Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study to optimize the auxiliary ventilation system in an underground mine

Abstract

Four different scenarios of auxiliary ventilation in an underground mine were studied, validating the results using actual data, and identifying the best ventilation conditions in terms of air velocity and heat load removal. The conditions worsen as the duct is placed further from the face. The best layout of the duct in terms of cross-section, and positioning on the lower or upper side of the drift, cannot be clearly inferred, as it depends on the variables used in the analysis, either temperature, air velocity, or the specific area of the working face. The findings of this study can help develop the most efficient auxiliary ventilation system for use in an underground mine at the working face or in the place of the equipment. Besides this, future scenarios can be also analyzed with the model created, providing a good tool to select the best auxiliary ventilation layout in each different case.