A numerical analysis of airflow efficiency of a mine ventilation aircrossing

Johannes Selwana, Thokozani Justin Kunene, Lagouge Kwanda Tartibu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Mine ventilation aircrossing is one of the most important equipments which is used in a mine ventilation system, especially in coal mining. When designing any mine ventilation system or network, it is important to estimate the local resistances of the ventilation system to plan for an effective and well-designed ventilation system. Currently, no mathematical models or empirical formulas are available to estimate the shock loss effect associated with the aircrossings. The aircrossing analysis performed in this study was done through numerical analysis using commercial software ANSYS Fluent 2019 R1. Shock loss factors on an aircrossing were investigated numerically on various geometries. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model proposed, was validated using numerical results reported previously. The study indicates that the ANSYS numerical code is appropriate to evaluate shock losses in mine ventilation aircrossings. The research, therefore, has the potential to provide an important step towards, understanding flow patterns and shock losses effect at the aircrossing. This will assist in improving the design and selection of mine ventilation aircrossings, ventilation planning, and improve the working environment for underground mineworkers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2nd African International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, 2020
PublisherIEOM Society
Pages873-884
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9781792361234
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event2nd African International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, IEOM 2020 - Harare, Zimbabwe
Duration: 7 Dec 202010 Dec 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
Volume59
ISSN (Electronic)2169-8767

Conference

Conference2nd African International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, IEOM 2020
Country/TerritoryZimbabwe
CityHarare
Period7/12/2010/12/20

Keywords

  • Aircrossing
  • CFD
  • Mine ventilation
  • Shock losses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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