March tech talk: Contamination of atmosphere underground by ethylene from timber

Join the Southern Queensland Branch for their March tech talk: Contamination of atmosphere underground by ethylene from timber.

About this event

Ethylene is a key spontaneous combustion indicator monitored in underground coal mine atmospheres. Ethylene is significant as it is traditionally considered confirmation of a coal heating. It is commonly used as a trigger for coal mine worker evacuation in spontaneous combustion Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).

On occasion, elevated concentrations of ethylene have been detected in the absence of other indicators of oxidation. Contamination of the mine atmosphere with an alternative source of ethylene has been suspected, potentially from timber supports.

This presentation investigates the potential, timeframes, and circumstances for timber to produce ethylene in an underground environment. The findings lead to the required management of timber supports, to avoid ethylene contamination, underground and increase confidence in mine gas analysis systems.

Program

5.00pm - Drinks on arrival at "The Deck" (downstairs, rear of hotel)
5.30 pm - Presentation at "Platform Level" (upstairs)

Speaker/s

Sean Muller

Principal Scientist – Mine Safety Technology, Simtars

Read more Hide

Sean has more than decade of experience in the underground coal mining industry as a gas chemist, specialising in the analysis of underground coal mine atmospheres and spontaneous combustion indicators for mine safety.
He has provided gas analysis support at numerous mines fires and spontaneous combustion events at underground coal mines in Queensland, New South Wales and internationally including Pike River 2010.
Sean contributed to the Queensland coal mining board of Inquiry in 2020.
His qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science (in Chemistry) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is a NATA signatory for Simtars laboratory gas analysis procedures and calibration of equipment.