HINDALCO MAHAN, 6X150 MW

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

TITLE: OPN/SOP/008
Doc. No.
Standard Operating Procedure for Coal
Bunker Fire Hazard Issue No. /
01/ 01- 08-2012
Date
Rev. No /
DEPARTMENT : OPERATION 00/ 01- 08-2012
Date

Purpose :: This procedure is used as work instruction for Blr”0” mtr operator, Boiler Operator, Desk
Engineer , Shift In charge.

Scope : This procedure explains the Precautions to be taken to avoid Coal Bunker Fire.

Responsibility: Blr”0” mtr operator, Boiler Operator, Desk Engineer, Shift In charge.

Procedure:
COAL BUNKER FIRE HAZARD

Fires in bunkers are caused by the spontaneous combustion of stagnant regions of coal. Bunkers
associated with mills that are out of service are always in danger of spontaneous combustion and shall be
emptied if the plant is being off-loaded to an extended period.
On pressure mill systems, a small primary airflow is always present from the mill to the feeder
whenever the mill is in service. The flow increases if the coal level in the bunker is low and can dry out
coal in the bunker outlet area. Depending on the nature and effectiveness of the isolation, similar
conditions can exist with the mill group out of service.
On an operating bunker, coal can stagnate against the walls due to bad flow characteristics of the
bunker, or by partially open bunker gates. This can be minimized by ensuring the satisfactory operation of
bunker outlet closing devices.
If it is suspected that there is a fire in a coalbunker, the primarily it should be emptied the bunker directly
to the Lorries for disposal. Depending on the way in which bunker is emptied, consideration should be
given to the use of protective clothing and spraying the coal with water as it emerges. Any hot spots on
the bunker or feeder wall shall be cooled by spraying water.
If it is not practicable, the coal must be passed through a running mill. This operation shall be subject to a
well-defined procedure to be established in the location P.F. operating instructions.

The procedure shall specify that: -

1) The mill group must be continuously maintained in service.
2) The coal in the bunker shall be maintained at a safe level.

If the mill has to be shutdown, with a known bunker fire, even if there are no indications of ignition
sources within the mill, the mill shall be shut down as though there were a fire in it.
As a precautionary measure, bunker gates of stopped mills in all the running unit shall be kept in
closed condition and seal air supply to feeders shall also be kept in closed condition.

Cross Reference : Nil

RECORDS : Nil
Page 1 of 2
Desk Engineer Deptt.Head Head – Operation & Maintenance
Prepared By Reviewed by Approved By
 HINDALCO MAHAN, 6X150 MW

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

TITLE: OPN/SOP/008
Doc. No.
Standard Operating Procedure for Coal
Bunker Fire Hazard Issue No. /
01/ 01- 08-2012
Date
Rev. No /
DEPARTMENT : OPERATION 00/ 01- 08-2012
Date

Page 2 of 2
Desk Engineer Deptt.Head Head – Operation & Maintenance
Prepared By Reviewed by Approved By