Polymeric Gel Mine Fire Suppression via Water Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire suppression methods in underground mines, such as water and foams, are ineffective in extinguishing fires in confined areas like coal pillars due to evaporation and inability to penetrate interstitial gaps, requiring significant manpower and resources for continuous application.

Innovation Solution

A water-absorbent polymeric composition is delivered to rock structures involved in fires, infused into interstitial gaps, and used to seal mine entries, providing structural integrity and sustained fire suppression by absorbing and releasing water directly onto the fire, while blocking oxygen supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water is used to extinguish fires in underground mines, then heat is removed and oxygen is deprived from the fire, but water quickly evaporates before the fire is completely extinguished and requires significant manpower and water supply for continuous reapplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression effectivenessVSAvoidcontinuous reapplication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of water by combining it with hydrophilic polymer particles, transforming it from a free-flowing liquid that evaporates quickly into a gel-like composition that adheres to and penetrates the burning material, thereby extending fire suppression duration without continuous reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material consisting of water and hydrophilic polymer particles that combines the fire-suppressing properties of water with the water-absorbing and adhesion properties of hydrophilic polymers, resulting in a composition that neither evaporates quickly nor requires continuous reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If water is applied to structures on fire, then fire suppression is achieved, but water runs off and is unused unless soaked into the material, requiring significant manpower to re-apply water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression effectivenessVSAvoidwater loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the physical parameters of water by incorporating hydrophilic polymer particles, changing its flow characteristics and adhesion properties so that the composition adheres to and penetrates the burning material rather than running off, thereby reducing water loss and eliminating the need for continuous reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrophilic polymer particles in the composition automatically absorb and retain water on the burning material surface through their hydrophilic properties, creating a self-sustaining fire suppression effect that does not require external manpower for reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If nitrogen-expanded foam is used to control fires in underground mines, then a stable material is applied that does not fall off or quickly evaporate, but foam cannot flow into or be pumped into interstitial gaps within a structure on fire such as into a coal pillar

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam stability durationVSAvoidpenetration capability into interstitial gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the porous and interstitial structure of the burning material (such as coal pillars) to its advantage by delivering the polymeric composition through bore holes that access these gaps, allowing the composition to penetrate and treat fires within the interstitial spaces that foams cannot reach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs hydraulic delivery methods to pump the polymeric composition through bore holes and into the interstitial gaps of the burning material, utilizing fluid pressure to force the composition into spaces that cannot be accessed by foam application methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The polymeric composition effectively extinguishes fires in confined areas by maintaining a stable water supply and blocking oxygen, reducing the need for continuous reapplication and manpower, and can be used to create a fire break to prevent further fire spread.

Implementation Method 1

a water-absorbent polymeric composition is delivered to rock structures involved in fires, infused into interstitial gaps, and used to seal mine entries, providing structural integrity and sustained fire suppression by absorbing and releasing water directly onto the fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The polymeric composition effectively extinguishes fires in confined areas by maintaining a stable water supply and blocking oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS8807661B2Method of controlling ventilation in a mine entry with polymeric gel

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 MICON

AI summary

A method is disclosed for controlling a mine fire by delivering a water-absorbent polymeric composition to a rock structure involved in a fire and infusing the polymeric composition into the rock structure. The polymeric composition may also be used to create a seal across a mine entry for controlling underground mine fires.