Variation of ignition sensitivity characteristics of non-stick coal dust explosions

Abstract

Abstract The ignition and explosion of coal dust are significant hazards in coal mines. In this study, the minimum ignition temperature and energy of non-stick coal dust were investigated empirically at different working conditions to identify the key factors that influence the sensitivity and characteristics of coal dust explosions. The results showed that for a given particle size, the minimum ignition temperature of the coal dust layer was inversely related to the thickness of the coal dust layer. Meanwhile, when the layer thickness was kept constant, the minimum ignition temperature of the coal dust layer decreased with smaller coal dust particle sizes. Over the range of particle sizes tested (25–75 μm), the minimum ignition temperature of the coal dust cloud gradually increased when larger particles was used. At the same particle size, the minimum ignition temperature of the coal dust layer was much lower than that of the coal dust cloud. Furthermore, the curves of minimum ignition energy all exhibited a minimum value in response to changes to single independent variables of mass concentration, ignition delay time and powder injection pressure. The interactions of these three independent variables were also examined, and the experimental results were fitted to establish a mathematical model of the minimum ignition energy of coal dust. Empirical verification demonstrated the accuracy and practicability of the model. The results of this research can provide an experimental and theoretical basis for preventing dust explosions in coal mines to enhance the safety of production.