Foaming agent self-suction properties of a jet-type foam preparation device used in mine dust suppression

Abstract

In this study, we introduce a jet-type foam preparation device for use in mine dust control, which can enhance the reliability and applicability of the foam production process compared with conventional foam generators. In order to elucidate the foaming agent self-suction properties of this novel foam generator, we used a self-built experimental setup to investigate the effects of the working pressure and outlet pressure on negative pressure (vacuum degree) during foaming agent suction, as well as the functional relationship between negative pressure and the foaming agent by adding parameters. We also studied the effects of the valve opening degree on the foaming agent flow rate and addition ratio. The results showed that the working pressure and outlet pressure affected the formation of negative pressure in a positive linear manner and a negative linear manner, respectively. Thus, the negative pressure increased linearly as the working pressure increased, whereas it decreased in a linear manner as the outlet pressure increased. There was also a quadratic relationship between the vacuum degree and foaming agent quantity with the piecewise characteristics of the growth process, where they increased slowly with a lower vacuum degree but increased rapidly with a higher vacuum degree. After creating a moderate negative pressure with the water jet, the foaming agent could be added automatically at a low flow rate with a low ratio via the regulating valve on the liquid suction hose. This study provides basic information that should facilitate the application of this novel foam preparation technique.