Ahaiev R., Skotniczny P.,Krukovskyi O., Zberovskyi V., Kyrychenko M. Analysis and evaluation of the potential of natural draft ventilation in dual-purpose structures
- Details
- Parent Category: Geo-Technical Mechanics, 2025
- Category: Geo-Technical Mechanics, 2025, Issue 175
Geotech. meh. 2025, 175, 84-93
https://doi.org/10.15407/geotm2025.175.084
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF NATURAL DRAFT VENTILATION IN DUAL-PURPOSE STRUCTURES
1M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
2Strata Mechanics Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences
3Dnipro University of Technology
UDC 622.41:628.84:614.8
Language: English
Abstract. The accident rate in underground facilities used as dual-purpose structures requires special attention to maintaining a safe atmosphere, particularly under power outage conditions. These confined underground spaces, lacking the ability for rapid forced air renewal, demand efficient and autonomous life-support solutions. The study assesses the potential of using natural draft ventilation in underground structures to enhance their reliability and safety.
The research includes an analysis of the current state of ventilation systems in Ukraine’s mining industry, which reveals that a successful progress has been achieved in optimizing the performance of main ventilation fans and sealing internal air leaks. However, significant problems, such as delays in replacing obsolete fan motors and repairing external structures, still remain. The reduction in the length of the ventilation network also indicates potential gas leakage risks. These factors highlight the need for sustainable, energy-independent ventilation methods.
The research methodology is based on analytical calculations derived from physical laws describing the interaction of air masses. Parameters such as pressure and gas density differences, temperature gradients, mine depth, and aerodynamic resistance were considered. The calculations were performed using a decommissioned mine as a representative example of a potential dual-purpose structure. Depression survey data were used to determine temperature conditions in intake and exhaust shafts, as well as parameters of natural draft flow.
The scope of the study covers the design and operation of underground dual-purpose structures. The practical significance lies in improving their autonomy and safety during emergencies, particularly under power outage conditions.
The study’s conclusions confirm the high potential of natural draft for ventilating confined underground systems. However, several hazardous factors were identified, including unpredictable changes in flow direction and velocity, the risk of airway blockage, and the potential for spontaneous combustion. The implementation of continuous air environment monitoring systems, flow control devices, early hazard detection systems, and comprehensive personnel training programs is recommended to minimize risks and ensure reliable operation.
Keywords: dual-purpose structures, natural draft, ventilation, mine, safety.
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About the authors
Ahaiev Ruslan, Candidate of Technical Sciences (Ph. D.), Senior Researcher, Senior Researcher of Department of Underground Coal Mining Technology, M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGTM of the NAS of Ukraine), Dnipro, Ukraine, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID 0000-0002-3895-2205
Przemyslaw Skotniczny, Dr. DSc, Associate Professor, Director of the Institute of Strata Mechanics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IMG PAN), Krakow, Poland, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID 0000-0001-5699-3775
Krukovskyi Oleksandr, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Deputy Director, M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGTM of the NAS of Ukraine), Dnipro, Ukraine, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID 0000-0002-2659-5095
Zberovskyi Vasyl, Doctor of technical Sciences (D. Sc.), Senior Researcher, Head of Department of Underground Coal Mining Technology, M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGTM NAS of Ukraine), Dnipro, Ukraine, е-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Correspondingauthor), ORCID 0000-0003-3275-1864
Kyrychenko Maryna Serhiivna, senior lecturer at the Department of Electric Power Engineering, Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine, е-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID 0000-0003-0615-7589