Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Coal Hopper

The Special Challenges of Powder River Basin Coal

Many coal-fired power plants have switched from traditional high-sulfur bituminous coal to Powder River Basin (PRB) coal. PRB coal offers several advantages: it has a low sulfur content, reserves are plentiful, and it can be acquired using surface mining methods.

However, the increased use of PRB coal has presented special challenges in fire prevention at power plants. PRB coal has a lower BTU and higher moisture content, and produces more dust than regular bituminous coal. Fires in PRB coal-burning facilities have ranged from minor fires in coal piles to major events that have cost millions of dollars. The PRB Users Group recommends carbon monoxide (CO) detection for fire prevention in bag houses and silos

Along with the increased moisture of PRB coal comes the increased potential for spontaneous combustion. As the moisture in the coal is liberated and the coal oxidizes, both heat and carbon monoxide are created. Heat can build up to the point at which spontaneous combustion can occur.

Powder River Basin (PRB) coal's propensity to self-ignite presents an exceptional hazard, requiring special fire prevention and automatic detection and suppression efforts.

Due to its friability, PRB coal requires more stringent housekeeping methods, such as proper maintenance of stockpiles, guarding against accumulations of coal in the fuel-handling system, compaction of stockpiles, cleaning spills and washing float dust. An effective fire-mitigation plan must also include system-wide carbon monoxide, or CO, monitoring and control.

Most plants that burn PRB coal were not designed to deal with the fuel's propensity to ignite in bunkers, silos, and hoppers. Recognizing this, the PRB Coal Users' Group has developed a set of recommended practices for safely preventing, detecting, and extinguishing coal fires at power plants.

Safe handling and storage of PRB coal is the result of careful thought and attention to myriad details of equipment design and operation. Accidents happen when plant designers and operators discount design fundamentals or underestimate PRB coal's destructive potential.

PRB coal's environmental friendliness — and low price per BTU — come with a cost: dustiness that raises the risk of fires and explosions. Although many such incidents have not been widely publicized, they have occurred, and plant operators suggest that their frequency may be rising. Small-contained fires are reported to occur weekly at many plants, and several major explosions in recent years have caused extensive damage that cost many millions of dollars to repair.

In late 2006, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board produced a study that found that at least 281 fires and explosions ignited by combustible dust had occurred in general industry between 1980 and 2005. Those incidents resulted in at least 119 fatalities and 718 injuries. One of the report's main findings was that secondary dust explosions, due to inadequate housekeeping and excessive dust accumulations, caused much of the damage and casualties in recent catastrophic incidents.

The PRB Coal Users' Group has developed recommended fire-prevention practices and guidelines for plants that burn PRB coal by itself or in blends. The guidelines are not equipment-specific because the physical layouts of coal-handling facilities vary significantly and because all fires are unique. The guidelines also are not comprehensive; their purpose is to recommend general practices that must be adapted for the specific needs of your plant.

The guidelines provide information about three areas: fire prevention and detection, firefighting equipment and training, and firefighting.

About the Author

This article is provided by Conspec-Controls.com – A industrial gas detection company that specializes in Coal Power Plant Safety and PRB Coal Fired Plants.

Lionel LIO17129 9300 Wm 3-Bay Hopper with Coal $57.39 Here is a Lionel 17129 Western Maryland 3-Bay Hopper Car w/ Coal Load. This scale sized hopper features die cast trucks operating couplers and a simulated coal load.

Lionel LIO17129 9300 Wm 3Bay Hopper with Coal $71.06 Here is a Lionel 17129 Western Maryland 3Bay Hopper Car w/ Coal Load. This scale sized hopper features die cast trucks operating couplers and a simulated coal load.

Shipbuilders Watch Side-Launch of Hopper Barge for Hauling Coal $39.99 Justin Locke Shipbuilders Watch Side-Launch of Hopper Barge for Hauling Coal - Photographic Print

S P Whistle Stop 19507 5T 2Bay Hopper with Coal Load PRR No. 158637 HO $34.43 5T 2Bay Hopper w/Coal Load PRR HO. High quality components. Designed to suit any budget. Satisfaction ensured.

Coal $11.49 Coal

S P Whistle Stop 19506 55T 2Bay Hopper with Coal Clinchfield HO $34.43 This is the HO Scale Clinchfield 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load from the Bachmann. Suitable for Ages 14 and Older. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Removable coal load. Includes: One Clinchfield 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load.

S P Whistle Stop 98204 Three Bay Hopper Southern $75.11 These models are based on 3bay ribbed side versions complete with removable coal loads. ThreeBay Hopper Southern.

Lionel LIO17128 Ches and Ohio 3 Bay Hopper $57.39 Coal Hopper with Simulated Coal Load. Operating Coal Dump Hatches. Die cast metal sprung trucks. Die cast metal operating knuckle couplers metal wheels and axles. Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind. Top Quality Children's Item.

