METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC MINE TUNNEL DEGASSING Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC E21F5/00 

FIELD: mining, particularly fire and explosion protection means.

SUBSTANCE: device comprises mine fan and abnormal gas contamination control means, which includes control apparatus to control abnormal gas contamination in mine tunnel space, sensors to record lower explosive limit, cylinder with compressed air and compressed air flow regulator, which is connected to the cylinder to control air flow discharge therefrom. The sensors are connected with control apparatus by manifold and cable line. Lower explosive limit sensor output is attached to compressed air flow regulator inlet. Pneumatic compressed air flow regulator outlet is communicated with gas contaminated mine tunnel zone. Compressed air flow regulator, lower explosive limit sensor and compressed air cylinder may be arranged on mining machine body to provide emergency air discharge from the cylinder to cutting tool and mine face zone. Explosion-safe accumulative power source is additionally installed on mining machine body. Mine tunnel degassing method with the use of above device involves elimination of methane concentration in mine tunnel due to air flow velocity increase in mine tunnel along with lower gas mixture explosive limit control in gas contaminated zone of mine tunnel. If lower explosive limit is detected emergency compressed air discharge from compressed air cylinder is carried out to reduce gas content in mine tunnel.

EFFECT: increased degassing rate and reduced risk of methane explosion to be caused by igniter present in gassed zone.

3 cl, 1 dwg, 1 tbl