Thermal conditions and gas dynamics in mining operations in Glubokaya Shaft of Skalisty Mine

During scientific supervision of driving of exploring openings RV-1 and RV-2 in the Glubokaya Shaft of the Skalisty Mine, a set of application and laboratory investigations was carried out. The investigations included air/heat/gas surveying, measurement of natural temperature of rock mass, examination of thermophysical and gas-dynamic properties of rocks, as well as oxidation processes of sulfide ore. The analysis of parameters of ventilation network in the Glubokaya Shaft allowed determining: aerodynamic drag in the openings, ventilation structures and heat-insulated air ducts; actual aerodynamic characteristics of units of main and auxiliary fans; watercut of shafts; temperature, density, heat conductivity and heat capacity of surrounding rock mass; heating capacity of manmade heat sources; dynamics of contents of toxic and explosive gases in mine air in various-purpose mine openings; content of free and occluded gases in rocks; value of radiant heat exchange; range of oxygen absorption. The studies made it possible to determine parameters of the gas and heat environments, which were taken as a framework for the aero- and thermodynamic models of deep-level mining conditions. Using advanced numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer and gas dynamics in mine openings, different technical arrangements toward air distribution and control and mine microclimate safety with regard to mining process flows were analyzed. Finally, on the basis of the multi-variant modeling, for the Glubokaya Shaft, project designs are developed for ventilation and thermal conditions such that ensure energy efficiency and adherence to safety standards.The theoretical study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Project No. 19-77-30008P.