Evaluating complex mine ventilation operational changes through simulations

Abstract

Increasing the profitability of the mining industry is contingent on its ability to improve operational efficiency. Mine ventilation networks typically represent 25-50% of a mine's energy consumption and, therefore, exhibits scope for optimisation. Ventilation networks comprise numerous complex integrated airways, branches and ventilation fans. The most effective way to optimise and evaluate them is computer-aided simulations. However, no framework exists to clarify exactly how operational changes in ventilation networks should be evaluated. In this study, a scalable method was developed, implemented and analysed. The case study validation resulted in satisfying key performance indicators of both service delivery and operational energy costs, thereby increasing operational efficiency. The significance of the novel method is that it allows for improved operational decisions on mine ventilation networks. The value of the method was illustrated by the adoption of the method by the case study mining personnel to form the new norm of their procedures and standards.

Simulating the Sensitivity of Underground Ventilation Networks to Fluctuating Ambient Conditions

“…Simulation software is widely used on mine ventilation systems [13]. These simulation programs are a crucial part of mine ventilation systems' planning and energy optimisation processes [10], [14]. A wide range of software is available, a number of which are commercially available, such as [13], [15]:…”

“…Hand-held data-loggers that allow for the continuous monitoring of temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure are available [11], [12], [17]. The number of data measurement points is mainly dependent on the mine ventilation system, the instrumentation available, and the required outcomes of the simulations [10].…”

“…Industry 4.0 is becoming a crucial paradigm to ensure that the mining sector remains profitable [7]. Tools such as real-time climatic monitoring systems and simulations are used for ventilation system management [6], [8], [9], [10].…”

Анализ Влияния Производственного Цикла Работы Погрузочно-Доставочной Машины В Очистной Тупиковой Камере На Эффективность Проветривания

“…Для определения поля скоростей воздуха используются усредненные по Рейнольдсу уравнения Навье-Стокса [7,8]. Для определения кинетической энергии турбулентности использована стандартная k- модель турбулентности с масштабируемыми пристеночными функциями [9,10]. Течение воздуха повсеместно происходит в режиме развитой турбулентности.…”

Derivation and Verification Analysis of Local Ventilation Resistance Formula of the Section Gradual Reduction Roadway

“…The local ventilation resistance of the roadway in the transition section is an important factor that contributes to the total ventilation resistance of the mine. The local ventilation resistance of the roadway often accounts for 10-20% of the total ventilation resistance in mines, and which can even account for 50% of the total ventilation resistance in some mines [1]. So, it is an urgent problem to solve the safety and energy consumption by analyzing the characteristics of local ventilation resistance in the different transition sections of the roadways.…”