Study of integrated vortex ventilation and dust removal system in mechanized excavation face

Abstract

The aerosolized dust produced during coal mining operations pollutes underground air environment and increases the risk of lung diseases in coal miners, such as pneumoconiosis. Aiming to solve the dust pollution in mechanized excavation face, the integrated vortex ventilation and dust removal system is designed based on swirling jet flow theory. The design principles and technological parameters of the major components of integrated vortex ventilation and dust removal (IVVDR) system, namely vortex ventilation device and wet dust collector are described systematically. Through numerical simulation and field experiments, the dust control and dust removal effects of IVVDR system were analyzed and tested. The numerical simulation results show that the swirling jet flows produced by wall-attached duct can control most of total and respirable dust in the area between working face and exhausting air outlet. In addition, the IVVDR system provides better control and removal effect of smaller respirable dust. In field application, the IVVDR system has better performance compared with the long-compression short-suction (LCSS) ventilation. In conclusion, the concentration of total and respirable dust in purified air are below 10 mg/m3, and in accordance with the mine safety regulations.