Ethan Clarke
Explosives are commonly used in coal mining to blast rock and coal. The use of explosives in coal mining has led to the development of a special class of explosives that are safe for use in flammable atmospheres. These explosives are known as detonating explosives and are often mixed with cooling salts or a cooling agent to reduce the amount of flame produced during detonation. Industrial explosives such as ammonium nitrate, black powder, and dynamite are also commonly used in coal mining. However, the misuse of explosives has raised major public safety concerns, leading governments to implement strict regulations regarding their import, manufacture, and distribution.
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic explosives are used in coal mining to break coal and other rocks
- Explosives used in coal mining are placed in drilled holes and shot in rounds
- Ammonium nitrate is a commonly used explosive in coal mining
- Safety is a concern with explosives used in coal mining due to the flammable atmosphere underground
- Regulations are in place in many countries to control the import, manufacture, and distribution of explosives
Plastic explosives are used in coal mining to break coal and other rocks
Explosives are frequently used in coal mining to break coal and other rocks. The use of explosives in coal mining is essential as it reduces the costs of consumer goods such as electricity, sand, gravel, and copper. Explosives are used to break coal and other rocks in underground mines and quarries. The process of using explosives to break rocks is called blasting. Blasting reduces costs by minimizing vibrations, which would otherwise be wasted explosive energy.
There are two types of explosives: low explosives and high explosives. Low explosives include gunpowder, while examples of high explosives include ammonium nitrate, nitroglycerine, and TNT. Explosives used in coal mining are typically of the low variety, as they are less powerful and thus less likely to ignite the flammable atmosphere that can be encountered underground.
Industrial explosives are commonly used in coal mining, and these can be further categorized into four groups: low or deflagrating explosives, primary and secondary high explosives, and blasting agents. Black powder, dynamite, and ammonium nitrate are some of the most commonly used explosives in coal mining. Ammonium nitrate is widely used because it is safer than dynamite and can be shipped, stored, and mixed with fuel oil when needed. However, it has drawbacks, including no water resistance, low density, and limited energy options.
To use explosives in coal mining, holes are drilled into the coal or rock, and a portion of each hole is filled with explosives. These explosives are then detonated, and the high pressure built up is capable of breaking the rock.
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Explosives used in coal mining are placed in drilled holes and shot in rounds
Explosives are used in coal mining to break up rock and coal in underground mines. The process of blasting involves drilling holes in a pattern in the coal face, which are then filled with explosives. The explosives are then detonated in a process known as "shot in rounds", where each shot is fired with a short delay between them. This is a highly dangerous process due to the presence of flammable gas and dust in the atmosphere.
The explosives used in coal mining are often low-power and can deflagrate (fail to detonate) if they have been precompressed before detonation. This can cause any flammable atmosphere to be ignited, so it is important to use the correct type of explosive. "Cooling salts" or "cooling agents" are sometimes added to reduce the amount or temperature of the flame produced by the explosive. Examples of these include sodium chloride and ammonium nitrate.
The holes drilled for the explosives are known as "blastholes" and are cylindrical openings created in the rock for the placement of explosives. The depth of these holes varies from 1.2 to 1.8 metres, with the longest holes allowing for the highest charge per shot. The holes are drilled in a wedge pattern, with the initial free face created by blasting the wedge shot holes. The lowest delay interval detonators are used to ensure the cut area is initiated first, before enlarging to the gallery size.
The use of explosives in coal mining is a highly specialised process, with specific licences required to store the explosives on-site. The type of explosive used is also critical, with gelatinous explosives prone to deterioration due to moisture absorption. The safe storage and use of explosives in coal mining is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of all personnel.
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Ammonium nitrate is a commonly used explosive in coal mining
Explosives are used in coal mining to break coal and rocks. One of the most commonly used explosives is ammonium nitrate, which is often mixed with fuel oil or diesel fuel. This mixture is known as ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil). ANFO is widely used because it is cost-effective, easy to use, and has excellent charge distribution in blast holes. It is also versatile, as it can be used in both large and small hole diameter mining.
ANFO is a high explosive that consists of 94% porous prilled ammonium nitrate and 6% number 2 fuel oil or diesel fuel. The ammonium nitrate acts as the oxidizing agent and absorbent for the fuel. While ANFO is less water-resistant and has a lower detonation velocity than other explosives, its low cost and ease of use make it a popular choice in the mining industry. Mines typically prepare ANFO on-site, and it is pneumatically loaded into blast holes.
