Scholarly record
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF USING CONTROLLED AIR RECIRCULATION IN POTASH AND METAL MINES
Abstract
Controlled air recirculation is widely used in mines for minimizing the energy consumption of fans, winter air heating costs, as well as dedusting and dehumidification of mine air. In most cases today, controlled air recirculation is used for potash mines. However, it can be applied to metal and non-metal mines if its safety and energy-efficiency are substantiated. For potash mines, a scientific substantiation for the applicability of the recirculation is also required in specific cases. The paper presents the study of the safety case of controlled air recirculation at the potash mines of Uralkali company and the metal mines of Norilsk Nickel company. As part of the study, a ventilation survey of several potash and metal mines is carried out, and the concentrations of various toxic gases are measured. Based on the obtained experimental data, a conclusion is made about the possibility of safe use of controlled air recirculation in considered mines. The paper also includes the analysis of the economic efficiency of controlled air recirculation for a general case. The condition under which the controlled recirculation leads to a decrease in the total energy consumption of fans is determined. The controlled recirculation is effective in mines with high air resistances of shafts and main intake and return airways. In this case the pressure of the main fan on the surface is spent on overcoming the air resistance of the shaft and main intake and return airways, while the pressure of the booster fan is spent on overcoming the air resistance of the recirculation loop, and the main and booster fans work without opposing each other.
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References12
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