Investigations of Ventilation Airflow Characteristics on a Longwall Face—A Computational Approach

Zhongwei Wang, Ting Ren, Liqiang Ma and Jian Zhang
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Zhongwei Wang: College of Safety Science and Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
Ting Ren: School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
Liqiang Ma: School of Energy, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
Jian Zhang: College of Safety Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-25

Abstract: Mine ventilation has always been critical for underground mining operations to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with safety and health statutory requirements. To obtain a thorough understanding of the ventilation flow characteristics on a longwall face, innovative three dimensional (3D) models, incorporating key features of the longwall equipment and a zone of immediate goaf area, were developed. Mesh independent studies were conducted to determine the desirable mesh required for a mesh-independent solution. Then the model results were validated using field ventilation survey data. At both intersections of maingate/tailgate (MG/TG) and face where the flow boundary changes sharply, the occurrence of undesirable flow separation which causes additional energy loss was identified, as well as its extent of influence. The recirculation of airflow resulting from separation in the TG will lead to accumulation of high concentrations of mine gas, thus regular inspection or continuous monitoring of gas concentration in that area is highly recommended, especially when high gas emission is expected from the working seam. In addition, we also investigated the influence of shearer position and cutting sequence on longwall ventilation. Overall, the longwall models developed in this study together with the flow characteristics obtained will provide fundamental basis for the investigation of longwall gas and dust issues in the future.

Keywords: 3D model; longwall ventilation; flow separation; shearer position; cutting sequence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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