After the accident at the Asturian mine of Cerredo that has left five dead and four injured, a gray bag of Grisú gas is considered guilty of the explosion. A hypothesis explained by the Government delegate in Asturias, Adriana Lastra and that still needs to investigate. Grisú is considered a silent and odorless enemy for miners.
This gas can not only be found in the coal mines, but also in salt and coal mines. Is present in the form of Small molecules attached to coal that are constantly released. It is composed of 90% methaneand the rest by CO2, nitrogen, hydrogen, ethane and propane. Methane is the one with the greatest calorific value, as explained in the past Francisco Sanz of the Higher Technical School of Mines and Energy Engineers of the UPM. That is, this gas, as described by the CSIS, is Highly flammable.
One of the main dangers are the burns that can cause if it comes into ignition. This toilet and colorless gas and lighter than air It can cause an explosion without a flame or spark When we talk about concentrations between 5-15%.
To these risks is added that of the inhalation. If losses occur in confined areas, this gas displaces the oxygen from the air and can cause suffocation. To the point that can lead to a loss of knowledge or death if it is present in high amountsaccording to the National Institute for Work and Health at Work. And symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination and trial or increase in respiratory rate can also occur.
To prevent escapes, Mining farms have systems that introduce clean air and expel methane. Blowing and absorbent fans located in the high areas of the galleries are placed. Additionally, “every ten meters panels are installed that show the content of nitrogen and oxygen to know if the air is vitiated,” said Sanz. There are gray to measure the amount of this lethal gas in the mine.
Also, if gray bags are detected, hoards can be made. Practicing drill holes to release. The importance of controlling the presence of Grisú is key because it has It has been responsible in Spain for several accidents in coal deposits.
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