Case Studies from Application of Numerical Simulation Software to Examining the Effects of Fires on Mine Ventilation Systems
Abstract
The structure of a comprehensive research project into mine fires study applying the “Ventgraph” mine fire simulation software, preplanning of escape scenarios and general interaction with rescue responses is outlined. Some outcomes from a project funded by the Australian Coal Association Research Program and substantial mining company site support are described. Mine site testing is essential and allows the approach to be introduced in the most creditable way. The project has assisted the Australian mining industry to attain an improved position in their understanding of mine fires and the use of modern advances to preplan actions to be taken in the advent of mine fires and possible emergency incidents. Work undertaken at individual mines is discussed as examples. The effort is built around the introduction of fire simulation computer software to the Australian mining industry and the consequent modelling of fire scenarios in selected different mine layouts. Application of the simulation software package to the changing mine layouts requires experience to achieve realistic outcomes. Most Australian mines of reasonable size currently use a ventilation network simulation program. Under the project a small subroutine has been written to transfer the input data from the existing mine ventilation network simulation program to “Ventgraph”. This has been tested successfully. To understand fire simulation behaviour the mine ventilation system must be understood correctly first. Some results of the project are discussed.
Recommended Citation
S. Gillies et al., "Case Studies from Application of Numerical Simulation Software to Examining the Effects of Fires on Mine Ventilation Systems," Proceedings of the 10th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (2004, Anchorage, AK), Taylor & Francis, May 2004.
Meeting Name
10th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (2004: May 16-19, Anchorage, AK)
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Ventgraph; Mine Fire Simulation Software; Mine Fires
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2004 Taylor & Francis, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
19 May 2004
