Numerical study of the influence of the angle of inclination and resistance of the mine workings on the formation of air flows during a fire

Dmytro Brovko¹, Roman Makareiko², Serhiy Sakhno¹, Lyudmyla Yanova¹, Olena Pischikova¹

¹Kryvyi Rih National University, Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine

²State Militarized Mine-Rescue (Rescue) Squad Public Service of Ukraine for Emergencies, Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine

Min. miner. depos. 2025, 19(4):40-52

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining19.04.040

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ABSTRACT

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the inclination angle and aerodynamic resistance of mine workings on airflow dynamics during a fire.

Methods. A model based on the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih open-pit mine ventilation network, with a 15-degree inclination angle, was employed to analyze airflow patterns during fire conditions. Airflow during the fire was modeled using the Ventsim program. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to identify the effects of working inclination and resistance on the nature of airflow.

Findings. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between linear resistance and airflow volume in the “cold” and “hot” areas. The angle of inclination and linear resistance have different effects on airflow volume, depending on the site location relative to the fire center. The main factor affecting airflow in the longitudinal sections is the linear resistance. The effect of the angle of inclination was most noticeable in the “hot” areas. The results show that the crosscut section located immediately behind the section with the fire center is mainly influenced by the “cold” longitudinal sections found above and below and the “hot” section with the fire center. Simultaneously, an increase in the inclination angle, together with an increase in the resistance of the working face, increases the influence of the area with the fire center. In the case of a decrease in the inclination and resistance of the working face, the value of the “cold” adjacent workings increases.

Originality. This study provides a novel analysis of airflow dynamics in inclined mine workings, particularly during fire incidents. This study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of jet direction change and combustion product propagation during fires in inclined workings.

Practical implications. The findings of this study enable the prediction of fire occurrence, identification of areas most susceptible to fire, and formulation of best strategies for fire suppression under specific conditions.

Keywords: underground fire, mine safety, ventilation network, mining, Computational Fluid Dynamics

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