626
shearer. These methane envelopes suggest more meaningful strategic locations where methane sensors should be mounted to provide a more accurate warning of methane explosion
hazards. In the near future, as sufficient computing power becomes available, such CFD
models will be available in real-time and provide the underpinnings for a proximity detection model where the shearer and other ignition sources can be shut off automatically as an
explosive methane cloud approaches. To provide sufficient calibration for the real-time CFD
models, researcher recommend to mount methane sensors in the tips of all shields, in zone
M3 shown in Figure 3. In addition, directional infrared sensors should be added to provide
further calibration for the real-time CFD model that serves to inform of explosion hazards.
Future research also needs to re-visit the methane triggers of 1.0% or 1.5% commonly
accepted in the coal industry worldwide. As real-time methane distribution models become
reality, mine operators can monitor methane in the mining face to much greater detail. With
sensors mounted in locations where their indication is truly meaningful, it may be justifiable
to set the alarm and shut-off at higher levels while still providing greater safety and protection against methane ignitions and explosions.
5 FUTURE RESEARCH
CFD real-time methane distribution models will be visualized through virtual and augmented
reality (VR, AR) where miners can “see” hazardous methane clouds on display screens and in
their heads-up displays. (Sebnem to add a paragraph or two).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CDC-NIOSH has provided funding for this research under contract 211-2014-60050. The
authors wish to thank NIOSH for this support.
REFERENCES
Brune, J.F. and Sapko, M.J. 2012. A Modeling Study on Longwall Tailgate Ventilation, Proceedings,
14th North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, June 2012, 6 p.
Kissell, F.N. 2006. Handbook for Methane Control in Mining, CDC NIOSH IC9486, Pittsburgh 2006.
MSHA 2011. Clip from Upper Big Branch Mine Accident Scenario Video, MSHA web site https://
arlweb.msha.gov/Fatals/2010/UBB/PerformanceCoalUBB.asp, accessed 12-17-18.
MSHA 2013. Program Policy Letter No. P13-V-06, Reissue of P11-V-8; Tests for Methane at the Working Face, Using Extendable Probes or Other Acceptable Means, U.S. Mines Safety and Health
Administration, Arlington VA, 2013.
Page NG et al. 2011. Mine Safety and Health Administration, Coal Mine Safety and Health, Report of
Investigation—Fatal Underground Mine Explosion April 5, 2010, Arlington VA, December 2011.
Page, N.G. et al. 2011. Mine Safety and Health Administration, Coal Mine Safety and Health, Report
of Investigation—Fatal Underground Mine Explosion April 5, 2010, Arlington VA, December 2011.
Taylor, C.D., Chilton, J.E. and Goodman, G.V.R. 2010. Guidelines for the Control and Monitoring
of Methane Gas on Continuous Mining Operations, CDC NIOSH IC9523, Pittsburgh, 2010, 69 p.
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 2019. Title 30 Mineral Resources, U.S. Government Printing Office, 2019.
Verma, A., Brune, J.F. 2016. Face ignitions in US coal mines and prevention technologies. Preprint no.
16–132, SME 2016 Annual Meeting, Phoenix AZ February 2016.
shearer. These methane envelopes suggest more meaningful strategic locations where methane sensors should be mounted to provide a more accurate warning of methane explosion
hazards. In the near future, as sufficient computing power becomes available, such CFD
models will be available in real-time and provide the underpinnings for a proximity detection model where the shearer and other ignition sources can be shut off automatically as an
explosive methane cloud approaches. To provide sufficient calibration for the real-time CFD
models, researcher recommend to mount methane sensors in the tips of all shields, in zone
M3 shown in Figure 3. In addition, directional infrared sensors should be added to provide
further calibration for the real-time CFD model that serves to inform of explosion hazards.
Future research also needs to re-visit the methane triggers of 1.0% or 1.5% commonly
accepted in the coal industry worldwide. As real-time methane distribution models become
reality, mine operators can monitor methane in the mining face to much greater detail. With
sensors mounted in locations where their indication is truly meaningful, it may be justifiable
to set the alarm and shut-off at higher levels while still providing greater safety and protection against methane ignitions and explosions.
5 FUTURE RESEARCH
CFD real-time methane distribution models will be visualized through virtual and augmented
reality (VR, AR) where miners can “see” hazardous methane clouds on display screens and in
their heads-up displays. (Sebnem to add a paragraph or two).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CDC-NIOSH has provided funding for this research under contract 211-2014-60050. The
authors wish to thank NIOSH for this support.
REFERENCES
Brune, J.F. and Sapko, M.J. 2012. A Modeling Study on Longwall Tailgate Ventilation, Proceedings,
14th North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, June 2012, 6 p.
Kissell, F.N. 2006. Handbook for Methane Control in Mining, CDC NIOSH IC9486, Pittsburgh 2006.
MSHA 2011. Clip from Upper Big Branch Mine Accident Scenario Video, MSHA web site https://
arlweb.msha.gov/Fatals/2010/UBB/PerformanceCoalUBB.asp, accessed 12-17-18.
MSHA 2013. Program Policy Letter No. P13-V-06, Reissue of P11-V-8; Tests for Methane at the Working Face, Using Extendable Probes or Other Acceptable Means, U.S. Mines Safety and Health
Administration, Arlington VA, 2013.
Page NG et al. 2011. Mine Safety and Health Administration, Coal Mine Safety and Health, Report of
Investigation—Fatal Underground Mine Explosion April 5, 2010, Arlington VA, December 2011.
Page, N.G. et al. 2011. Mine Safety and Health Administration, Coal Mine Safety and Health, Report
of Investigation—Fatal Underground Mine Explosion April 5, 2010, Arlington VA, December 2011.
Taylor, C.D., Chilton, J.E. and Goodman, G.V.R. 2010. Guidelines for the Control and Monitoring
of Methane Gas on Continuous Mining Operations, CDC NIOSH IC9523, Pittsburgh, 2010, 69 p.
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 2019. Title 30 Mineral Resources, U.S. Government Printing Office, 2019.
Verma, A., Brune, J.F. 2016. Face ignitions in US coal mines and prevention technologies. Preprint no.
16–132, SME 2016 Annual Meeting, Phoenix AZ February 2016.