ABSTRACT
Indicator gases for spontaneous combustion are the gases which when detected in mine airs indicate the presence of a heating. Use of indicator gases can result in the early detection of sponta neous combustion, reduce economic losses and enhance safe working. This paper outlines the nature and characteristics of the fire gases and introduces experimental techniques and a system for detecting and ana lyzing the indicator gases. Using heating and oxidizing tests in the laboratory, analysis of typical coal samples from the Zhaogezhuang colliery was carried out. The various indicator gases used in detecting spontaneous combustion for the coal mine are detected and measured. The various processes involved in spontaneous combustion are described and related to the gases produced.
