Application of nitrogen as preventive and controlling subsurface fire – Indian context

Abstract

The application of liquid/gaseous nitrogen, which inhibits combustion for preventing, controlling and extinguishing mine fires, is now universally accepted for last 50 y. This paper presents the scientific relevance and selective criteria for use of N₂ in subsurface fire and reviews experiences of N₂use in Indian coalmines for more than 20 y. The different techniques of N₂ production, its advantages and disadvantages are described briefly. A case study of using N₂as a preventive material, in goaf area of working panels of blasting gallery (BG) method of mining is also highlighted.