Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to develop a methodology that will contribute in locating optimal evacuation routes in case of fire that are based on minimal carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during the evacuation procedures. The proposed methodology is tested using simulated fire scenarios from which CO concentration over time curve is extracted from all available evacuation routes and presented in a weighted form based on the accumulating effect of CO inhalation in the form of fractional effective dose (FED). The safety limits of the FED model on which the optimization process is based are determined using a model for the prediction of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in human blood. The COHb model is associated with predicted clinical symptoms that are the basis for determining the level of incapacitation at which the mineworkers are incapable of completing their evacuation. Also in the process of improving the fire risk analysis, the proposed methodology enables the development of evacuation plans that are based on the results of modeled fire scenarios combined together with the results of the anticipated hazards generated by CO inhalation. The results presented in this chapter indicate a more precise approach in the process of planning the evacuation system inside the underground mines.
Highlights
Fires are one of the most serious accidents that can occur in underground mines due to the restricted ability to evacuate quickly from the confined excavations that can be filled quickly with smoke and noxious fumes [1]
The methodology consists of three parts, i.e., developing underground mine fire scenarios, modeling and simulation of fire scenarios, and determining the optimal evacuation routes based on the generated results
A methodology for determining optimal evacuation routes in case of underground mine fire has been developed based on the results from simulated fire scenarios
Summary
Fires are one of the most serious accidents that can occur in underground mines due to the restricted ability to evacuate quickly from the confined excavations that can be filled quickly with smoke and noxious fumes [1]. Developing effective evacuation plans in case of fire in underground mine is the most important and sometimes the only option for safe evacuation of all involved in the fire scenario. Ji et al [3] developed a visual model to simulate the evacuation process of miners to determine the evacuation time, exit flow rate, and evacuation path and show that simulation is effective technology to establish safe evacuation system. Chen et al [4] developed 3D CFD model to reconstruct the laneway conveyor belt fire scenes under two ventilating conditions to investigate the influence of smoke movement on miner evacuation behaviors. Wu et al [6] conducted emergency evacuation simulation and visualized analysis of underground mine water bursting disaster scene, to achieve the simulation of the dynamic process of individual or group behavior and to provide platform for rational evacuation under the situation of mine disaster. Adjiski et al [7–9] completed many different manuscripts and projects in the field of simulation and modeling of fire scenarios and evacuation plans in underground mines
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