The Numerical Simulation of a Sudden Inflow of Methane Into the end Segment of a Longwall with Y-type Ventilation System

Present paper is an analysis of the propagation of methane in the end segment of a longwall ventilated by means of the Y-type ventilation system. The propagation in question occurs as a result of sudden inflows of methane from the adjacent goaf. Relevant simulations for multiple variants were carried out using the Finite Volume Method. As part of the process of verifying the adopted numerical methods, the simulation of the stationary propagation of methane under conditions corresponding to in-situ measurements, and in relation to the end segment of the CW-4 longwall in the „Budryk” coliery, was carried out. The dimensions adopted were consistent with the data obtained in the course of in-situ measurements. The model encompassed eight sections of a powered roof support, a segment of a temporary support, and a fragment of the CW-4 heading. The distributions of velocity for the SST k - ω and SAS turbulence models were compared with the data from the in-situ measurements. The highest compatibility with the results of the flow velocity measurements was demonstrated in the case of the SAS model. The verified models were subsequently used in the process of simulating the results of sudden, local methane inflows from the goaf adjacent to the temporary support, as well as from underneath the shield of the fifth section. The simulation results were presented as a sequence of methane concentration distributions, on selected internal surfaces of the computational domain.