2025 RTP round - Evaluating the Influence of Airflow Parameters on the Efficiency of Atomisation Dust Suppression Systems.

Curtin University, Australia

Updated: 2 days ago
Location: Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Status: Open

Applications open: 1/07/2024
Applications close: 20/08/2024

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About this scholarship

 

Project Overview

Coal dust is a significant hazard in underground coal mines. Its ultrafine characteristics not only interfere with mining operations but also pose serious health risks to miners. Prolonged exposure to environments with high concentrations of coal dust can lead to severe lung diseases, such as Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and lung cancers. It has been reported that approximately 1,500 former underground coal miners die each year in the US due to CWP. It was also reported that around 6% of the coal miners in China had potential CWP. Globally, CWP has resulted in 25,000 death cases by 2013 and around 3000 cases as estimated in 2019.  
Effective control methods are crucial to mitigate the health hazards associated with coal dust during mining activities. Currently, ventilation and water spraying are employed in underground coal mining to control the coal dust issues. Among these, atomisation spray, which breaks water droplets into fine particles, has emerged as a promising solution due to its high dust capture efficiency and low water consumption. However, the fine droplets generated by atomising nozzles can be easily influenced by some factors, such as droplet size distribution, spray pattern, ventilation, etc, which may affect the suppression efficiency. 
To address these limitations, a comprehensive approach is required that considers the interplay between various factors and their impact on spray atomisation and droplet-dust agglomeration and settling. By refining the theoretical understanding and improving the design and implementation of dust suppression technologies, it is possible to enhance their effectiveness in controlling airborne dust in the coal mine industry.

 

Aims

1. To explore the influence of airflow parameters on the performance of atomisation dust suppression systems in coal mines. 
2. To develop a comprehensive mathematical model and validate it through computational and experimental methods. 
3. To determine the optimal airflow parameters that maximize dust suppression efficiency.

 

Objectives

The following objectives will be accomplished to achieve the primary aim: 
1. Mathematical Modelling of the Influence of Airflow Parameters on Spray Droplet and Dust Distribution: At this stage, a comprehensive literature will be conducted to understand the key factors that affect droplet fragmentation, droplet size distributions and droplet dispersion characteristics. The suitable mathematical model for the gas-fluid-solid three-phase simulation will also be determined at this stage.  
2. Investigate coal particle and water droplet flow patterns and behaviours using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling: Based on the results from task 1, build CFD models to understand the impact of airflow speed, direction, and angle on the coal dust and water droplet flow patterns and behaviours. One added benefit of using CFD is that it can control some factors precisely and monitor details that are hard to do in laboratory experiments. The CFD results will reveal the mechanism of particle, air, and droplet interaction in a microscopic view, thus providing the optimum condition for the highest dust reduction and particle – water droplet collision efficiency. 
3. Investigate the coal dust suppression efficiency under different conditions by using laboratory wind tunnel tests: a self-designed wind tunnel apparatus will be used in this task to validate the simulation results in task 2. Also, the impact of different airflow parameters on the coal dust efficiency would be also investigated by using wind tunnel tests.  
4. Airflow parameters optimisation for efficient dust suppression: Based on the results of tasks 2 and 3, the optimum airflow parameters for dust suppression when using an atomising device would be recommended. A field trial will be conducted at this stage to finally examine the dust suppression efficiency based on the recommended parameters.

 

Significance

The significance of this project lies in its potential to substantially enhance health and safety conditions in underground coal mines by optimizing atomisation dust suppression techniques. By thoroughly investigating and improving the efficiency of dust control measures, the project aims to mitigate the serious health risks posed by coal dust, such as Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP). The optimized dust suppression methods will lead to reduced water consumption and more effective dust capture, ultimately benefiting the mining industry by ensuring safer working environments and more efficient operations. Additionally, the project's findings will contribute valuable knowledge to the field of mining engineering, advancing theoretical understanding and practical applications of dust suppression technologies.

 

This project is highly feasible due to the robust support and resources available at Curtin University’s mine ventilation lab, which is equipped with advanced facilities such as dust monitors, wind tunnels, and other necessary apparatus to meet all laboratory test requirements. Dr. Ping Chang, the project supervisor, brings extensive experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, ensuring precise and reliable modelling and analysis. The project’s significance is multifaceted. It aims to significantly improve health and safety conditions in underground coal mines by optimising atomisation dust suppression techniques, thereby reducing the health risks associated with coal dust, such as Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP). Enhanced dust suppression methods will lead to more efficient operations and safer working environments in the mining industry. For Curtin University, this project strengthens its position as a leader in mining research, contributes to the academic community by advancing theoretical and practical knowledge, and aligns with the institution’s commitment to addressing industry challenges through innovative solutions.


  • Future Students

  • Faculty of Science & Engineering
    • Science courses
    • Engineering courses
    • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

  • Higher Degree by Research

  • Australian Citizen
  • Australian Permanent Resident
  • New Zealand Citizen
  • Permanent Humanitarian Visa
  • International Student

  • Merit Based

The annual scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, amounts to approximately $70,000 per year.

In 2024, the RTP stipend scholarship offers $35,000 per annum for a duration of up to three years. Exceptional progress and adherence to timelines may qualify students for a six-month completion scholarship.

Selection for these scholarships involves a competitive process, with shortlisted applicants notified of outcomes by November 2024.


Scholarship Details

1


All applicable HDR courses.


We seek a self-motivated PhD candidate with exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative abilities, particularly in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and have experience in mining engineering or health and safety research. Proficiency in mathematical modelling and simulation software is highly desired. Candidates must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin University and demonstrate a keen interest in advancing health and safety in the mining industry through innovative research.
 


Application process

Please send your CV, academic transcripts and brief rationale why you want to join this research project via the HDR expression of interest form to the project lead researcher, listed below. 


Enrolment Requirements

You must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2025.


Enquiries

Project Lead: Dr Ping Chang



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