Open Access

ARTICLE

Characterizing and Stage-Wise Differentiation of Coal Spontaneous Combustion in Deep Mines

Haitao Wang^1,2,*, Pengxin Zhang², Weihao Li², Baogang Li¹, Xianghui Xiong¹

1 School of Resources and Engineering Department, Heilongjiang University of Technology, Jixi, 158100, China
2 Intelligent Mine Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Heilongjiang University of Science & Technology, Harbin, 150022, China

* Corresponding Author: Haitao Wang. Email:

Energy Engineering 2025, 122(4), 1561-1580. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2025.062844

Received 29 December 2024; Accepted 20 February 2025; Issue published 31 March 2025

Abstract

Deep mining, characterized by high stress, elevated geothermal gradients, and significant moisture content, significantly increases the risk of Coal Spontaneous Combustion (CSC), posing a major threat to mine safety. This study delves into the impact of these factors on the self-ignition properties of coal, leveraging data from four distinct mines in Heilongjiang Province, China: Shuangyashan Dongrong No. 2 Mine, Hegang Junde Coal Mine, Qitaihe Longhu Coal Mine, and Jixi Ronghua No. 1 Mine. We have honed the theoretical framework to account for variations in gas content during CSC. Our investigation, conducted through programmed temperature rise experiments, scrutinized the generation and temperature-dependent evolution of gases, emphasizing individual indicators such as CO, O₂, and C_xH_y, in addition to composite indicators like the ratio of change in CO to change in O₂ concentration (:) and the ratio of C₂H₄ to C₂H₆. These insights have catalyzed the development of a CSC state energy level transition model and a precise method for phase-based quantification of combustion progression. Our findings furnish a scientific foundation for the formulation of early warning and prevention strategies in deep mining settings.

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Keywords

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