Article: CFD modelling of dust dispersion in a room-and-pillar mining area Journal: International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP) 2016 Vol.59 No.2/3/4 pp.230 - 249 Abstract: This paper presents dust dispersion characteristics in a room-and-pillar mining face area using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and tracking of dust particles without sprays operating. CFD use was validated with a published exponential decay behaviour experimental data. Simulations were conducted for two continuous miner cuts; each involving box and slab cuts. Particle size distribution (PSD) of in-mine dust samples collected from continuous miner wet-scrubbers was used for simulations. The dust particles ranged from 0.5-44 µm. Data analyses were focused on PSD and dust particle tracks in different vertical and horizontal planes downwind of the cutting face. The coarser particles (~> 5 µm) settled quickly under gravity, while the finer particles (~< 1 µm) stayed suspended and travelled long distances. Dust concentration varied from roof to floor with finer particles near the top and coarser particles near the bottom. The results were used as a validation for the concepts underlying the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) innovative spray system. Additional improvements were also identified for dust control. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: CFD modelling of dust dispersion in a room-and-pillar mining area

Authors: Yoginder Paul Chugh; Vijaya Kumar Kollipara

Addresses: Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1230 Lincoln Drive, Engineering Building, IL 62901, USA ' Vogt Power International, 13551 Triton Park Blvd., Suite 2000, Louisville KY 40223, USA

Abstract: This paper presents dust dispersion characteristics in a room-and-pillar mining face area using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and tracking of dust particles without sprays operating. CFD use was validated with a published exponential decay behaviour experimental data. Simulations were conducted for two continuous miner cuts; each involving box and slab cuts. Particle size distribution (PSD) of in-mine dust samples collected from continuous miner wet-scrubbers was used for simulations. The dust particles ranged from 0.5-44 µm. Data analyses were focused on PSD and dust particle tracks in different vertical and horizontal planes downwind of the cutting face. The coarser particles (~> 5 µm) settled quickly under gravity, while the finer particles (~< 1 µm) stayed suspended and travelled long distances. Dust concentration varied from roof to floor with finer particles near the top and coarser particles near the bottom. The results were used as a validation for the concepts underlying the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) innovative spray system. Additional improvements were also identified for dust control.

Keywords: computational fluid dynamics; CFD; modelling; coal dust control; particle size distribution; dust concentration; SIUC innovative spray system; dust dispersion; room-and-pillar mining areas; dust particles; simulation; coal mining.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2016.079903

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2016 Vol.59 No.2/3/4, pp.230 - 249

Received: 21 Oct 2015
Accepted: 31 Mar 2016
Published online: 20 Oct 2016 *

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Title: CFD modelling of dust dispersion in a room-and-pillar mining area

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