S P Whistle Stop 19503 55T 2Bay Hopper with Coal BO HO $34.43 This is the HO Scale Baltimore and Ohio 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load from the Bachmann. Suitable for Ages 14 and Older. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Removable coal load. Includes: One Baltimore and Ohio 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load.

S P Whistle Stop 19504 55T 2Bay Hopper with Coal Western Maryland HO $34.43 This is the HO Scale Western Maryland 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load from the Bachmann. Suitable for Ages 14 and Older. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Removable coal load. Includes: One Western Maryland (speed lettering) 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load.

S P Whistle Stop 19505 55T 2Bay Hopper with Coal Delaware and Hudson HO $34.43 This is the HO Scale Delaware and Hudson 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load from the Bachmann. Suitable for Ages 14 and Older. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Removable coal load. Includes: One Delaware and Hudson 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load.

S P Whistle Stop 19502 55T 2Bay Hopper with Coal CO HO $34.43 This is the HO Scale Chesapeake and Ohio 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load from the Bachmann. Suitable for Ages 14 and Older. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Removable coal load. Includes: One Chesapeake and Ohio 55 Ton 2Bay USRA Outside Braced Hopper with Load.

Hip Hopper $10 Hip Hopper

Bachmann Williams BAC17642 Ho 40 ft. Quad Hopper Norfolk and Western $28.93 This is a Premium HO Scale Silver Series 40 Norfolk and Western Quad Hopper Car from Bachmann. It s for experienced train collectors. A onepiece removable textured black plastic cover on top simulates the quad hopper being fully loaded with coal. Raised panel lines on the black exterior. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Added weight for optimum tracking. Celcon trucks. Detailed underframe. Includes: One Premium HO 40 Norfolk and Western Quad Hopper Car. Scale: HO 1/87. Quad Hopper size . Length: 53/4 (14.5cm). Width: 11/4 (3.3cm). Height: 11/2 (4cm).

Atlas Model ATM20000999 Ho Trmn 2Bay Hopper Montour 8015 $21.92 Atlas' version of the 2-Bay Offset Side Hopper with Flat ends is modeled after the open hoppers that were built in the 1930's and the 1940's to transport coal. Ready-to-run. Blackened metal wheels. Free-rolling 50-ton trucks. Detailed brake gear. Body mounted AccuMate knuckle couplers. Prototypical painting and lettering.

Atlas Model ATM20000995 Ho Trmn 2Bay Offset Hopper P&Wv 161 $21.92 Atlas' version of the 2-Bay Offset Side Hopper with Flat ends is modeled after the open hoppers that were built in the 1930's and the 1940's to transport coal. Ready-to-run. Blackened metal wheels. Free-rolling 50-ton trucks. Detailed brake gear. Body mounted AccuMate knuckle couplers. Prototypical painting and lettering.

Atlas Model ATM20000986 Ho Trmn 2Bay Hopper Georgia 21151 $21.92 Atlas' version of the 2-Bay Offset Side Hopper with Flat ends is modeled after the open hoppers that were built in the 1930's and the 1940's to transport coal. Weighted body. Equipped with AccuMate Knuckle Couplers. Trucks equipped with free-rolling metal wheels. Accurate painting and lettering.

Bachmann Williams BAC18704 Ho Burlington Northern Hopper $32.08 This Burlington Northern Bethlehem Steel 100Ton 3Bay Hopper (#542979) is a Premium HO Scale Model from the Bachmann Silver Series Suitable for Ages 8 and Older. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Magnetically operated body mounted EZ Mate couplers. Realistically detailed Barber 100 ton roller bearing trucks molded in black Celcon material. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Exterior braces complete with rivet detail. Detailed brake cylinder and air reservoir. Delicately molded brakewheel. Removable coal load. Three bays with moldedin outlet gates. Accurately molded plastic body shell prototypically painted black with crisp white print: Burlington Northern BN 542979 logo data. Added steel weight for optimum tracking. Includes: One 3Bay Hopper. Scale: HO 1:87. Length: 63/8 (161mm). Width: 13/8 (34mm). Height: 13/4 (44mm)

Edward Hopper $19.99 Edward Hopper Edward Hopper - Giclee Print

Dennis Hopper $7.99 Dennis Hopper - Photo

Green Hopper $9.99 Green Hopper - Art Print

S P Whistle Stop 98229 Three Bay Hopper Peabody $75.11 This Peabody L Hopper (#6687) is a Large Scale Model Freight Car from The Original Bachmann Big Haulers. Suitable for Ages 8 and Older. Fully assembled authentic G scale modelcompatible with all popular brands. Detailed freight trucks with metal wheels. Removable coal load. Molded grab rails stirrup steps brakewheel and shaft. Detailed bays. Rivets and brace details. Accurately molded plastic body shell with yellow and green painting and printing: Peabody Short Line The Coal Route PSL 6687 Do Not Run Car with Doors Open data. Includes: 1 Hopper Car. Scale: G (1:22.5). Length: 163/4 (425mm). Width: 41/8 (105mm). Height: 51/4 (133mm).

