ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE DYNAMICS OF VENTILATION FLOW ON DUST FORMATION DURING THE DESTRUCTION OF MINING ROCKS WITH A HARVESTER

Purpose. To evaluate the influence of the dynamic characteristics of the ventilation flow on the intensity of dust formation during the destruction of mining rocks by the executive body of the combine, which makes it possible to predict the dustiness of the mine atmosphere in the near-excavation space of the dead-end mine and to develop effective means and measures for dust control. Methods. Analytical methods are used in the work – to develop a method for calculating the intensity of dust formation, taking into account the peculiarities of the work of combine harvesters with an arrow-shaped working body and the dynamic characteristics of the ventilation flow. Findings. Calculation schemes for the study of the process of dust generation in the cleaning pit have been developed: a scheme of aerodynamic zones during the movement of the dust-gas-air mixture from the pit space, taking into account its clutter with mining equipment; scheme of aerodynamic zones during the movement of the dust-gas-air mixture from the inflow space of the dead-end production during the stationary process of dust generation and in compliance with the requirements established by the “Safety Rules” regarding the distance of the end of the air duct from the plane of the excavation. The study revealed a significant influence of the dynamic characteristics of the ventilation flow on the transition of dust into a suspended state during the destruction of a rock massif. Based on the analysis of the mechanism of dust generation, an empirical dependence is proposed for the quantitative assessment of the intensity of dust generation, which allows to predict dust generation in dead-end mining and to develop effective measures to combat it. Originality. A method of calculating the intensity of dust formation during the destruction of a massif of rock by the executive body of the combine has been developed and theoretically substantiated, which differs from existing methods by accounting for the interaction of directed air currents with the flow of reflected mining mass. Practical implication. The practical significance of the obtained results is that the recommended formula makes it possible to predict the intensity of dust generation for the further development of effective means and measures to combat dust in the near-excavation space of dead-end workings. Proposed means and measures aim to minimize the negative impact of coal dust on the health of mine workers. Such means can be dust extraction units that remove dust directly at the places of its formation, and with its further processing in various dust settling systems (coagulators, inertial chambers, etc.). In addition, you can use systems that bind dust in the centers of its formation (foam dust suppression systems). Keywords: intensity of dust formation, dynamic characteristics of air flow, reflected mining mass, dust impurities.