Specific features of thermal imaging surveys for detecting spontaneous combustion sources in coal strip mines
V.A. Portola1, O.I. Cherskikh2, S.I. Protasov3, E.A. Seregin3, I.A. Shvakov2
1 T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
2 Solntsevsky Coal Mine LLC, Shakhtersk, Russian Federation
3 KUZBASS NIIOGR Innovation Company, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1 / 2023 р. 95-100
Abstract: Constant contact of coal extracted in surface mining operations with oxygen in the air contributes to the development of spontaneous combustion and emergence of spontaneous fire seats. It is possible to reduce the risks of spontaneous fires and minimize the damage caused by these accidents by detecting the fire seats at an early stage. Thermal imaging performed from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) makes it possible to significantly simplify the detection of spontaneous combustions in coal mines. The research performed showed that the existing software enables plotting a mine layout map with indication of the temperature anomalies based on the thermal imaging results. Individual zones with thermal anomalies are identified in order to assess the size of spontaneous combustion seats. When carrying out thermal imaging surveys, it is required to account for the ability of the solar radiation to warm the earth surface up to 30-50 °C, so the flights are to be executed before sunrise or, in rare cases, in cloudy weather. Analysis of the thermal imaging results showed that the detected thermal anomalies can be caused by operating machines and mechanisms. In order to assess the state of spontaneous combustion seats and to choose the efficient method and means of fire suppression, it is necessary to determine the temperature of the seats with a contact thermometer and to measure the concentration of emitted gases. The performed measurements showed that the seat temperature at a depth of 10-15 cm could increase by hundreds of degrees as compared to the temperature at the surface. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and methane can be emitted from the spontaneous combustion seats. The proposed technology to monitor the condition of rock dumps helps to improve safety and reduce the cost of controlling the spontaneous fire seats.
Keywords: spontaneous combustion of coal, spontaneous fire, thermal imaging device, temperature survey, detection of fire seats, unmanned aerial vehicle, aerial photography, gas analyzer
For citation: Portola V.A., Cherskikh O.I., Protasov S.I., Seregin E.A., Shvakov I.A. Specific features of thermal imaging surveys for detecting spontaneous combustion sources in coal strip mines. Russian Mining Industry. 2023;(1):95–100. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2023-1-95-100
Article info
Received: 22.12.2022
Revised: 19.01.2023
Accepted: 23.01.2023
Information about the author
Vyacheslav A. Portola – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Oleg I. Cherskikh – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Director, Solntsevsky Coal Mine LLC, Shakhtersk, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sergey I. Protasov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Director, KUZBASS NIIOGR Innovation Company, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Evgeny A. Seregin – Director, KUZBASS NIIOGR Innovation Company, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Igor A. Shvakov – Site Supervisor, Solntsevsky Coal Mine LLC, Shakhtersk, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
References
1. Akbarov T.G., Israilov M.A., Makhmudov D.R. Analysis and prevention of spontaneous combustion of Angren coal. Mining Informational and Analytical Bulletin. 2021;(1):170–177. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25018/0236-1493-2021-1-0-170-177
2. Zhang Y., Liu Y., Shi X., Yang C., Wang W., Li Y. Risk evaluation of coal spontaneous combustion on the basis of auto-ignition temperature. Fuel. 2018;233:68–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.06.052
3. Onifade M., Genc B. Spontaneous combustion of coals and coal-shales. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology. 2018;28(6):993–940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2018.05.013
4. Rodionov V.A., Tursenev S.A., Skripnik I.L., Ksenofontov Y.G. Results of the study of kinetic parameters of spontaneous combustion of coal dust. Journal of Mining Institute. 2020;246:617–622. https://doi.org/10.31897/PMI.2020.6.3
5. Skochinsky A.A., Ogievsky V.M. Mine fires. Moscow: Gornoe delo; Kimmeriisky tsentr; 2011. 375 p. (In Russ.)
6. Liang Y., Zhang J., Wang L., Luo H., Ren T. Forecasting spontaneous combustion of coal in underground coal mines by index gases: A review. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries. 2019;57:208–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2018.12.003
7. Portola V.A., Bobrovnikova A.A., Sin S.A., Igishev V.G. Special features of the release of indicator fire gases at the nitrogen supply to the foci of coal spontaneous combustion. Occupational Safety in Industry. 2022;(4):47–52. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24000/0409-2961-2022-4-47-52
8. Portola V.A., Tailakov O.V., Lee Hee Un, Sobolev V.V., Bobrovnikova A.A. Detection, location and assessment of underground fires using radon anomalies on the day surface. Ugol’. 2021;(5):47–52. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2021-5-47-52
9. Un L.K., Cherdantsev S.V., Popov V.B., Shlapakov P.A., Erastov A.Y. Electrical prospecting to detect places of spontaneous heating in Olzherasskaya-Novaya coal mine: case study. Journal of Mining Science. 2017;53(1):191–196. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062739117012018
10. Protasov S.I., Seregin E.A., Portola V.A., Bobrovnikova A.A. Investigation of the centers of endogenous fires at the rock dumps of the coal enterprises. Occupational Safety in Industry. 2021;(8):65–70. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24000/0409-2961-2021-8-65-70
