MATHEMATICAL SIMULATION OF GYPSUM MINE BLOCK VENTILATION USING VENTURI FANS
A numerical model has been developed to calculate the three-dimensional air flow in the excavation with operated venturi fan. The analysis of steady-state air velocity and pressure distribution near the operating fan is carried out. The model is used to calculate the equivalent pressure-volume characteristic of the venturi fan in the excavation with large cross-section area of the “Knauf Gypsum Novomoskovsk ” mine. The optimal locations of the fan and mixing chamber in the cross-section area have been determined; the criterion of optimality was the maximal increase of air pressure in the excavation after passing the venturi fan. The mixing chamber should be installed at a distance of 0-1 m from the fan exit. As expected, the optimal location of the fan is in the center of the excavation. It allows increasing the air pressure and, consequently, the equivalent head of the fan by 35%in comparison with initial fan location.