Instrumental monitoring for the location of endogenous fires in the coal mine wall

Abstract

Introduction. Endogenous fire is a fire initiated by the process of self-ignition of coal. Detection of this type of fire is carried out visually by fire and smoke or by the results of temperature, gas or geophysical control. The occurrence of endogenous fires in coal mines leads to serious consequences, such as pollution of the environment and deterioration of sanitary and hygienic working conditions. It also leads to economic losses due to the suspension of technological processes and burnout of coal reserves. The prevention of endogenous fires includes measures to prevent the possible development of self-ignition processes in the identified areas of potential fire hazard. Research objective is to investigate areas of fire in active coal mines in order to determine the center of the profile of geophysical sounding, as close as possible to the epicenter of endogenous fire, to perform its binding to the mine plan and geological section. Methods of research. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection of the areas of fire, to take photographs, as well as to carry out a thermal imaging survey with specialized equipment. Results. The results of photo- and thermal imaging surveys were recorded, the assessment of mining and geological conditions of formation of endogenous fires was carried out, and plans of the location of endogenous fires were presented. Conclusions and scope of results. After implementation of measures on inspection and survey in areas close to the centers of endogenous fires, as well as analysis of the results, we can conclude that direct visual inspections and thermal imaging measurements do not allow to fully determine the boundaries of fire zones in plan and depth. This is due to the fact that noticeable temperature anomalies are recorded only when the focus is directly on the ground surface due to the low thermal conductivity of coal and host rocks.