Study on the Explosion Mechanism of Low-Concentration Gas and Coal Dust

In coal mines, the mixture of coal dust and gas is more ignitable than gas alone, posing a high explosion risk to workers. Using the explosion tube, this study examines the explosion propagation characteristics and flame temperature of low-concentration gas and coal dust mixtures with various particle sizes. The CPD model and Chemkin-Pro 19.2 simulate the reaction kinetics of these explosions. Findings show that when the gas concentration is below its explosive limit, coal dust addition lowers the gas’s explosive threshold, potentially causing an explosion. Coal particle size significantly affects explosion propagation dynamics, with smaller particles producing faster flame velocities and higher temperatures. Due to their larger surface area, smaller particles absorb heat faster and undergo thermal decomposition, releasing combustible gases that intensify the explosion flame. The predicted yield of light gases from both coal types exceeds 40 wt% daf, raising combustible gas concentrations in the system. When accumulated reaction heat elevates the gas concentration to its explosive limit, an explosion occurs. These results are crucial for preventing gas and coal dust explosion accidents in coal mines.