Determining airflow requirements in mine workings based on field measurements of actual emissions from internal combustion engine equipment

Abstract

The increasing complex geological and hydrogeological conditions ore deposit mining, deeper excavation sites, and ambitious business expansion strategies, necessitate the use of high-performance, heavy-duty self-propelled machinery and winning equipment. Such activities significantly strain mine ventilation systems and demand innovative safety measures during mining.This study assesses the influence of interconnected production variables on the aerological safety of mining operations. It provides real-world data on emissions from diverse sources within mines. The analysis includes an examination of current methodologies for estimating the air volume needed to dilute exhaust gases from diesel-powered machinery. Through numerical simulation that accounts for changes over time, the study was able to predict how exhaust gas concentrations would disperse within mines. These theoretical findings were then confirmed through empirical observations made in actual mining setting The field studies conducted, alongside their thorough analysis, underscored the necessity for adopting new, more sophisticated approaches to calculate airflow requirements in mines operating ICE machinery. A particular methodology developed by the MMI of the NUST MISIS (hereinafter referred to as the Methodology) was put forward as the primary tool for this purpose. The Methodology’s precision and benefits were closely scrutinized, revealing its effectiveness in ensuring aerological safety in mines.