CFD Investigation of Spray and Water Curtain Systems in Mine Ventilation: Airflow Paths, Velocity Variations, and Influence Patterns

Abstract

This study reports a CFD investigation of spray-based dust suppression strategies in mining tunnels, focusing on the dynamic operation of roadheaders, onboard spraying systems, and water curtains. The simulations assess how these systems affect airflow patterns, velocity distributions, and pressure variations under various operating conditions. The results indicate that cutterhead sprays produce conical dispersion patterns directed toward the rear of the tunnel under forced ventilation, while transfer point sprays establish localized zones of extended residence time, with stable droplet distributions achieved in 3.5 s. Spray activation markedly increases local air velocity, with peak values near the cutterhead rising from 0.88 m/s to 32.29 m/s. Meanwhile, water curtains, modeled as porous media, induce stepwise pressure drops from 186.89 Pa to 91.15 Pa. These findings underscore the distinct effects of spraying and water curtain systems on tunnel ventilation and offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of airflow control and dust suppression in underground mining environments.