CFD analysis on gas distribution for different scrubber redirection configurations in sump cut

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Mining Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Continuous mining machines generate dust and gases in underground coal mines.
• Effective ventilation is crucial for worker safety and mine operation.
• Scrubber discharge configuration impacts airflow and gas dilution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for analyzing gas distribution around continuous mining machines.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of redirecting fan-powered flooded bed scrubber discharge toward the mining face.
• To compare different scrubber discharge configurations against conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of CFD models using the Species Transport Model without reactions in FLUENT.
• Simulation of various scrubber discharge scenarios, including 100% and 15% redirection toward the face.
• Calibration and validation of CFD models using experimental data and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas measurements.
• Comparison of simulated scenarios with a conventional discharge model.

Main Results:

• CFD models accurately predicted SF₆ gas levels at monitoring locations.
• Models identified high gas concentration areas around the continuous mining machine under tested conditions.
• Redirecting scrubber discharge toward the face showed potential for localized gas buildup.

Conclusions:

• The developed CFD models provide a reliable tool for assessing ventilation strategies in underground mining.
• Certain scrubber discharge configurations may lead to unacceptable gas levels in mines with moderate to high methane liberation.
• Further research is needed to optimize scrubber discharge for safer mining operations in gassier environments.