Effect of alkyl glycoside surfactant on the explosion characteristics of bituminous coal: Experimental and theoretical discussion

To reduce the risk of secondary dust formation and explosions of coal dust captured by spray with surfactant in coal mine working faces, the influence of alkyl polyglucoside (APG) on the explosion characteristics of bituminous coal was studied. The thermokinetic behavior of the APG-coal compound system was analyzed, and the chemical structural evolutions that occurred in coal powder before and after APG treatment were determined. Finally, the mechanism of effect by which APG affects bituminous coal explosion was discussed. The results showed that the carbonyl structure content of samples increased after APG soaking treatment, and the oxidation process of coal powder changed. Coal dust soaked in APG solutions reached a maximum explosion pressure earlier than the raw coal, resulting in a decrease of the boundary concentration. The maximum explosion pressure slightly decreased and the explosion induction time was extended. Additionally, the thermal decomposition rate of the APG-coal mixture system decreased and the maximum heat flow increased. The mechanisms by which APG affects bituminous coal dust explosion were summarized to be a barrier effect and an equivalent combustion effect. The results of this research serve as a reference for coal dust explosions control and for the preparation of new coal dust suppressants were provided.