Subsurface flow and transport process model for time dependent mine ventilation simulations

Abstract

Time dependent transports of heat, humidity and gas liberations from the fractured and porous strata to the ventilating air are of great interest to the design and operation of an underground mine. It is a challenge to improve the heat stress or comfort index and meet the exposure limits for the workers underground with increasing depth, mechanisation, work intensity and cost savings pressure. The key to optimise simultaneously safety, health and cost reduction is better, leaner and meaner design requiring time dependent control of ventilation and air cooling. For this, new modelling and simulation tools are needed together with education of the workforce how to use it. The paper will discuss a new software tool, MULTIFLUX, applicable for modelling and simulation of subsurface flow and transport problems in true time dependent applications. Examples will demonstrate solutions to challenging tasks in mine ventilation, climate and contaminant transport.

Keywords

Mining ventilation Models and simulations Mining health and safety

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