Study on the Dust Content in Dead-End Drifts in the Potash Mines for Various Ventilation Modes

Abstract

This article deals with the reduction of dust content in the working areas of potash mines in the conditions of operating combines. This problem is topical, since the high dust concentrations in the atmosphere of dead-end drifts lead to the development of occupational diseases among miners, and traditional methods of dust control are often unsuitable for potash salts conditions. We describe the results of experimental studies carried out for the potash mine of the Verkhnekamskoye potassium-magnesium salt deposit. Next, a mathematical model of the dust–air mixture dynamics is formulated and parametrized. The Euler–Euler approach and the model of a homogeneous multicomponent medium are used. The results of a simulation for two ventilation systems (forced and exhaust) are presented. Several options for air flow rates are considered. A conclusion is reached about the most effective parameters of ventilation systems, which allows for minimizing the concentration of dust in the zone of the combine driver.