ExpandedGlossary-RoyalCommissiononthePikeRiver.docVIP

Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy Te Komihana a te Karauna m? te Parekura Ana Waro o te Awa o Pike Expanded Glossary – 14 June 2011 Term Common definition Notes Example Picture or Diagram / Use of common term Absorption Isotherm A theoretical measure of the potential gas that could be contained within a coal inferred to be in its natural state. An absorption isotherm is derived to forcibly charging a desorbed coal sample with gas under pressure and temperature conditions considered likely to replicate the maximum possible gas bearing capacity of the coal in its natural state. The absorbed gas content is typically twice that or more the gas content of the coal measured by desorption methods. After damp Noxious mixture of Mine Gases resulting from a coal mine explosion. . Afterdamp could be associated with a mine fire however it is more commonly associated with the mixture of mine gases resulting from an explosion. It could consist of water vapour, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, low levels of oxygen, water vapour, hydrogen, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, and other miscellaneous distillation products. The mixture of gases will vary, depending on the fuel source (eg. If it is predominantly methane, or predominantly coal dust, or a ratio in between). In general the atmosphere is irrespirable to due to the lack of oxygen and is often toxic due to the carbon monoxide. Noxious. Adjective. harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant: they were overcome by the noxious fumes Air short circuiting When all or part of the airflow does not complete the planned ventilation circuit because it finds an alternative route. Intake air enters the mine from surface via shafts, ventilation raises or portals. The air is distributed through the mine via internal raises, tunnels, and roadway. Ventilation flows are controlled by regulators, ventilation control devices, and ventilation fans. Ventilation inefficiencies occur when not all of the planned ventil