires. The four test series conducted investigated spontaneous ignition, permeation, fire quench, and coal column fire characteristics. The spontaneous ignition tests identified variables that could be controlled in an attempt to prevent combustion. Results showed spontaneous ignition difficult to predict and, therefore, control. The permeation studies evaluated carbon dioxide and nitrogen as suppression agents. Results indicated the retention time of nitrogen in a coal pile to be far greater than the retention time of carbon dioxide. The fire quench tests compared these agents applied to a hot fire. Results showed both equally effective at displacing oxygen. The coal column tests applied these agents to a deep-seated fire at different locations. Results supported those of the permeation studies and showed mid-level injection of the agents to be most effective. Thus, the study indicates a portable system that applies nitrogen to the middle of the coal pile to be most effective. Large-scale work should be done to verify this. Keywords: Coal; Coal fires, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, Suppression, Permeation, Injection, Coal colliers. (SDW)