Application of ventilation simulation to spontaneous combustion control in underground coal mine: A case study from Bulianta colliery

TLDR

Spontaneous combustion of residual coal in longwall goaf is a long‑standing hazard driven by airflow leakage, especially in multi‑seam, shallow‑cover mines where mining‑induced cracks create pressure differentials, and ventilation simulation is a powerful tool to study this control. The study aims to critically examine spontaneous combustion control by applying the Ventsim ventilation simulation package to a case at Bulianta colliery. Using Ventsim, the authors simulated airflow and pressure conditions in the goaf to evaluate mitigation strategies. The simulations showed that isolating and pressurizing the active longwall panel, adjusting auxiliary fan performance and ventilation regulator resistance, and employing a booster ventilation system can mitigate spontaneous combustion.

Abstract

Spontaneous combustion of residual coal in longwall goaf is a long standing hazard. Airflow leakage into goaf is a major driver to the hazard and this issue deteriorates where longwalls are operating in multiple seams and shallow covers because mining-induced cracks are very likely to draw fresh airflow into goaf due to presence of pressure differential between longwall face and surface. To study the problem more critically, a ventilation simulation package "Ventsim" is used to conduct a case study from Bulianta colliery. It was found that isolating and pressurizing active longwall panel can mitigate the problem and the pressure differential can be adjusted by varying performance of auxiliary fan and resistance of ventilation regulator. A booster ventilation system can also mitigate the problem by adjusting fan duties. Ventilation simulation is a powerful tool to study spontaneous combustion control in underground coal mine.