Leakage and air flow resistance in mine auxiliary ventilation ducts: effects on system performance and cost

Abstract

An Atkinson resistance is adopted to characterise the leakiness of joints between duct segments. Hence, network air flow solvers are used to establish leakage amounts for operating conditions in auxiliary ventilation systems. Quantifying leakage is important when undertaking field observations for the Atkinson friction factor, k; leakiness of duct joints is a plausible reason for the range of values for k reported. In this work, leaky systems correspond to those with relatively low duct joint resistance of 10⁴ Ns²/m⁸ for each joint; non-leaky systems correspond to those with duct joint resistances of 10⁷ Ns²/m⁸ per joint. Distinct differences exist in the evolution of fan electrical motor power as ducts are lengthened, depending on whether the duct has leaky joints between its segments or not. Useful indicators of installation leakage and hence quality are presented that will lead to auxiliary ventilation system designs that operate more effectively, with lower cost.

Keywords

Mine ventilation Auxiliary ventilation Leakage Atkinson friction factor Ventilation ducts

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