Research finds methane can ignite by frictional sparks between aluminum alloys and rusty steel

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1973 · Coal Age; (United States)

OSTI ID:7140620

Desy, D H; Risbeck, J S; Neumeier, L A

The Bureau of Mines has conducted research on the ignition of methane by sparks caused by frictional impact of aluminum alloys on rusty steel at typical coal mine fan speeds. The objectives were to establish the incendivity of aluminum alloys under these conditions, to investigate differences between aluminum alloys, and to evaluate substitute materials for the aluminum-steel combination. With a specially designed apparatus, three commercial aluminum casting alloys and a series of experimental aluminum alloys were tested for incendivity in frictional impact against rusted steel in flammable methane-air mixtures. All aluminum alloys tested produced some ignitions. In a series of experimental alloys, the harder alloys and those containing silicon tended to be more incendive than the others. Constructional steel, stainless steel, brass, and plastic did not cause ignition of methane-air mixtures in frictional impact against rusty steel. Some ignitions occurred with constructional steel at high speed in more flammable gas mixtures. It is suggested that other constructional materials than the aluminum-steel combination would minimize or eliminate this hazard.

• OSTI ID: 7140620
• Journal Information: Coal Age; (United States), Journal Name: Coal Age; (United States) Vol. 78:12; ISSN COAAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
016000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Health & Safety
090110* -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Properties-- (1979-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360104 -- Metals & Alloys-- Physical Properties
ALKANES
ALLOYS
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
BRASS
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
COPPER ALLOYS
COPPER BASE ALLOYS
CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
FLUIDS
FRICTION
HYDROCARBONS
IGNITION
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
METHANE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
STAINLESS STEELS
STEELS
ZINC ALLOYS