Author 1:
Name & Surname: Levin L. Yu.
Company: Perm National Research Polytechnic University (Perm, Russia)
Work Position: Professor
Scientific Degree: Doctor of Engineering Sciences
Contacts: e-mail: aerolog_lev@mail.ru

Author 2:
Name & Surname: Isaevich A. I.
Company: Perm National Research Polytechnic University (Perm, Russia)
Work Position: Assistant Professor
Scientific Degree: Candidate of Engineering Sciences

Author 3:
Name & Surname: Semin M. A.
Company: Mining Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Perm, Russia)
Work Position: Junior Researcher

Author 4:
Name & Surname: Gazizullin R. R.
Company: Mining Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Perm, Russia)
Work Position: Junior Researcher

The article reports outcome of 3D numerical modeling of air-dust mixture dynamics and distribution in the course of operation of a cutter-loader with cylindrical cutting element in blind drifts in potassium mines, based on which it is recommended to use local suction ventilation in order to ensure operational safety of mine personnel using personal dust protectors—dust-fighting respirators. The numerical modeling using ANSYS Fluent was implemented based on preliminary selected model and physical parameters to agree with the in situ measurements. The analysis involved blowing, suction and hybrid methods of blind drift ventilation during heading with cutter-loader. For the advised suction ventilation, it is analyzed how the air velocity and the number of suction sections in the air channel influence the dust spread and concentration in the blind drift air. It has been found that dust concentration in the face zone can be reduced down to safe values for personnel (in particular, shovel’s operator) with respirator model Lepestok 200M.

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