Fire-resistant fluids— their application in British mines

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 72, No. 806, 1979

M. B. MYERS, Chief Engineer, Century Oils Limited, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England

The subject matter of this paper will be discussed under three main headings.1.—Fire-Resistant Fluids: (a) the need for such materials, based on historical events; (b) a definition of fire-resistant fluids; (c) general description, characteristics, operational parameters, advantages and disadvantages of oil-in-water emulsions (HFB), water-polymer fluids (HFC) and anhydrous or synthetic fluids (HFD).2.—A review of equipment associated with the use of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids; (a) performance testing of hydraulic equipment, i.e. gear pumps, vane pumps, axial and radial piston pumps, hydraulic motors, etc., pressure, speed, filtration limitations, etc., and effects on valves, elastomers, paints, etc.; (b) hydraulic system design features and selection of suitable units; (c) types of mining applications currently employing fire-resistant fluids.3.—Test methods used to evaluate fire-resistant fluids: (a) fire testing methods, i.e. wick tests, spray ignition testing, hot manifold tests, factory mutual tests, all to establish fire-resistancy parameters and acceptance; (b) new developments in fire-resistancy evaluation; (c) the examination of other performance tests, e.g., effects of evaporation, sliding wear, life of rolling element bearings, etc.

Keywords: Underground mining, Fluids, Fire resistance, Lubrication, Hydraulic fluids, Pumps, Motors, Equipment, Bearings, Emulsions.