ROCSIL ® FOAM is a two component phenolic resin product used for cavity filling, air and gas sealing, fire fighting and stabilisation of highly fractured strata. It’s most common use is to fill roof cavities formed by roof falls on longwall faces or development panels.
PROVEN CAPABILITY
The product was first used in Europe in the 1980’s. Capability has been developed by WM since its introduction to the Australian mining industry in 2002 with over 1300 successful Rocsil foam applications in Australia and NZ.
PROCESS
The mixing of resin and catalyst in a volume ratio of 4:1 produces an immediate foaming reaction followed by a rapid expansion of the product to as much as 35 times its original volume. The foam is delivered at a rate of up to 50 m3/hour via a lance probe up into the cavity and is retained by minimal form work. It quickly provides a positive support into the cavity with no shrinkage.
EQUIPMENT
Chemicals are delivered to the work site in bulk QDS pods and mixed at the work site. ROCSIL ® FOAM is applied using a metering pump and a mixing gun. Separate delivery hoses are used for resin and catalyst products.
LICENCING
The undertaking of a polymeric process is a licenced activity in NSW coal mines. WM holds a current NSW licence for the application of Rocsil ®FOAM. This licence specifies minimum standards for the safe application of this product including exclusion zones, workplace and health monitoring requirements.
ROCSIL ® FOAM operations in QLD currently follow the same licence requirements as in NSW until a recognised standard is developed and implemented.
PROCEDURES AND TRAINING
WM is a Quality Endorsed Company and our management system has been developed in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015. WM has developed comprehensive procedures and industry leading competency-based training for this licenced activity. WM operators undertake all pumping and application activities whilst chemical handling and transport activities are routinely undertaken jointly by WM and mine operators that are chemical awareness trained and assessed.
MONITORING AND TESTING
WM operates to an OHS Monitoring Plan that is reviewed annually to ensure workplace and health monitoring is effective and consistent with the latest technology and methods available.
For more details on this product see our ROCSIL ® FOAM product page.