Mining Publication: Effect of Water Sprays on Airflow Movement and Methane Dilution at the Working Face
Original creation date: June 2006
NIOSH has been conducting research to determine the influence of mining machine-mounted water sprays on airflows and methane concentrations at the face when blowing ventilation systems are used. Tests were conducted in a full-scale ventilation gallery. Airflow speeds and directions were measured at several locations near the face with ultrasonic anemometers. Methane was released from the face and concentrations were measured in the entry at locations above the mining machine using fixed-point methanometers. Changes in airflow speed, direction, and methane concentrations were correlated with water spray operations. The test results using different spray arrangements and water pressures showed that operation of the machine-mounted sprayers can improve face ventilation effectiveness by increasing the velocity of airflow moving toward and away from the face. The improved ventilation resulted in reduced methane levels near the face.
Authors: JE Chilton, CD Taylor, EE Hall, RJ Timko
Conference Paper - June 2006
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20030323
In: Mutmansky JM, Ramani RV. eds. Proceedings of the 11th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium (University Park, PA, June 5-7, 2006), London, UK: Taylor & Francis Group; :401-406
See Also
- CFD Modeling of Methane Distribution at a Continuous Miner Face With Various Curtain Setback Distances
- Comparison of Methane Concentrations at a Simulated Coal Mine Face During Bolting
- Effects of Water Sprays and Scrubber Exhaust on Face Methane Concentrations
- Effects of Water Sprays Used With a Machine-Mounted Scrubber on Face Methane Concentrations
- Guidelines for the Control and Monitoring of Methane Gas on Continuous Mining Operations
- Measurement of Airflow in a Simulated Underground Mine Environment Using an Ultrasonic Anemometer
- Prediction of Longwall Methane Emissions and the Associated Consequences of Increasing Longwall Face Lengths: A Case Study in the Pittsburgh Coalbed
- Simulation of Methane Flows in Noncoal Mines
- Technology News 465 - Method for Predicting Methane Emissions on Extended Longwall Faces
- Using Ultrasonic Anemometers to Evaluate Face Ventilation Conditions
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program