Underground » Detection and Prevention of Fires and Explosions
An evaluation of the effectiveness of delivering inert gases from the output of a GAG jet engine was undertaken. Two mine models were supplied and a third model created to evaluate the docking of a mine. The third model was generated so that initial determinations of the GAG simulator could be evaluated and cross referenced with Howden personnel. This was done so that the anonymity of the two supplied mine models could be maintained.
A literature search was conducted to review previous studies and to obtain the characteristics of the GAG in order that it can be accurately modelled. The literature review did not find the characteristics of the GAG with respect to pressure and quantity. Without this data all simulations are at best an educated guess. Several observations were made in the previous studies and this report has reviewed them and added the underpinning science behind the observed behaviour.
While it is seen that the GAG has considerable potential to provide inert gases to assist in the control of fire and flammable atmospheres, in its current form it has some significant drawbacks. The output from the GAG will stratify, and product buoyancy will cause the GAG to stall in most potential GAG application scenarios. These drawbacks greatly limit the potential applications for the current GAG set up.