What is the specific gravity of Methane (CH4) relevant to underground coal mining?

What is the specific gravity of Methane (CH4) relevant to underground coal mining?

• A. 0.07
• B. 0.55
• C. 0.97
• D. 1.18

Answer: (B)

The specific gravity of a gas is defined as the ratio of the density of that gas to the density of air. For methane (CH4), the specific gravity is approximately 0.55. In the context of underground coal mining, understanding the specific gravity of methane is critical for safety and ventilation practices. Since methane is lighter than air (which has a specific gravity of approximately 1), it will tend to rise and accumulate in higher areas of the mine, posing a risk of explosion if not properly managed. This property is essential for miners and safety engineers when assessing the potential for gas accumulation and implementing appropriate ventilation strategies to mitigate hazards associated with methane exposure.

The specific gravity of a gas is defined as the ratio of the density of that gas to the density of air. For methane (CH4), the specific gravity is approximately 0.55. In the context of underground coal mining, understanding the specific gravity of methane is critical for safety and ventilation practices. Since methane is lighter than air (which has a specific gravity of approximately 1), it will tend to rise and accumulate in higher areas of the mine, posing a risk of explosion if not properly managed. This property is essential for miners and safety engineers when assessing the potential for gas accumulation and implementing appropriate ventilation strategies to mitigate hazards associated with methane exposure.