Abstract
Understanding the goaf gas distribution in the start-up areas and in 6km long retreat panel is critical for developing gas management and spontaneous combustion (sponcom) control strategies. Extensive computational fluid dynamics modelling studies have been conducted and calibrated using operational longwall goaf data to obtain fundamental understanding of the goaf gas flow patterns in 6km panel of various goaf lengths and the effect of goaf gas emission rates on the gas flow patterns were investigated. The paper presents the results of various numerical investigations in the 6km long panel for different goaf lengths of 500m, 1km, 3km and 6km under modelled field site conditions.
Highlights
In order to achieve high production rates safely and improve mining economics, mine operators nowadays are increasing longwall panel lengths up to 6km and beyond
Gas emissions, ventilation systems, and dimensions of the new generation longwall panels are significantly different from the previous longwall panels, this collaborative research project has been undertaken to conduct detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling studies to assist in the development of optimum sponcom management strategies for long longwall panels under highly gassy field site mining conditions
Analysis of the results showed that intake airflow seems to have major influence on seam level gas distribution up to 200 – 250m behind the face and beyond that gas buoyancy seems to play a major role on goaf gas distribution
Summary
In order to achieve high production rates safely and improve mining economics, mine operators nowadays are increasing longwall panel lengths up to 6km and beyond. Gas emissions, ventilation systems, and dimensions of the new generation longwall panels are significantly different from the previous longwall panels, this collaborative research project has been undertaken to conduct detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling studies to assist in the development of optimum sponcom management strategies for long longwall panels under highly gassy field site mining conditions. Balusu et al (2001, 2002b, 2004) carried numerical and field data investigations on goaf gas flow mechanisms and proactive inertisation strategies for prevention of spontaneous combustion in gassy coal mines and developed various gas drainage strategies in underground longwall mines. The main focus of the project during the initial phases was to obtain a fundamental understanding of goaf gas flow patterns in longwall panels under field site conditions using CFD modelling techniques. Based on the results of these investigations, appropriate strategies and guidelines have been developed for gas and sponcom management in the longwall panels under field site conditions
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