title: Design of push-pull system to control diesel particular matter inside a dead-end entry.
abstract: Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is considered to be carcinogenic after prolonged exposure. With more diesel-powered equipment used in underground mines, miners' exposure to DPM has become an increasing concern. This paper used computational fluid dynamics method to study the DPM dispersion in a dead-end entry with loading operation. The effects of different push-pull ventilation systems on DPM distribution were evaluated to improve the working conditions for underground miners. The four push-pull systems considered include: long push and short pull tubing; short push and long pull tubing, long push and curved pull tubing, and short push and curved pull tubing. A species transport model with buoyancy effect was used to examine the DPM dispersion pattern with unsteady state analysis. During the 200 s of loading operation, high DPM levels were identified in the face and dead-end entry regions. This study can be used for mining engineer as guidance to design and setup local ventilation, select DPM control strategies and for DPM annual training for underground miners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mining & Nuclear Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401 USA.
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Mining & Nuclear Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401 USA.
authors.forename: Magesh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thiruvengadam
authors.affiliation: Clean Air Power Inc., Poway, CA 92064 USA.
authors.forename: Hai
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lan
authors.affiliation: Division of Mining and Resources Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia.
authors.forename: Jerry C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Tien
keywords: Computational fluid dynamics; Diesel particulate matter; Push–pull system; Underground condition; Ventilation