Gases - Damps

Question 1

What is Fire Damp?

Answer 1

A combustible or flammable gas formed by the decomposition or distillation of coal or any other carbonaceous matter. It is chiefly comprised of methane.

Question 2

What is Black Damp?

Answer 2

An atmosphere depleted of oxygen by the oxidation of coal and carbonaceous material. It is chiefly comprised of 15% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) with 85-90% Nitrogen (N2)

Question 3

What is Choke Damp?

Answer 3

A name sometimes given in England to Carbon Dioxide (CO2). A mine atmosphere that causes suffocation due to insufficient Oxygen (O2), e.g. large emissions of gases fro coal displacing oxygen such as Methane or Carbon Dioxide

Question 4

What is After Damp?

Answer 4

The mixture of gases which remain in a mine after a mine fire or an explosion of methane or coal dust. It consists of Carbon dioxide (CO2), Nitrohen (N2), water vapour, Oxygen (O2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). In some cases free of Hydrogen (H2) and Methane (CH4)

Question 5

What is White Damp?

Answer 5

Term applied to Carbon Monoxide (CO) or an atmosphere containing lethal quantities of Carbon Monoxide

Question 6

What is Stink Damp?

Answer 6

Refers to Hydrogen Sulphide or other gases with the odour of rotten eggs predominating.

Question 7

What is Fire Stink?

Answer 7

Term applied to the smell indicating spontaneous combustion.