Title: CFD modelling of sampling locations for early detection of spontaneous combustion in long-wall gob areas

Authors: Liming Yuan; Alex C. Smith

Addresses: Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), P.O. Box 18070, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA ' Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), P.O. Box 18070, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA

Abstract: In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling was conducted to optimise gas sampling locations for the early detection of spontaneous heating in longwall gob areas. Initial simulations were carried out to predict carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations at various regulators in the gob using a bleeder ventilation system. Measured CO concentration values at these regulators were then used to calibrate the CFD model. The calibrated CFD model was used to simulate CO concentrations at eight sampling locations in the gob using a bleederless ventilation system to determine the optimal sampling locations for early detection of spontaneous combustion.

Keywords: mining; CFD modelling; spontaneous combustion; early detection; computational fluid dynamics; gas sampling locations; long-wall gob areas; carbon monoxide; bleeder ventilation; simulation; bleederless ventilation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2012.047999

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2012 Vol.4 No.1, pp.50 - 62

Published online: 16 Jul 2012 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article