Introduction

💧 Mine Sumps & Pump House Design – DGMS Regulation 130 Explained

Effective drainage is the backbone of safe mine operations.
Improper sump and pump arrangements can lead to waterlogging, equipment damage, and fatal inundations.
DGMS regulates sump and pump design under Regulation 130 of the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017, ensuring safe disposal of accumulated mine water.

⚙️ 1. Importance of Sumps in Mines

• Sumps act as water collection and storage areas at pit bottom or specified levels.
• They store mine water from seepage, rainfall, or process discharge until pumped out.
• Proper sump design ensures continuous production and prevents flooding.

🧱 2. DGMS Requirements (Reg. 130 – CMR 2017) (continued)

1. Construction:
• Lined with concrete or masonry to prevent seepage and contamination.
• Separate compartments for settling silt and oil residues.
2. Accessibility & Maintenance:
• Proper walkways, ladders, railings, and lighting must be provided.
• Adequate space for pump installation, operation, and maintenance.
3. Safety Provisions:
• Electrical pump rooms must comply with CMR Reg. 131 and CEA 2010 for explosion-proof fittings.
• Sumps must not be used for storage of flammable or toxic materials.

🔩 3. Pump House & Pump Selection

Parameter	Requirement
Number of Pumps	Minimum 2 – 1 working, 1 standby
Capacity	Should handle peak inflow rate efficiently
Type	Centrifugal, submersible, or turbine pumps based on depth
Drive	Electrical (preferred) or diesel (in emergencies)
Location	Protected area above sump level to prevent submergence
Safety	Earth leakage protection, circuit breakers, flame-proof switches

🧭 DGMS Tip: Every pump installation must be recorded in the Electrical Register and periodically inspected by the manager and electrical engineer.

💡 4. Drainage Layout in Mines

• Main Sump → Pump → Delivery Range → Surface Drain.
• Each sectional sump connects to the main sump via drainage galleries.
• Non-return valves prevent water backflow during shutdowns.
• Automatic level sensors and float switches are recommended in mechanized mines.

⚠️ 5. Common Mine Water Problems

Problem	Cause	DGMS Control Measure
Excess inflow	Faults, aquifers	Controlled dewatering + boreholes
Silt accumulation	Transported mud	Silt traps & periodic cleaning
Pump failure	Power issues	Standby pumps + emergency power
Electrical hazards	Poor earthing	Flameproof gear + insulation
Flood risk	Sudden rainfall	Diversion drains + check dams

🧾 6. DGMS Reporting & Inspections

• All pump installations are inspected under Reg. 131 (CMR 2017).
• Daily logbook entries required: inflow rate, water level, pump run hours.
• Monthly testing of standby pumps and electrical protections.
• Inundation risk plans must include sump and drainage layout.

📘 Quick One-Liners (Revision Notes)

• CMR 2017 Reg. 130 → deals with mine sumps and drainage.
• Sump must hold minimum 4-hour inflow capacity.
• Separate compartments for oil, silt, and clean water.
• At least two pumps required (1 working + 1 standby).
• Flameproof switchgear mandatory in underground pump rooms.
• Drainage layout approved by mine manager & DGMS.
• Maintain logbook of inflow, pumping hours, and inspections.

✍️ Descriptive Model Answer

Q: Describe the design and statutory requirements of mine sumps and pumping arrangements as per Regulation 130 of CMR 2017.

Answer:
Regulation 130 of CMR 2017 requires that every mine have a properly designed sump capable of holding at least four hours of normal inflow. The sump should be located at the lowest working level and constructed with watertight lining. Separate sections must be provided for silt and oil settlement.

Pump installations must include at least one standby unit, electrical protection, and flameproof equipment. Adequate access, lighting, and safety devices must be provided. Regular inspections and records of water level, inflow, and pump performance are mandatory.

Conclusion:
Proper sump and drainage design as per DGMS standards ensures effective water management, prevents flooding, and safeguards miners and equipment.

🎯 25 MCQs – Mine Sumps & Pump House Design

Q1. Regulation 130 of CMR 2017 deals with:
A. Haul roads
B. Sumps and drainage
C. Ventilation
D. Roof supports
E. Explosives
Answer: B
Solution: Reg. 130 specifies sump and drainage requirements.

Q2. Minimum sump capacity should hold inflow for:
A. 2 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours
E. 12 hours
Answer: B
Solution: DGMS requires capacity for at least 4 hours of inflow.

Q3. The sump should be constructed at:
A. Pit top
B. Mid-level
C. Lowest working level
D. Haul road junction
E. Manager’s office
Answer: C
Solution: Water collects naturally at the lowest working level.

Q4. Minimum number of pumps required:
A. One
B. Two (1 working + 1 standby)
C. Three
D. Four
E. As per manager’s choice
Answer: B
Solution: CMR requires redundancy for safety.

Q5. Standby pump capacity should be:
A. Half of main pump
B. Equal to main pump
C. Double the main pump
D. 25% of inflow
E. Fixed by DGMS
Answer: B
Solution: It must be able to handle full load if main pump fails.

Q6. Which of the following must be provided in sump construction?
A. Oil & silt separation chamber
B. Explosive magazine
C. Blasting cable
D. Lighting conductor
E. Hoist wire
Answer: A
Solution: Oil and silt settlement sections are mandatory.

