Behavior of the particulate matter (PM) emitted by trackless rubber-tyred vehicle (TRTV) at an idle speed under different movement conditions and ventilation optimization

Abstract

The particulate matter (PM) emitted by a trackless rubber-tyred vehicle (TRTV) in coal mines can seriously threaten the health and safety of the exposed workers underground. In this paper, in order to effectively reduce the PM concentration and improve the underground working environment, a combination of numerical simulations and field measurements was adopted to study the migration distribution of the PM emitted by a TRTV at an idle speed for 60 s under different movement conditions, and the dilution effects of the ventilation rate on the PM. The results showed that under different movement conditions, the PM mainly moved along the floor of the roadway, but upward diffusion trends were shown overall, which meant that the chambers are in high-risk areas. Field measurements were then performed under the two conditions to verify the effectiveness of the simulations. Furthermore, the dilution effects of the increased ventilation rate on the PM were analyzed. It was concluded that the optimal dilution ventilation rate under condition 1 was 4600m3/min, and that under condition 2 was 2800m3/min. Accordingly, the driver of the TRTV should try to move forward when entering the chamber.