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Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines

March 2007
NIOSH Docket Number 100

Seals are dam-like structures constructed in underground coal mines throughout the U.S. to isolate abandoned mining panels or groups of panels from the active workings. Historically, mining regulations required seals to withstand a 140 kPa (20 psi) explosion pressure; however, the 2006 MINER Act requires MSHA to increase this design standard by the end of 2007. This report provides a sound scientific and engineering justification to recommend a three-tiered explosion pressure design criteria for new seals in coal mines in response to the MINER Act. Much of the information contained in this report also applies to existing seals.

Materials Under Evaluation

Draft NIOSH document, “Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines” by R. Karl Zipf, PhD, Michael J. Sapko, M.Sc., and Jürgen F. Brune, PhD [PDF - 24,880 KB]

Notice of public input opportunity; 72 FR 10765; 03/09/07 [PDF - 509 KB]

Submissions from the Public in Order of Receipt

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Baer (Sandia National Laboratories) – 2/1/07 [PDF - 44 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Kuhl (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) –2/1/07 [PDF - 656 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Arguello (Sandia National Laboratories) – 2/2/07 [PDF - 42 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Hermuelheim (Deutsche Steinkohle) – 2/13/07 [PDF - 951 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Denning (MSHA Coal Mine Safety and Health District 9) – 2/13/07 [PDF - 23 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Tasillo (MSHA Technical Support) – 2/13/07 [PDF - 1,030 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Wala (University of Kentucky) – 2/15/07 [PDF - 675 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from McNider (Jim Walter Resources) – 2/16/07 [PDF - 1,240 KB]

Submission to NIOSH Docket Office from Worthington (Sick Maihak) – 2/22/07 [PDF - 3,430 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Hansen (GexCon AS) – 2/27/07 [PDF - 1,040 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Heuze (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory – 2/28/07 [PDF - 314 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Sherer (MSHA Coal Mine Safety and Health – 2/28/07 [PDF - 50,310 KB]

Submission to NIOSH Docket Office from Campoli (Minova USA, Inc.) – 03/06/07 [PDF - 47 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Schiefelbein (AngloCoal) – 03/06/07 [PDF - 414 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Lyne (Queensland Mines Inspectorate, Australia) – 03/08/07 [PDF - 2,380 KB]

Submission to NIOSH Docket Office from Lusk (University of Kentucky) – 03/08/07 [PDF - 200 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Harvey (AngloCoal) – 03/09/07 [PDF - 973 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Conaway (Arch Coal, Inc.) – 03/10/07 [PDF - 59 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Grayson (University of Missouri) – 3/11/07 [PDF - 2,660 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Dyduch (Central Mining Research Institute) – 03/12/07 [PDF - 1,340 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Bessinger (San Juan Coal Company) – 03/12/07 [PDF - 142 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Gillies (The Mineserve Group) – 03/13/07 [PDF - 2,910 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Beerbower (Peabody Energy Co.) – 03/13/07 [PDF - 4,810 KB]

Submission to Guturnca (NIOSH) from Skiles (MSHA Technical Support) – 03/13/07 [PDF - 9,120 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Spearing (Excel Mining Systems, Inc.) – 03/14/07 [PDF - 1,080 KB]

Submission to NIOSH Docket Office from Watzman (National Mining Association) – 03/14/07 [PDF - 26,230 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Esterhuizen (NIOSH/PRL) – 03/16/07 [PDF - 3,810 KB]

Submission to Zipf (NIOSH) from Barbee (International Union of Operating Engineers) – 03/26/07 [PDF - 1,270 KB]

Submission to NIOSH Docket Office from Baker (United Mine Workers of America) – 04/18/07 [PDF - 2,310 KB]

Submission to ZIpf (NIOSH) from Wieland (Uncertainty Ink) – 04/24/07 [PDF - 743 KB]

Compilation of reviews and responses to the reviews from Karl Zipf (NIOSH) – 05/01/07 [PDF - 5,190 KB]

Final NIOSH document, “Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines” by R. Karl Zipf, PhD, Michael J. Sapko, M.Sc., and Jürgen F. Brune, PhD; 05/25/07 [PDF - 8,415 KB]

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