Mining Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russia:

A. V. Zaitsev, Head of Sector, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, aerolog.artem@gmail.com
L. Yu. Levin, Deputy Director of Science, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
M. A. Semin, Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

AeroSfera Research and Production Association, Perm, Russia:

S. V. Butakov, Director

Currently Belaruskali develops deep-level potash salt reserves of the Starobinsk deposit. Rock mass temperature reaches +25 °С, and, considering heat emission of high-capacity mining equipment, mine air temperature rises up to +35 °С. As a consequence, labor conditions of miners are uncomfortable, and equipment can cut out because of thermal overload. This article presents experimental research findings on microclimate in mine roadways and characteristics of heat emission sources in deep-level mining of potash reserves. Based on the experimental data and using the analytical system AeroSet, the heat and ventilation models are constructed for development entries and production headings in the study area. Numerical modeling of thermal control efficiency in longwalls is performed. It is found that the most efficient activity is air conditioning. The microclimate normalization system is substantiated during the research. The developed technology for mine air conditioning ensures normalization of microclimate in longwalls and cooling of power equipment. The authors describe the developed air conditioning system, report its test data and mark out further research to improve microclimate normalization systems in deep-level mines of Belaruskali.

1. Shcherban A. N., Kremnev O. A., Zhuravlenko V. Ya. Manual on Thermal Control in Mines. Moscow : Nedra. 1977. 359 p.
2. Shuvalov Yu. V. Thermal Control in Mines in the North: Resource-Saving Systems. Leningrad : Izdatelstvo LGU, 1988. 196 p.
3. Gendler S. G. Thermal Conditions of Underground Structures. Leningrad : LGI, 1987. 102 p.
4. Krasnoshtein A. E., Medvedev I. I. Aerology of Potassium Mines. Sverdlovsk : Izdatelstvo UrO AN SSSR, 1990. 251 p.
5. Gendler S. G. The justification of new technique ventilation at contraction of working with two exits in soil surface. Eurasian Mining. 2016. No. 2. pp. 41–44. DOI: 10.17580/em.2016.02.10
6. Mackay L., Bluhm S., Van Rensburg J. Refrigeration and cooling concepts for ultra-deep platinum mining. Platinum in Transition “Boom or Bust”: Proceedings of the 4^th International Platinum Conference. Sun City, 2010.
7. Funnel R. C., Bluhm S. J., Sheer T. J. Optimization of cooling resources in deep stopes. Proceedings of the 7th International Mine Ventilation Congress. Cracow, 2001. pp. 391–398.
8. Cheng J., Wu Y., Xu H., Liu J., Yang Y. et al. Comprehensive and Integrated Mine Ventilation Consultation Model–CIMVCM. Tunneling and Underground Space Technology. 2015. Vol. 45. pp. 166–180.

9. Litvinovskaya N. A., Andreiko S. S. Modeling sudden failure of floor of underground excavations in undermined salt rock mass. Eurasian Mining. 2015. No. 2. pp. 15–17. DOI: 10.17580/em.2015.02.04
10. Zhou A., Wang K., Wu L., Xiao Y. Influence of gas ventilation pressure on the stability of airways airflow. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology. 2018. Vol. 28, Iss. 2. pp. 297–301.
11. Vintró C., Sanmiquel L., Freijo M. Environmental sustainability in the mining sector: evidence from Catalan companies. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2014. Vol. 84. pp. 155–163.
12. Du J., Li H., Wang L. Thermodynamic stability conditions, methane enrichment, and gas uptake of ionic clathrate hydrates of mine ventilation air. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2015. Vol. 273. pp. 75–81.
13. Karelin V. N., Kravchenko A. V., Levin L. Yu., Kazakov B. P., Zaitsev A. V. Features of forming microclimate conditions in mining excavations of deep mines. Gornyi Zhurnal. 2013. No. 6. pp. 65–68.
14. Zaitsev A. V. Integrated research in the sphere of safe microclimate conditions for longwalls in potash mines of Belaruskali. Strategy and Processes of Geo-Resources Management: Collection of Scientific Papers. Perm : Izdatelstvo GI UrO RAN, 2015. Iss. 13. pp. 260–263.
15. AerSet. Available at: http://aeroset.net/downloads/docs (accessed: 19.04.2018).
16. Kazakov B. P., Levin L. Yu., Zaitsev A. V. Modern approaches to development of methods of controlling thermal modes of mines with high temperature of rock mass. Gornyi Zhurnal. 2014. No. 5. pp. 22–25.