Abstract
Three-dimensional simulations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) distribution inside a single straight entry for the Load-Haul-Dump loader (LHD)-truck loading and truck hauling operations were conducted by using ANSYS FLUENT computational fluid dynamics software. The loading operation was performed for a fixed period of 3 min. The dynamic mesh technique in FLUENT was used to study the impact of truck motion on DPM distribution. The resultant DPM distributions are presented for the cases when the truck were driving upstream and downstream of the loading face. Interesting phenomena were revealed in the study including the piston effect, layering of DPM in the roof region, and backflow of diesel exhaust against ventilation. The results from the simulation can be used to determine if the areas inside the face area and straight entry exceed the current U.S. regulatory requirement for DPM concentration (>160 µg/m3). This research can guide the selection of DPM reduction strategies and improve the working practices for the underground miners.
Highlights
For underground mines, self-propelled diesel equipment is preferred due to its high fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, reliability and durability
This study clearly revealed a combination of piston effect, layering and backflow of the high diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentration plume
The DPM concentration inside the single dead end entry was determined using the species transport model within FLUENT where diesel particulates were treated as gas and the material used as a surrogate for DPM was n-octane vapour (C8H18) with density (q = 4.84 kg/m3), specific heat (Cp = 2467 J/ kg oC), thermal conductivity (k = 0.0178 W/m oC) and dynamic viscosity (l = 6.75 9 10-5 kg/m s)
Summary
Self-propelled diesel equipment is preferred due to its high fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, reliability and durability. Afterwards, Zheng et al (2015a) evaluated four different push–pull ventilation systems to improve a deep dead end entry working environment and studied DPM distribution based on an industrial field study (McGinn et al 2004; Zheng et al 2015b). That scenario of 90 m deep dead-end entry perpendicular to the main entry may not be an often encountered working face for the miners and mining engineers. The motions effect in a straight main entry face area with a LHD-truck loading and a truck hauling operation afterwards were examined. It is a more regular working environment than the deep dead-end entry. This study can help understand the effect of vehicles’ motion on DPM distribution and choose the best working practice for the miners
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