MOSCOW, May 11. Tomsk Polytechnic University scientists, together with colleagues, have developed a method for creating a 3D model of air movement in coal mines. According to experts, this will allow to control air flow, monitor the concentration of combustible gases and thus reduce the likelihood of a fire. The result of the work is published in Fire.
The development of coal seams in underground mines is accompanied by the release of methane, a combustible gas that is explosive when mixed with air. Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University stressed that most accidents in coal mines are associated with fires. They pose a danger to the life and health of miners, and also cause significant damage to infrastructure. The cost of eliminating the consequences of fires is up to 95% of the cost of eliminating all accidents occurring at mining enterprises, experts noted.
To ensure fire safety, the concentration of methane in mines is constantly monitored. According to scientists, a complex ventilation system is used for this purpose, through which large volumes of air are supplied to the mine.
To design a ventilation system, it is necessary to take into account many factors and make sure when calculating that the air flow in sufficient volume will enter each point of the underground mine network. To date, the design of the ventilation network is carried out using two-dimensional modeling, experts noted.
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University together with colleagues from different cities of Russia have proposed ways to create 3D models that will more accurately calculate the air supply to the mines and more effectively control the content of combustible gases.
models of individual sections of the ventilation network. By combining a large number of these projections, we get a detailed model to improve the quality of ventilation control in coal mines,» said Nikita Martyushev, Associate Professor at the Department of Materials Science at Tomsk Polytechnic University.
Scientists have found that diagonal connections in the ventilation system increase the risk of methane accumulation and explosion, impede the flow of air into hard-to-reach areas underground.
The developers proposed a new scheme for constructing a ventilation network. In this scheme, a three-dimensional spatial model of the ventilation system is built. Working with such a model is rather complicated, therefore, projections of this model on a plane are used for calculations.
This approach allows to improve the scientific understanding of the processes of air flow control in the mine at the sites of mining (coal). Also, it becomes possible to more accurately select the operating mode of the main ventilation fan and more accurately control the air circulation in the mine.
«As an object for compiling a pilot three-dimensional model, we used the Sadkinskoye coal deposit in the Rostov region. We took into account all the parameters of the mines: the length of the sections, the size of the corridors and the location of control nodes. In addition, we managed to conduct a comprehensive analysis and assessment of aerogas processes in the ventilation network of the mine «, — added Martyushev.
According to the engineers, the model they have developed will help in designing effective ventilation systems for underground mines. Another important application of this model is the calculation of the position of sensors for recording methane concentration.
Understanding the patterns of air movement in the mine allows you to choose places where the concentration of methane can be maximum. The installation of sensors in these places will make it possible to warn the mine personnel about the danger of high methane concentrations in a timely manner and take timely measures. In this way, the danger of methane ignition in the mine can be prevented.
Tomsk Polytechnic University is a participant in the Priority-2030 state support program for Russian universities.