Explosive limits of mixed gases containing CH4, CO and C2H4 in the goaf area

The explosive gases CO and C2H4, released mainly flammable gases during the process of coal self-ignition, are of the most important ingredients of the multi-component gases in goaf areas, along with CH4. We have determined some of the parameters of explosive properties of the one-component gases CH4, CO and C2H4 using an explosive trial device of polybasic explosive gas mixtures and emphasized particularly the effect on the limits of explosive concentration of the binary explosive mixed gases CH4+CO, CH4+C2H4, as a function of the amount of CO, C2H4 and inert flame resisting gases (N2, CO2). The experimental results show that the effect of inert gases on the explosive limits of mixed gases, given the property of explosive gas, is obvious: the inert gases (N2, CO2) possess some inhibitory effects on the explosion of the multi-component explosive gas mixtures. The results will provide some experimental support to suppress the occurrence of the gas explosions in goaf areas and provide some directions for designing explosion-proof electric equipment and fire arresters.