Experimental study on the goaf flow field of the “U+I” type ventilation system for a comprehensive mechanized mining face

“U” and “U+I” type ventilation experiments were performed on a three-dimensional fully mechanized caving face simulation experimental platform. The distribution laws of the pressure field and gas field in the mine goaf were obtained. Results show that the flow field in the goaf is generally asymmetric; the location of the gas accumulation area changes with ventilation parameters and can be used as an evaluation indicator to study the air leakage extent in the goaf. Hence, drainage pipes buried in the goaf to intensively extract gas can be designed in such gas areas, which can give considerations in both improving gas drainage efficiency and reducing air leakage. By comparing the gas extraction effect of model experiments with that of on-site underground practices, the basic laws are commonly consistent according to comparative analysis. Thus the experimental results can be used to guide the application of underground gas prevention and control.