S P Whistle Stop 17618 40 ft. Quad Hopper CSX HO $29.36 This is a Premium HO Scale Silver Series 40 CSX Quad Hopper Car from Bachmann. It s for experienced train collectors. A onepiece removable textured black plastic cover on top simulates the quad hopper being fully loaded with coal. Raised panel lines on the black exterior. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Added weight for optimum tracking. Celcon trucks. Detailed underframe. One Premium HO 40 CSX Quad Hopper Car. Quad Hopper size. Length: 53/4 (14.4cm). Width: 11/4 (3.3cm). Height: 11/2 (4cm).

S P Whistle Stop 17642 40 ft. Quad Hopper Norfolk and Western No. 12988 HO $29.36 This is a Premium HO Scale Silver Series 40 Norfolk and Western Quad Hopper Car from Bachmann. It s for experienced train collectors. A onepiece removable textured black plastic cover on top simulates the quad hopper being fully loaded with coal. Raised panel lines on the black exterior. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Added weight for optimum tracking. Celcon trucks. Detailed underframe. One Premium HO 40 Norfolk and Western Quad Hopper Car. Quad Hopper size. Length: 53/4 (14.5cm). Width: 11/4 (3.3cm). Height: 11/2 (4cm).

S P Whistle Stop 17604 40 ft. Quad Hopper Southern HO $29.36 This is a Premium HO Scale Silver Series 40 Southern Quad Hopper Car from Bachmann. It s for experienced train collectors. A onepiece removable textured black plastic cover on top simulates the quad hopper being fully loaded with coal. Raised panel lines on the brown exterior. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Added weight for optimum tracking. Celcon trucks. Detailed underframe. Quad Hopper: 53/4 (14.5cm)L x 11/4 (3.3cm)W x 11/2 (4cm)H. One Premium HO 40 Southern Quad Hopper Car.

Atlas Model ATM20000967 Ho Trmn 70T Hopper T&P 9661 $21.92 This familiar hopper was an industry standard on many railroads since the 1930's. It was adopted by the AAR as a recommended design, but fell out of favor by the mid-1950s. While offering greater capacity over cars with conventional flat sides, the original open hoppers created corrosive interaction between acidic coal and the car's joints, leading to costly rebuilding programs. True scale dimensions with accurate details. Weighted, detailed underframes. Equipped with AccuMate Knuckle Couplers. Trucks equipped with free-rolling metal wheels. Accurate painting and lettering. Removable coal load.

Atlas Model ATM20000970 Ho Trmn 70T Hopper Portland Term 127 $21.92 This familiar hopper was an industry standard on many railroads since the 1930's. It was adopted by the AAR as a recommended design, but fell out of favor by the mid-1950s. While offering greater capacity over cars with conventional flat sides, the original open hoppers created corrosive interaction between acidic coal and the car's joints, leading to costly rebuilding programs. True scale dimensions with accurate details. Weighted, detailed underframes. Equipped with AccuMate Knuckle Couplers. Trucks equipped with free-rolling metal wheels. Accurate painting and lettering. Removable coal load.

Atlas Model ATM20000969 Ho Trmn 70T Hopper Portland Term 122 $21.92 This familiar hopper was an industry standard on many railroads since the 1930's. It was adopted by the AAR as a recommended design, but fell out of favor by the mid-1950s. While offering greater capacity over cars with conventional flat sides, the original open hoppers created corrosive interaction between acidic coal and the car's joints, leading to costly rebuilding programs. True scale dimensions with accurate details. Weighted, detailed underframes. Equipped with AccuMate Knuckle Couplers. Trucks equipped with free-rolling metal wheels. Accurate painting and lettering. Removable coal load.

Atlas Model ATM20000972 Ho Trmn 70T Hopper Reading 59099 $21.92 This familiar hopper was an industry standard on many railroads since the 1930's. It was adopted by the AAR as a recommended design, but fell out of favor by the mid-1950s. While offering greater capacity over cars with conventional flat sides, the original open hoppers created corrosive interaction between acidic coal and the car's joints, leading to costly rebuilding programs. True scale dimensions with accurate details. Weighted, detailed underframes. Equipped with AccuMate Knuckle Couplers. Trucks equipped with free-rolling metal wheels. Accurate painting and lettering. Removable coal load.

Atlas Model ATM20000967 Ho Trmn 70T Hopper Tamp;P 9661 $27.14 This familiar hopper was an industry standard on many railroads since the 1930 s. It was adopted by the AAR as a recommended design but fell out of favor by the mid1950s. While offering greater capacity over cars with conventional flat sides the original open hoppers created corrosive interaction between acidic coal and the car s joints leading to costly rebuilding programs. True scale dimensions with accurate details. Weighted detailed underframes. Equipped with AccuMate Knuckle Couplers. Trucks equipped with freerolling metal wheels. Accurate painting and lettering. Removable coal load.