METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO ISSUE OF RESEARCHING DUST-EXPLOSION PROTECTION OF MINE WORKINGS OF COAL MINES

This paper, basing on analytical review of the disasters and incidents related to explosions of dust/methane/air mixtures in mine working space, assumes that it is possible to improve the current explosion protection system of coal mines. The activities of the dust control mode, aimed at preventing formation of coal aerosols and their mixtures with methane, have been analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of the current explosion protection systems have been considered from a critical point of view, and particular attention has been paid to application of inert (shale) dust for the purposes of explosion suppression. The experimental part of the paper contains the results of studying the effects of different concentrations of inert dust on the hazardous explosion factors of dust/methane/air mixtures. Above all, these factors are excessive explosion pressure and pressure rise rate at explosion. These parameters were determined via the methodology developed by the author, in a 20-litre sphere (explosion chamber). As a sample of coal dust, coal of D grade (long-flame) dispersed up to 63-94 micrometer fraction, was used. On the basis of the obtained results, an assumption was made that it is expedient and feasible to reduce the concentration of inert dust via adding to the inert dust composition of the inhibitors of the coal dust detonation combustion processes.