Airflow Analysis of a Large-Opening Limestone Mine using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

The main purpose of mine ventilation is providing fresh air to workers in mines. The other purpose is reducing dust or gases that are very harmful to human. To address these issues, two types of fans are used in modern mines: main fans and local fans. Main fans are installed to provide fresh air to the entire mine. However, more fresh air is needed as the depth of the mine increases and consequently the area percentage that the main fan can cover decreases. Local fans are required to provide fresh air in the local area that the main fan cannot cover. Local fans are usually located in galleries near mining faces in mines to reduce dust and gases and provide fresh air. Even though many studies have presented good data for understanding local mine ventilation, our knowledge on turbulent flow, ventilation problems, and gas diffusion of entire-mine ventilation remains incomplete. The present study is aimed at partially addressing this deficiency.Parra et al.