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Detection, extinguishing, and monitoring of a coal fire in Xinjiang, China

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Abstract

Coal fire is a global catastrophe. Xinjiang suffers the most severe coal fire in China and even in the world. Coal firefighting work has been being conducted for decades in Xinjiang. In this paper, coal fire detection, extinguishing, and monitoring approaches that were derived from coal firefighting experience are introduced in detail by taking the Fifth Fire Area (FFA) of the Heshituoluogai coal fire for instance. We first introduce the geology and fire situation in the FFA. Before developing efficient strategies to extinguish it, magnetic and self-potential methods are adopted to delineate the extent of the fire. A composite index is proposed to better indicate the fire. The comprehensive coal firefighting method is illustrated in detail, which consists of surface cooling, excavation and leveling, borehole drilling, borehole water injection and grouting, and loess backfill. The subsequent temperature and CO monitoring records show that the fire is extinguished successfully without burnback. The methodology presented here provides guidance and reference for putting out other coal fires around the world.

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Funding

The project was sponsored by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2018QNA02) and the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China

    Zhenlu Shao, Xiaoxing Zhong, Deming Wang & Yanming Wang

  2. Xinjiang Coalfield Fire-Extinguishing Engineering Bureau, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China

    Xinyong Jia, Jun Wei & Long Chen

Authors
  1. Zhenlu Shao
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  2. Xinyong Jia
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  3. Xiaoxing Zhong
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  4. Deming Wang
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  5. Jun Wei
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  6. Yanming Wang
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  7. Long Chen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiaoxing Zhong.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Shao, Z., Jia, X., Zhong, X. et al. Detection, extinguishing, and monitoring of a coal fire in Xinjiang, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 26603–26616 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2715-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2715-6

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