The jet-propelled GAG machine attempting to extinguish the coal seam fire at the Pike River Coal mine was shut down overnight after two high-pressure hoses were damaged.It is expected the GAG - Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy inertisation machine - will restart
The jet-propelled GAG machine attempting to extinguish the coal seam fire at the Pike River Coal mine was shut down overnight after two high-pressure hoses were damaged.
It is expected the GAG - Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy inertisation machine - will restart later today after replacement hoses were made up in Christchurch and trucked to the mine overnight, as efforts continue to retrieve the bodies of 29 men killed after a series of explosions in the coal mine, about 50km from Greymouth.
The fittings, which supply water to the machine, had to be sent to Christchurch so engineers could make an exact copy for the Polish-designed machine, said Tasman district area commander Superintendent Gary Knowles, the man in charge of the operation.
The new hoses and fittings were trucked back because they were too big and heavy to airlift, he said.
"The shut down is not helpful but we are advised by our experts that it is unlikely to have a significant impact on efforts to extinguish the fire,'' Mr Knowles said.
The machine was expected to resume operation later today and the shutdown had provided the opportunity for extensive maintenance to be carried out, he said.
"This is a complex, powerful device involving a jet engine and high pressure water. It has been running since Wednesday night.
"You can't pick up spares at the local hardware store and it's unrealistic to have a spare for every possible part on site.''
Once the fire is put out, the GAG machine will blow nitrogen down the shaft to try and cool the mine down.
