Insulating Property of Loam to Prevent Spontaneous Combustion of Coal and Carbonaceous Rocks

The studies find out that permeability of loam is 51.6 times less than permeability of coal mass. Thus, this disperse sediment can be used to prevent spontaneous combustion of coal and carbonaceous rocks. The major insulating effect is provided by a loam layer with a thickness of 0.06–0.08 m, which reduces permeability of an insulated mass by 5 times. The increase in this loam layer thickness has a minor effect on the permeability. Water sprinkling yet more decreases the permeability of loam but drying-out initiates cracks in the insulating material and they give access for air to oxidizable coal. Recovery of the insulating effect after exposure to water requires ripping and compaction of loam.