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U.S. Department of Energy
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Methane ignition by frictional impact between aluminum alloys and rusted steel. Report of investigations

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7198948
Research was conducted on ignition of methane by frictional sparks from aluminum alloys impacting rusty steel at typical coal mine fan speeds. Objectives were to establish incendivity of different commercial and experimental aluminum alloys and to evaluate several substitute materials for the aluminum-steel combination. All aluminum alloys produced some ignitions in a specially designed impact apparatus. Harder experimental alloys and those containing silicon tended to be more incendive than others. With normal experimental conditions, steels, brass, and plastic did not ignite methane-air when impacted on rusty steel. Constructional steel at high speed in oxygen-enriched atmosphere caused some ignitions. It is suggested that materials other than the aluminum-steel combination would minimize the hazard. (GRA)
Research Organization:
Bureau of Mines, Rolla, Mo. (USA). Rolla Metallurgy Research Center
OSTI ID:
7198948
Report Number(s):
PB-240838; BM-RI-8005
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English