Numerical simulation study on dust pollution characteristics and optimal dust control air flow rates during coal mine production

摘要

Ventilation and dust removal is the most basic means of dust prevention in mines. In the paper, a highly simulated physical model of the goaf and multiple dust sources were established in order to obtain the optimal dust-removal air flow rate in the roadway. In addition, by combining the numerical simulation method, the influence of the flow rate on dust diffusion rules of the dust sources was analyzed. The research results showed that the mass concentration of the dust in the fully-mechanized working face was gradually decreased with the increase of the air flow rate at a certain range of 700-1600m(3)/min. However, high air flow rate can cause the re-entrainment of the dust, contaminating the working environment again. It was confirmed that the optimal dust-removal air flow rate of the inlet air was within a range of 1500-1600m(3)/min, which generated the lowest average mass of the dust in the working area suitable for normal operations. This range of air flow rate might be used as a reference in the mine ventilation design in order to provide the coal mine workers with a clean and safe production environment. In addition, the research method and results are of great significance to the formulation and development of effective dust control and dust removal cleaner production technology, and can be used as a reference for the ventilation design in underground projects such as non-coal mines and tunnels. (c) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.