Simulation of methane gas dispersion at the level of a complex ventilation network

Underground coal mining is one of the most difficult human activities. The difficulty consists both of the brute force required for extraction and of the risks that arise. The risks are amplified by the specific underground conditions and are mainly generated by the presence of explosive, toxic, asphyxiating or radioactive gases. The gases and airborne dust are taken up by ventilation currents and discharged into the atmosphere at the level of ventilation shafts. In underground, one of the greatest risks is given by the presence of explosive gases that can accumulate in closed spaces and disperse over long distances. The most important aspect of underground methane dispersion is given by the knowledge of methane gas concentrations on the dispersion alignment which may include areas where the atmosphere is asphyxiating, areas where the atmosphere is explosive and areas where the atmosphere is close to normal. The work includes both the updating of the complex ventilation network of the Vulcan mine and the evaluation and analysis of the dispersion of methane at the level of the ventilation network from the accumulation point to the point of discharge into the atmosphere. For the simulation, the specialized program VENTSIM DESIGN was used.