Masters Theses

Ali Haghighat

Keywords and Phrases

CFD; Ducting system; Fire simulation; louver and elbow; Main fan; Ventilation Analysis

Abstract

"As mining progresses the total resistance of an excavation is increased, the mine characteristic curve becomes steeper, and the operating point moves up the fan curve, reducing the total air quantity and increasing the system pressure. For multi-level ventilation networks with a number of fans the process can be tedious, and on a count of numerous dependent factors the optimal combination of fans is very hard to be achieved. The design of a ventilation network in conjunction with multi surface fans and booster fans entails a complex procedure.

The objective of this study is to provide a plan to improve the ventilation network of a mine for use in the future with consideration to the source of losses through the network, design of network with multi fans and fire analysis. The guidelines listed in this paper were formulated based on current U.S. and international standards, safe operating practices developed by the mining industry, and recommendations provided by fan manufacturers. The problems proposed can be solved using ventilation and fire simulators and usage of computational fluid dynamics. Some key design factors which, if not accounted for properly, may result in ventilation system inefficiencies are shown.

A pressure and quantity ventilation survey has been conducted. The Hardy Cross method using switching parameters has been found to be a good tool to solve a multi fan network. The modified Hardy Cross method is faster and more flexible than other methods. Ventsim Visual software modeling has been used for network analysis to determine suitable surface and booster fans locations, blade settings, and speeds.

No underground peril has greater potential for large loss of life than a mine fire or explosion. A study has been carried out in order to get a better understanding of fire behavior in unpredicted incidents. A Bobcat vehicle burning at the working faces has been investigated. Various possible ways to control the fire have been considered.

Main mine fans are often connected to underground workings through bends or elbows. These connections may include damper controls or louvers. Leakage and shock losses in different parts of mine airways are of major concern. Comprehensive analyses has been undertaken of these ventilation shock losses experimentally, numerically and computationally to increase understanding and optimize air flow through the mine."--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Gillies, Stewart

Committee Member(s)

Brune, Jürgen
Homan, Kelly

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mining Engineering

Sponsor(s)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2014

Pagination

xvii, 150 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 145-149).

Rights

© 2014 Ali Haghighat, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Ventilation -- Mathematical modelsMine ventilation -- Equipment and suppliesFans (Machinery) -- Computational fluid dynamics

Thesis Number

T 10511

Electronic OCLC #

894579603

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