Method and apparatus for simulating in a model the disbursement of gas

Abstract

A model for simulating the emission of gas and dust in a mine during a continuous mining operation includes a tank and an inlet conduit for conducting fluid into the tank. A substantially rectangular housing is positioned in the tank and submerged in the fluid. The housing simulates a mine entryway and comprises a pair of sidewalls and top and bottom walls connected thereto, with a sealed end portion and an open end portion. A foraminous member secured to the open end portion directs fluid from the tank into the housing. Indicia medium, such as a dye, is directed from a reservoir to the foraminous member where the indicia medium and fluid are mixed. The indicia medium and fluid pass through the foraminous member into the housing and provide a visual indication of simulated emission of gas and dust from a mine face. The simulated impurities are diverted into a partitioned area of the housing and withdrawn from the housing through a simulated exhaust pipe. An additional feature includes the simulation of exhaust tubing having an inlet positioned adjacent the mine face and operable to withdraw the gas and dust emitted therefrom during the mining operation. The model also demonstrates mine ventilation control by supplying fresh air to the mine face through a ventilation pipe and removing the gas and dust generated from the mine face through an exhaust pipe. The conduit simulating the ventilation pipe may be moved laterally across the foraminous member to withdraw the indicia medium and fluid passing therethrough and demonstrate the operation of a scrubber device mounted on a mining machine for removing the impurities from the mine air in the entryway.