Effect of auxiliary ventilations on diesel particulate matter dispersion inside a dead-end entry

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is considered carcinogenic after prolonged exposure. This paper used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to study the effect of four auxiliary ventilation systems on DPM distribution in a dead-end entry with loading operation. The auxiliary ventilation systems considered include: blower fan and tubing; exhaust fan and tubing, jet fan, and push–pull system. A species transport model with buoyancy effect was used to examine the DPM dispersion pattern with unsteady state analysis. During the 200 s of the loading operation, high DPM levels were identified in the face and dead-end entry regions. This study can be used for mining engineer as guidance to design and setup of local ventilation. It can also be used for selection of DPM control strategies and DPM annual training for underground miners.