Control of methane in coal silos.
Handbook for methane control in mining. Kissell FN, ed. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-127 (IC 9486), 2006 Jun; :141-146
Methane accumulations in coal silos have resulted in the occasional silo explosion. These can be quite violent and dangerous because coal dust adds to the strength of the blast. However, with the appropriate precautionary measures, methane accumulations in silos can be greatly reduced. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations at 30 CFR 77.201 require that the methane content in the air of any coal silo be maintained below 1.0 vol %. Also, MSHA requires that methane tests be conducted before any electrical equipment is energized, unless a continuous monitor capable of deenergizing the electrical equipment is used.
Mining-industry; Methane-control; Safety-research; Coal-mining; Explosions; Methanes
NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 18070, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Handbook for methane control in mining