Water trough barriers are autonomous protective systems by reducing the effects of combustible dust and/or firedamp explosions in underground mines to a sufficient level of safety. They are used for preventing the propagation of explosions in roadways in underground coal mines. The purpose of water trough barriers is to extinguish explosion flames in roadways in underground mines and in this way to limit propagation of explosions.
Water trough barriers are designed and arranged in such a way that explosions are prevented from spreading through dangerous chain reactions and incipient explosions do not become detonations.
BS EN 14591-2:2007 specifies the requirements for concentrated and distributed passive water trough barriers, and quick-deploy water trough barriers.
BS EN 14591-2 also specifies the requirements and test methods for water troughs which are used as components of the "water trough barrier" protective system for underground coal mines.
This standard does not apply to active water trough barriers.
