METHOD OF LOCATION OF UNDERGROUND FIRE SEATS FROM GROUND SURFACE Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: mining industry; control of underground fires. SUBSTANCE: method includes measurement of concentration of indicating gases in layer near ground surface and in above-surface air layer. Determined additionally is filtering rate of gas through rocks to surface. Underground fire seat is found under point of maximum rate of gas filtration. Area of zone heated by fire corresponds to area of region in which gas filtering rate exceeds background value. Rate of gas filtration through rocks to surface is determined by formulas V=V_oC/τS_oC_o or V=QC/S_oC_o, where V_o is volume of isolated above-surface air layer; C is concentration of indicating gas in isolated volume of air in time τ or correspondingly in pumped out gas; C_o is concentration of indicating gas in ground; S_o is area of contact of isolated volume of above-surface air with ground surface; Q is flow rate of pumped out gad from near ground surface. Used as indicating gases are fire gases or methane. EFFECT: higher accuracy of location of underground fire seats, determination of their seats, reduced expenditures in fire fighting, increased safety of mining operations. 4 cl