In line with the long-term trend of mining deeper horizons, ventilation in coal mines faces certain challenges. In addition to the increasing requirements of gas and heat management, convergences cause significant reductions of cross-sectional areas and subsequent increases of flow resistance. Deep coal mines in Europe and Asia have experienced shortages of ventilation and, as a result, lower longwall performance due to unpredicted convergences. Occurring once, such conditions can only be managed with costly and time-consuming efforts. In a worst case scenario, the basic concept of a mine layout is not suitable and the problem requires larger investments. Using the results of geotechnical assessments in the early stages of ventilation planning can prevent unwanted surprises.
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