Different Gas Explosion Mechanisms and Explosion Suppression Techniques

Abstract

Gas explosions are characterized principally in terms of two types according to the mechanism of combustion: deflagrations and detonations; detonations can be further subdivided into unstable detonations and stable detonations. All these three kinds of explosions are possible in confined underground coal mine roadways, so corresponding explosion suppression techniques shall be available. The effectiveness of water barriers commonly used in today's coal mines is in doubt in views of catastrophic gas explosions occurring from time to time. In this paper, different gas explosion mechanisms are theoretically investigated; the adequacy of current explosion suppression measures is explored. Along with the explosion suppression materials generally used in other process industries, their possible applications in coal mine roadways are discussed. It is concluded that porous medium is a promising material. If they are used with water barriers together, explosion accidents may be diminished to the minimum and production safety be guaranteed to the maximum.