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Detailed Notes
Introduction
- Underground mine fires are one of the most dangerous hazards, causing explosions, toxic gases, and fatalities.
- The DGMS has issued strict provisions under CMR 2017 and MMR 1961 for fire prevention and control.
Causes of Underground Fires
- Spontaneous Heating: Caused by the oxidation of coal exposed to air, common in high-volatile seams.
- Ignition Sources: Includes welding, cutting, sparks from machinery, frictional heat, and electrical faults.
- Accumulated Combustibles: Materials like timber supports, lubricants, and rubber belts can fuel fires.
- Old Workings: Residual coal left in abandoned areas can ignite spontaneously over time.
DGMS Fire Control Methods
- Preventive Measures: Good ventilation, sealing off unused workings, regular CO monitoring, and using fire-resistant materials.
- Direct Control Measures: Water flooding, sand/rock dust stowing, Nitrogen/COβ injection (inertization), and isolating the area with stoppings.
- Detection & Monitoring: Continuous gas monitoring devices and CO detectors are crucial for early warning.
Case Study: Jharia Coalfield
- The long-standing fires in Dhanbad (Jharia Coalfield) are a major case study.
- They are primarily caused by spontaneous combustion and highlight the critical need for effective isolation and stowing measures.
Quick One-Liners
- Spontaneous heating is the major cause of fires in coal mines.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) is the first gas detected in most mine fires.
- Inertization with nitrogen/COβ is considered the best method for suffocating a fire.
- DGMS requires the proper sealing of old goaves to prevent spontaneous heating.
- Firefighting teams must be trained under the Mines Rescue Rules.
- First response to a suspected fire should always be the evacuation of workers.
- The main dangers from mine fires are explosions, toxic gases, and roof falls.
Descriptive Model Answer
Q. What are the main causes of underground mine fires? Explain DGMS-recommended methods of fire control. ONLINEMININGEXAM
Answer:
Underground mine fires are primarily caused by spontaneous heating of coal, external ignition sources (sparks, electrical faults), and the accumulation of combustible materials like timber. DGMS mandates a two-pronged approach for fire control:
- Preventive Measures: These include ensuring adequate ventilation, using fire-resistant materials, sealing off old workings to limit oxygen exposure, and regular monitoring for gases like CO.
- Direct Control Measures: Once a fire starts, methods include water flooding to cool the area, sand/dust stowing to cut off oxygen, inertization with Nitrogen/COβ, and building strong stoppings to completely isolate the fire zone.
Multiple-Choice Quiz
Score: 0 / 25
Q1. What is the major cause of underground fires in coal mines? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q2. Which is the first gas typically detected in a mine fire? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q3. Which DGMS fire control method involves displacing oxygen? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q4. Why are timber supports considered a significant fire hazard? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q5. Why are old, unsealed workings dangerous? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q6. Which of these is a key preventive measure against mine fires? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q7. Sealing off a fire area is most effectively done with: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q8. The long-standing fires in the Jharia coalfield are primarily due to: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q9. What are the two main gases used for inertization? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q10. The Mines Rescue Rules mandate the provision of: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q11. What is the most common method for early fire detection? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q12. The purpose of using fire-resistant conveyor belts is to: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q13. Spontaneous heating tendency is highest in which type of coal? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q14. Sealing a fire area with stoppings primarily cuts off the supply of: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q15. How does flooding with water control a fire? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q16. Fire risk increases when which factors are present? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q17. The main statutory provisions for fire safety in coal mines are under: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q18. Which gas is monitored as the primary indicator of spontaneous heating? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q19. How does sand stowing help control a fire? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q20. A fire in a belt conveyor gallery is best controlled by: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q21. What is the first and most critical action when a fire is suspected? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q22. What are the main dangers associated with underground mine fires? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q23. DGMS circulars on mine fires primarily emphasize: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q24. How does COβ injection prevent a fire from spreading? ONLINEMININGEXAM
Q25. Long-standing mine fires like those in Jharia demonstrate the critical need for: ONLINEMININGEXAM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of fires in underground coal mines?
The main cause is spontaneous heating, which is the oxidation of coal when it's exposed to air, especially in seams with high volatile matter.
What is the first gas detected during a mine fire?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the first indicator gas produced from the incomplete combustion of coal, making it crucial for early fire detection.
What is inertization and why is it used?
Inertization is a fire control method that involves injecting inert gases like Nitrogen (Nβ) and Carbon Dioxide (COβ) into a fire area. This displaces oxygen, effectively suffocating the fire.
What are stoppings used for in mine fire control?
Stoppings are strong, airtight seals, typically made of brick or concrete, built to completely isolate a fire-affected area from the rest of the mine, cutting off its oxygen supply.
Keep Your Knowledge Updated
Mines Rescue Rules - DGMS Exam Notes
Read More πCoal Mines Regulations (CMR) 2017 - Complete Guide
Read More πDGMS Official Website
Read More πReady to Ace Your DGMS Exams?
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