Q7. Flameproof electrical fittings are required in:
A. Workshops
B. Pump rooms in underground mines
C. Surface offices
D. Conveyor systems
E. None of the above
Answer: B
Solution: To prevent ignition in gassy atmospheres.

Q8. The inflow rate of water in a mine is recorded in:
A. Accident logbook
B. Pumping logbook
C. Ventilation register
D. Explosives record
E. Attendance sheet
Answer: B
Solution: Every pumping system must maintain inflow data.

Q9. Which valve prevents backflow of water?
A. Gate valve
B. Butterfly valve
C. Non-return valve
D. Float valve
E. Relief valve
Answer: C
Solution: Non-return valves are standard in pump discharge lines.

Q10. DGMS requires sump construction to be:
A. Wooden
B. Earthen
C. Concrete or masonry
D. Timber-lined
E. None
Answer: C
Solution: Impervious lining ensures stability.

Q11. Minimum inspection frequency for standby pumps:

A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly
D. Quarterly
E. Yearly
Answer: C
Solution: Regulation mandates monthly testing.

Q12. Which instrument is used to monitor water level automatically?
A. Tachometer
B. Float switch
C. Barometer
D. Hygrometer
E. Manometer
Answer: B
Solution: Float switches trigger pump start/stop.

Q13. Sumps must not be used for:
A. Water storage
B. Oil storage
C. Sediment collection
D. Pump suction
E. Water reuse
Answer: B
Solution: Oil storage is prohibited to prevent fire.

Q14. DGMS inspects pump installations under:
A. Reg. 127
B. Reg. 131
C. Reg. 134
D. Reg. 140
E. Reg. 150
Answer: B
Solution: Regulation 131 covers inspections.

Q15. Silt trap in sump is used to:
A. Trap dust
B. Separate sand & mud
C. Filter oil
D. Absorb gases
E. Control pH
Answer: B
Solution: Prevents silt from entering pumps.

Q16. Waterlogging can cause:
A. Roof fall
B. Electrical short circuit
C. Equipment failure
D. All of the above
E. None
Answer: D
Solution: All are potential effects of poor drainage.

Q17. Emergency power backup is essential for:
A. Lighting
B. Fans
C. Pumps
D. Compressors
E. Explosive store
Answer: C
Solution: To avoid flooding during outages.

Q18. The gradient of drainage gallery should be:
A. Level
B. 1 in 100 towards sump
C. 1 in 50
D. 1 in 200
E. 1 in 20
Answer: B
Solution: Provides free flow of water to sump.

Q19. Who approves sump layout plan?
A. Overman
B. Manager
C. DGMS Inspector
D. Mining Engineer
E. Foreman
Answer: B
Solution: Manager is responsible for layout and maintenance.

Q20. What does CMR 2017 Reg. 131 specify?
A. Pump installation and inspection
B. Ventilation
C. Haul roads
D. Explosives
E. Slope stability
Answer: A
Solution: Regulation 131 covers pump installations.

Q21. A mine has an average inflow of 800 L/min. If the pumps operate for 8 hours daily, what should be the minimum sump capacity (as per Reg. 130, CMR 2017)?
A. 100 m³
B. 200 m³
C. 250 m³
D. 400 m³
E. 500 m³
Answer: D.
Solution:
Total inflow per 8 hours = 800 L/min × 480 min = 384,000 L ≈ 384 m³.
Sump capacity ≥ 4 hours inflow → ~400 m³ minimum.

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Q22. According to DGMS guidelines, standby pumps must be tested:
A. Every shift
B. Every 7 days
C. Every 15 days
D. Every month
E. Every 3 months
Answer: C.
Solution:
DGMS Circular recommends standby pump testing at least once every 15 days to ensure readiness.

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Q23. If inflow suddenly doubles during monsoon, the manager’s first duty under Reg. 129 is to:
A. Stop all pumping operations
B. Report to DGMS and continue normal work
C. Evacuate persons from affected areas
D. Start blasting to seal water source
E. Reduce inflow using chemicals
Answer: C.
Solution:
In emergency flooding situations, immediate evacuation is the first priority before reporting and remedial actions.

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Q24. Under CMR 2017 Regulation 127, after an inundation incident, the manager must submit a report to DGMS within:
A. 24 hours
B. 48 hours
C. 72 hours
D. 7 days
E. 15 days
Answer: B.
Solution:
In case of serious incidents like inundation, DGMS must be notified within 48 hours as per Mines Act and CMR provisions.

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Q25. During a DGMS inspection, a mine’s pump house was found without a standby power source. Which regulation is violated?
A. CMR Reg. 125
B. CMR Reg. 128
C. CMR Reg. 130
D. CMR Reg. 133
E. MMR Reg. 115
Answer: C.
Solution:
Regulation 130 mandates provision of adequate pumping capacity and standby arrangements for safe water removal.

                                                            🧾 Conclusion

Effective water control through scientifically designed sumps and pump systems is crucial for safety and productivity.
CMR 2017 Regulations 130 & 131 ensure standardized design, redundancy, and inspection protocols that prevent inundations.
Managers must enforce strict maintenance, logging, and testing schedules to comply with DGMS standards.

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