Risk assessment methodology for explosions of gas-vapor-air mixtures in oil mine workings

Despite recorded cases of gas-vapor-air mixture explosions in oil mine workings and the proven potential for an explosive atmosphere to form from the evaporation of heavy, water-cut oils during a fire, researchers have paid little attention to this hazard. This lack of knowledge impedes the implementation of a risk-based approach for predicting hazardous zones during explosions and for justifying protective measures based on the assessment of corresponding risks. The purpose of the Research. Therefore, this work aims to develop a method for analyzing the risk of explosions in oil mine workings during a mine fire and for assessing the professional risk of miners sustaining injuries from such explosions. Materials and Methods. To create the risk assessment method, we developed an algorithm. This algorithm includes an analysis of hazardous zone parameters in mine workings based on the baric impact of air shock waves, which itself relies on calculating the effective energy content of a multicomponent gas-vapor-air mixture. For the subsequent professional risk assessment, the algorithm incorporates a model for determining the probability of worker injury during an explosion, which we formulated using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method. Results and discussion. Applying the proposed method revealed that, under typical conditions of the thermal mining technology for viscous oil extraction, the individual risk of a worker sustaining moderate injuries reaches values of up to 2,5‧10−3 yr−1. The individual risk of a fatal and serious injury reaches values of up to 5,0‧10−6 yr−1. Our analysis shows that under the current operating conditions of oil mine workings, the risk of fatal injury to workers from explosions does not exceed the permissible risk level and remains moderate. However, the risk of workers sustaining moderate injuries from a gas-vapor-air mixture explosion exceeds the permissible value, which classifies it as a high risk. This finding necessitates the development and implementation of additional risk treatment measures. Conclusion. This study substantiates a method for analyzing the risk of explosions in oil mine workings and for assessing the professional risk of injuries of varying severity from such explosions. The method enables the determination of hazardous zone boundaries in mine workings, taking into account risk acceptability criteria. Applying the developed method allows us to justify and implement protective measures proactively. Furthermore, it establishes a methodological foundation for subsequent research into the explosiveness of oil mine workings

Explosive material · Fault tree analysis · Hazardous waste · Risk assessment · Coal Properties and Utilization · Environmental and Industrial Safety · Risk and Safety Analysis