The use of ANFO in coal mining has some drawbacks. One concern is the safety of the miners, as the presence of inflammable gas and dust in the mines can increase the risk of explosions. To mitigate this, "cooling salts" or a "cooling agent", such as ammonium nitrate, are added to the explosives to reduce the amount and temperature of the flame upon detonation. However, this can also decrease the efficiency of the explosive and increase the possibility of misfires.
Another consideration is the safe storage and handling of ANFO. Ammonium nitrate is a simple component used in the production of fertiliser bombs and has been responsible for several industrial disasters. As a result, many countries restrict its purchase and use to buyers who have obtained the proper licence. Proper storage and handling procedures are crucial to prevent accidents and unauthorised use.
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Safety is a concern with explosives used in coal mining due to the flammable atmosphere underground
Explosives are frequently used in coal mining operations to break up rock and coal. However, safety is a significant concern due to the flammable atmosphere underground, which can be ignited by the use of explosives. The presence of inflammable gas and dust in the working atmosphere of coal mines poses a risk of explosion and fire, known as "firedamp." To mitigate this risk, special detonating explosives have been developed for coal mining, containing "cooling salts" or "cooling agents" such as sodium chloride or ammonium nitrate. These additives reduce the amount and temperature of the flame produced during detonation, providing a greater margin of safety.
However, the addition of these cooling agents also reduces the efficiency of the explosive, leading to an increased possibility of misfires. This trade-off between safety and effectiveness creates a challenge in selecting the appropriate explosive for coal mining. Some observers believe that the current limit on explosive power may already be too restrictive, hindering productivity.
The type of explosive used in coal mining is crucial for safety. Low explosives, such as gunpowder, are fired by ignition or a flame and undergo rapid combustion. In contrast, high explosives, such as ammonium nitrate and nitroglycerine, contain inherently explosive ingredients that can be sensitised by specific means. The choice between low and high explosives depends on the specific mining operation and the level of risk that can be safely managed.
Furthermore, the storage and handling of explosives in coal mines require strict adherence to safety regulations. Magazines, or storage facilities, for explosives are subject to licensing and capacity restrictions. For example, a small magazine may store up to 45 kg of gunpowder and 5 kg of other NG explosives, while a large magazine can store up to 25,000 kg of high explosives. Proper storage and licensing help prevent accidents and ensure the safe handling of explosives in the volatile underground environment.
The use of explosives in coal mining must carefully balance effectiveness and safety. While explosives are necessary for breaking rock and coal, their potential to ignite flammable gases and dust in the underground atmosphere is a constant concern. The development of specialised explosives and stringent safety protocols reflects the industry's focus on mitigating this risk.
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Regulations are in place in many countries to control the import, manufacture, and distribution of explosives
Explosives are used in underground coal mines and quarries to break coal and other rocks. The high pressure generated by explosives is capable of breaking rocks. There are two types of explosives: low explosives, such as gunpowder, and high explosives, such as ammonium nitrate, nitroglycerine, and TNT. Due to the dangers of explosives, many countries have regulations in place to control their import, manufacture, and distribution.
In the United States, for example, the import, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials are tightly controlled. Federal laws, such as 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40, define criminal conduct related to explosives and establish penalties for violations. These laws apply to individuals, corporations, and other entities engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing with explosive materials.
To comply with US regulations, businesses must obtain licenses and permits, keep detailed records, and adhere to storage and transportation requirements. The ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) is responsible for issuing and renewing licenses and permits for explosive materials. Licenses are generally required for each business premises where explosive materials are manufactured, imported, or distributed. However, separate licenses may not be needed for storage facilities operated by the licensee as an integral part of the business premises.
Additionally, it is unlawful for licensees or permittees to willfully import, manufacture, distribute, purchase, or receive explosive materials without maintaining the required records, including information about the intended use and recipients of the explosives. These records must include personal information such as the name, date of birth, and place of residence of the recipients. Similar regulations and controls are likely in place in other countries to ensure the safe and secure management of explosive materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Explosives used in coal mining include black powder, dynamite, and ammonium nitrate.
Explosives are grouped into two types: low explosives and high explosives. Gunpowder is a common example of a low explosive, while ammonium nitrate, nitroglycerine, and TNT are examples of high explosives.
Safety concerns include the presence of flammable gas and dust in the working atmosphere, which can lead to explosions or fires. To mitigate this, "cooling salts" or a "cooling agent" is added to reduce the amount or temperature of the flame produced during detonation.
Yes, the use of explosives in coal mining is highly regulated due to public safety concerns. In the US, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulates the use of explosives, requiring licenses for importing, manufacturing, and distributing explosive materials.
