Abstract: A foamed material is provided that is composed of water and limestone or other mineral dust suspended in a pregenerated foam and may be applied to the surface of a mine. Dry limestone dust or mineral dust is blended with pregenerated foam or foam generated in situ to produce a mass of foamed material that is highly vesicular but that is cohesive enough to be sprayed as a foamed mass against mine wall surfaces and ceilings. In another embodiment a dry powder formulation containing limestone dust, dry powder foaming agent and an additive that promotes the production of gas which effervesces upon contact with water can be used. Once applied, the low water content of the foamed material permits evaporation of the water, resulting in a dry mass of fine, loosely-cohesive, vesicular material that dusts readily.

Abstract: Foamed material composed of water and limestone or other mineral dust suspended in a pregenerated foam is applied to the surface of a mine. Dry limestone dust or mineral dust is blended with pregenerated foam or foam generated in situ to produce a mass of foamed material that is highly vesicular but that is cohesive enough to be sprayed as a foamed mass against mine wall surfaces and ceilings. The foamed material is applied with a spray device that allows it to adhere to the surfaces of the mine. In another embodiment a dry powder formulation containing limestone dust, dry powder foaming agent and an additive that promotes the production of gas which effervesces upon contact with water can be used. The dry powder formulation can be applied by mixing it with water during application or by applying it to a wet surface. The foamed material can be built to a thickness suitable for the prevention and suppression of fires caused by the ignition of coal dust and methane gas.

Abstract: Foamed material composed of water and limestone or other mineral dust suspended in a pregenerated foam is applied to the surface of a mine. Dry limestone dust or mineral dust is blended with pregenerated foam or foam generated in situ to produce a mass of foamed material that is highly vesicular but that is cohesive enough to be sprayed as a foamed mass against mine wall surfaces and ceilings. The foamed material is applied with a spray device that allows it to adhere to the surfaces of the mine. In another embodiment a dry powder formulation containing limestone dust, dry powder foaming agent and an additive that promotes the production of gas which effervesces upon contact with water can be used. The dry powder formulation can be applied by mixing it with water during application or by applying it to a wet surface. The foamed material can be built to a thickness suitable for the prevention and suppression of fires caused by the ignition of coal dust and methane gas.

Abstract: A method is provided for incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of particulates and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. A method is also provided for excavating solid particulates, incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of solid particulates, and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. The particulates can be transported through pipelines or boreholes. Examples of particulates include, but are not limited to, mine tailings, ores, sand, coal, soils, clays, silts, aggregates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of particulates and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. A method is also provided for excavating solid particulates, incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of solid particulates, and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. The particulates can be transported through pipelines or boreholes. Examples of particulates include, but are not limited to, mine tailings, ores, sand, coal, soils, clays, silts, aggregates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of particulates and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. A method is also provided for excavating solid particulates, incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of solid particulates, and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. The particulates can be transported through pipelines or boreholes. Examples of particulates include, but are not limited to, mine tailings, ores, sand, coal, soils, clays, silts, aggregates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of controlling the hydration of a cementitious composition comprising the steps of:i) providing a cementitious composition containing an amount of a neutralized salt of an alpha-monohydroxy carboxylic acid effective to retard the cementitious composition, said carboxylic acid containing two or more carboxylic acid groups, and subsequently,ii) adding an additional amount of said neutralized salt of an alpha monohydroxy carboxylic acid or a second neutralized salt of an alpha monohydroxy carboxylic acid in an amount sufficient to activate hydration of the retarded cementitious composition, said cementitious composition comprising hydraulic binder and water.