TEKNIK PERTAMBANGAN UNIVERSITAS HASANUDDIN

MINE CLIMATE AND ITS CONTROL

FACTORS AFFECTING THE MINE
CLIMATE
5/21/2016

REKAYASA LINGKUNGAN PERTAMBANGAN

Factors Affecting the Mine Climate

The most important parameters of climate influencing the cooling power
of the environment are:
Wet-bulb temperature
Dry-bulb temperature
Air Pressure
Air velocity

Sources of Heat in Mines

The principal sources of heat in mines are
1.
2.

3.
4.

Exposed Rock
Adiabatic compression
Machinery
Other sources

Sources of Heat in Mines

1.

Exposed Rock

The heat flow from exposed rock is major sources of heat in deep underground mines.
The rock temperature varies seasonally with the air temperature variations at the
earths surface and below this level, the rock temperature rises at a rate called the
geothermal gradient.

0.05 ( 2)
( ) =
( . )

Sources of Heat in Mines

It can also calculated from the measured temperatures at various depths.
The rock temperature, , in , at a depth 1 is calculated from this equation:

= + 1
Where:

= Constant temperature near surface ()

= Depth of the constant temperature (m)
= geothermal gradient ( )

Sources of Heat in Mines

2. Adiabatic Compression
If the vapour content of the air remains constant, the air flow is
considered frictionless and there is no heat transfer between the shaft
walls and the air, the process is known as adiabatic compression.
The increase in dry-bulb temperatures due to adiabatic compression per
100 m depth is calculated as follows:

Sources of Heat in Mines

1


=

(1 9.81 100 1000)( )
=
0.996 ( . )
= 0.99

Sources of Heat in Mines

Increments in dry-bulb temperature in 1000 m shaft in British coal mines

(after Verma, 1979).

Sources of Heat in Mines

Increments in dry-bulb temperature in 1000 m shaft in British coal mines (after Verma, 1979).

Sources of Heat in Mines

3. Machinery
All machines contribute to the heat load of the mine. Whether the machines are run by diesel
and electric.
In this caseof diesel locomotives, these consume about 0.24 kg of fuel per kW hour. Since the
colorifiic value of the fuel is about 44 Mj/kg, the total energy in the quantity of fuel used
becomes:

= 0.24 44 103
= 176 kJ/minute per kW
= approximately 3 kJ/s per kW = 3 kW/kW
1 kW converted into mechanical energy, another 2 becomes heat in the exhaust gas.

Sources of Heat in Mines

4. Other Sources

Exothermic reactions such as the oxidation of mineral (sulphide ores

and coal)
Explosives
Movement of rock masses
Lightning equipment

Sources of Moisture in Mines

The main sources of moisture is
1.
2.

Dust suppression water

Ground water

In this case the water is evaporates into the mine air resulting in a
decrease of dry bulb temperature and increase of wet bulb
temperature.

Heat Transfer in Mine Airways

The rate of heat transfer across a unit area at the air-rock interface is given by
(Starfield and Dickson, 1997):

Where :

: surface heat transfer (W/m2 . :C)

: rock temperature (:C)
: dry bulb temperature of air (:C)

: wetness factors
: latent heat evaporation of water (J/kg)

+ (

Heat Transfer in Mine Airways

: coefficient of mass transfer (kPa)

: saturated vapour pressure (C, kPa)
: partial pressure of water vapour in air (kPa)

: overall transfer coefficient for radiation from dry surface to wet surface
: average temperature which is radiating (C)

Control of Mine Climate

1.

Acclamation

Accalamation is a long term response or adjustment of an individual to an identified stress.

A person should be given enough time to adjust to a hot and humid work site. This is the
following 6-day acclimatization procedure has recommended (Misaqi, 1976) :
First day

: 50% exposure

Second day

: 60%

Third day

: 70%

Fourth day

: 80%

Fifth day

: 90%

Sixth day

: 100%

Control of Mine Climate

2. Mining Practice

A mining method that allows better use of ventilation should

preferably be selected
Filling the worked-out areas to reduce the exposed surface area
Sealing off old working area

Control of Mine Climate

3. Ventilation

Working area should be provided with sufficient volume flow rates of

fresh air to dilute the heat and humidity.
Exhaust fans on the surface od discharging directly into the upcast
system.
A split system of ventilation should be considered

Control of Mine Climate

3. Machinery

Selecting machines, properties such as heat generation should be

considered.
Machines should be maintained adequately.
The minimum number of machines required should be used.
Conveyors should not be allowed to run empty for long period of time.

Control of Mine Climate

4. Control of Moisture

Water sprays use for dust suppression should be well positioned,

maintained and controlled.
Drainage channels and sump should be kept covered and out of the
ventilating air current.