Studies of air leakage in underground mines using CFD

摘要

This paper presents a summary of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling studies that were conducted to investigate the leakage flow through bulkheads, doors and regulators. The models were calibrated against field data collected from ventilation controls in an operating mine. PT Freeport Indonesia's Amole Dewatering development was used for this purpose. The mine includes two long parallel drifts, one intake and one return, several crosscuts, doors and regulators. To direct the air to remote headings (over 6 km from surface portals), the mine depends on 34 concrete bulkheads, 19 doors and three fans. The models were used to predict leakage flow rates for various model geometries and boundary conditions.