SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION IN LAKHRA COAL FIELD

REPORT ON VEDIO
Spontaneous combustion or spontaneous ignition is a type of combustion which occurs by self-
heating (increase in temperature due to exothermic internal reactions), followed by thermal
runaway (self heating which rapidly accelerates to high temperatures) and finally, autoignition.
When moisturized sulfur present within the exposed face of coal seam reacts with oxygen
forming sulfur oxides and evolves heat (exothermic reaction) which provides ignition
temperature to coal due to which spontaneous combustion of coal occurs. As we all know that
for combustion reaction, three things are needed simultaneously for combustion reaction:
oxygen, heat and fuel.
The pillars which are used to support the near to the goaf areas for stopping are not depillared
and sustain the load for long span of time. Due to creep loading the cracks are generated in coal
pillars. When fresh air (obtained by ventilation) passes through these cracks, it reacts with sulfur
and hydro-carbons which release f heat. Hence, completing the fire triangle and Spontaneous
combustion occurs.
To avoid the spontaneous combustion, we need to observe the yellowish zones with the pillar
body and scratch it deep with the help of pickaxe. In doing so, the fresh and cool air will
encounter oxidized and heated zones, making it cool and maintain thee temperature below
ignition. This technique should be employed on weekly basis to avoid the spontaneous
combustion.
The spontaneous combustion is one of the major problems while concerning the safety hazards.
Many Underground mines were left due to the Spontaneous combustion because Mine manager
or Mine Sardars were not able to solve this issue. So, we should have an adequate knowledge
about Spontaneous Combustion and must know the safety precautions to cope with this issue.
Mine Rescue and Safety Assignment No: 05

FIRE EXTINGUISHER
To understand how fire extinguishers work, you need to understand a little about fire. Fire is
a very rapid chemical reaction between oxygen and a combustible material, which results in the
release of heat, light, flames, and smoke.

For fire to exist, the following three elements must be present at

the same time:

1. Enough oxygen to sustain combustion,

2. Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature,
and
3. Some sort of fuel or combustible material.

This is referred to as the Fire Triangle. Additionally, there must

be a chemical chain reaction between the three elements.
Portable fire extinguishers apply an extinguishing agent that will cool burning fuel, displace or
remove oxygen, or stop the chemical reaction so a fire cannot continue to burn. When the handle
of an extinguisher is compressed, agent is expelled out the nozzle.
A fire extinguisher works much like a can of hair spray.

Types of Extinguishers - Different types of fire extinguishers are

designed to fight different types of fire. The three most common
types of fire extinguishers are: air pressurized water, CO2 (carbon
dioxide), and dry chemical. The following table provides
information regarding the type of fire and which fire extinguisher
should be used.

Fire Extinguishers has been classified based on what types of fire

they can extinguish as shown in table given below;

Extinguisher type Type of fire Symbol

Ordinary Combustibles - Fires
in paper, cloth, wood, rubber,
Water and many plastics
require a water type extinguisher
labelled A.
Flammable Liquids -Fires in
oils, gasoline, some paints,
lacquers, grease, solvents,
CO2 or dry chemical
and other flammable liquids
require an extinguisher labelled
B.

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Mine Rescue and Safety Assignment No: 05

Electrical Equipment - Fires in

wiring, fuse boxes, energized
electrical equipment,
CO2 or dry chemical
computers, and other electrical
sources require an extinguisher
labelled C.
Ordinary Combustibles,
Flammable Liquids, or
Electrical Equipment -
Multipurpose
Multipurpose Dry
dry chemical is suitable for use
Chemical
on class A, B, and C. ABC is the
most
common type of fire extinguisher
in a school.

Class K Kitchen - Fires

Other involving combustible cooking
liquids such as oils and fats.

Class D Metals - Fires involving

powders, flakes or shavings of
combustible metals such as
Other magnesium,
titanium, potassium, and sodium
require special extinguishers
labelled D.

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