Study on the dust distribution law in high chute mines based on grey relational analysis

As mineral resource extraction deepens, large and medium-sized metal mines increasingly utilize chutes for ore transportation. However, the impact airflow and dust generated by high chutes significantly contaminate the working environment. To investigate the linear and nonlinear relationships between the maximum impact wind speed, the average dust concentration, and various factors, this study employs similar simulation experiments. By modifying conditions such as ore discharge height, discharge flow rate, ore particle size, ore moisture content, and chute resistance, the impact airflow and dust concentration at the discharge port were monitored. Furthermore, a Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was conducted on the five main factors. The results indicate that the maximum impact wind speed and the average dust concentration positively correlate with discharge flow rate and discharge height, and negatively correlate with ore particle size range and chute resistance coefficient. As moisture content increases, dust concentration decreases rapidly; however, once moisture content exceeds 3.5%, the decreasing trend becomes less pronounced. Among the factors affecting impact wind speed, discharge height and chute resistance coefficient play a dominant role, followed by discharge flow rate and ore particle size, while ore moisture content has a relatively minor influence. Regarding key factors influencing dust concentration, ore moisture content and discharge height are most significant, followed by chute resistance coefficient, discharge flow rate, and ore particle size. This study provides a theoretical foundation for targeted dust control measures in high chute ore discharging.