Computational fluid dynamics simulations for investigation of parameters affecting goaf gas distribution

It is necessary to obtain a fundamental understanding of the goaf gas flow patterns in longwall mine in order to develop optimum goaf gas drainage and spontaneous combustion (sponcom) management strategies. The best ventilation layout for a longwall underground mine should assist in goaf gas drainage and further reduce the risk of sponcom in the goaf. Further, in the longwall panel, regulators are installed in the maingate (MG) seals to control the gas migration on the MG side and the mine operators frequently encountered with seals leakage problems leading to abnormal gas contents in the tube bundles. Extensive parametric studies were carried out to investigate the effects of ventilation layouts, regulators, and seals leakages on the goaf gas distribution using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. The results of various CFD simulations are presented and discussed in detail in this paper.