Main Aims

The main aim of the EXPRO project is to develop tools and means that can help in adopting measures for mitigating the damages of methane explosions in mine infrastructures.
The first condition in achieving this objective is to be able to predict the distribution of the potential mechanical and thermal effects of a methane explosion in a specific situation, with a sufficient degree of accuracy and a high spatial resolution. Secondly, to develop means that can help to identify the causes of an explosion, and in particular the ignition point, in order to adopt adequate preventive measures in the future. Thirdly, to search for methods to mitigate the effects of the explosions in the mine’s infrastructure and to prevent the propagation of the explosion to other areas of the mine.

In order to achieve these goals, the project includes research work in three different and complementary areas:

Obtaining a better understanding of the mechanical and thermal effects caused by methane explosions, and a detailed 3-D distribution of such effects. This is achieved by developing numerical models of explosions in different mine geometries and conditions, which will be validated with real scale explosion tests. This will enable us to determine the optimal position for critical equipment in different mine designs, and will also help in investigating the explosion causes and the location of the ignition point by analysing the effects of the explosions after they occur.
Development of an innovative air pressure monitoring system specially designed to record data that can help in the investigation after the occurrence of an explosion, and in particular for the determination of the ignition point.
Testing and validating mitigation systems which are being used today in mines outside the EU, in order to check if they are capable of reducing the effects of explosions and prevent the formation of secondary explosions.