Is spontaneous combustion of coal stockpiles a serious economic and safety problem?

The spontaneous ignition of coal stockpiles is a serious economic and safety problem. This paper deals with oxidation and spontaneous combustion of coal piles laid in coal storage yard and the measures to avoid the heat losses produced.

What is spontaneous combustion of coal?

Spontaneous combustion of coal is a phenomenon that happens when the rate of heat generated exceeds the rate of heat loss in heterogeneous and porous coal particles. This propagates internal chemical reactions in the inter-particle channels and microstructure leading to self-heating and spontaneous combustion.

What causes coal to self-heat and spontaneous combustion?

If this heat is not adequately dissipated, it can cause the coal to heat up further, leading to self-heating and eventual spontaneous combustion. The rate of oxidation increases as the temperature rises, creating a feedback loop that can result in the coal igniting. What factors contribute to coal self-heating and spontaneous combustion?

Why is spontaneous combustion a hazard?

This propagates internal chemical reactions in the inter-particle channels and microstructure leading to self-heating and spontaneous combustion. For example, in coal stockpiles, spontaneous combustion is a dynamic thermal hazard that results in the loss of coal as a resource and possible caking which creates health and safety issues.

What can cause spontaneous combustion in coal mines?

Spontaneous combustion accidents can result from build-up of methane which cause within mentioned briefly here. Some fires are suppressed by fire suppressors, but they are more often used in response to mining explosions.

How does spontaneous combustion affect the environment?

In some cases, spontaneous combustion can lead to the formation of underground coal fires that can burn for years or even decades, further exacerbating the environmental and economic impact. How is coal self-heating and spontaneous combustion monitored and detected?