The Inhibition of Coal Oxidation and Self Heating by Commercial Dust Suppressants

Abstract

The ability of some commonly used dust suppressants to inhibit coal oxidation has been determined from calorimetry. An agglomerating agent, consisting primarily of an emulsified oil, was found to be the most effective inhibitor, resulting in a 50% reduction in the heating rate of the coal. This reduction has been subslantialed in stockpiling trials. The concentration of emulsifier used in this reagent was found to significantly affect the extent to which it inhibited the oxidation reaction. This is believed to be due to changes in the relative magnitudes of the rates of pore penetration and surface spreading, of the oil, with increasing emulsifier concentration.