INFLUENCE OF JET FAN INSTALLED ON A CUTTER-LOADER ON AIR DRAG IN VERY LONG LONGWALL PANELS

The article presents studies into aerodynamic processes in very long longwall panels. The computations in ANSYS using the finite volume method show that air drag in longwalls varies versus position of the longwall mining system in the panel. Enhancement of ventilation efficiency in longwalls requires reduction in air drag. The longwall air drag is governed by the air drags of the powered roof support and cutter-loader. The latter have very large dimensions which are technologically unchangeable. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure forced air flow to by-pass the cutter-loader in the longwall panel. The estimate of advantages of the proposed method for the air drag reduction in very long longwall panels is presented. The method consists in increasing air flow rate in the longwall with the help of an axial jet fan mounted on the cutter-loader.