Numerical simulation and schlieren imaging validation of a swirling air curtain at an open-pit mine discharge port

doi:10.16265/j.cnki.issn1003-3033.2026.05.0355

Abstract

Abstract:

To address the issues of high water consumption and the limited dust suppression range of traditional spray-based dust control technologies, a 1∶1 geometric model of the discharge port in an open-pit mine was established using numerical simulation software. Based on the Realizable k-ε turbulence model, the velocity distribution of induced airflow at the discharge port was investigated. According to the flow field characteristics, a swirling air curtain dust control method was proposed. This method utilizes induced circulation to encapsulate dust particles and employs a dynamic pressure barrier to suppress their diffusion, thereby forming a closed airflow barrier that prevents dust escape. By combining numerical simulations with schlieren observations, the velocity distribution of the induced airflow was analyzed, and the integrity of the swirling air curtain under varying jet angles and airflow velocities was compared. The results indicate that the formation of the swirling air curtain is jointly governed by the jet angle and airflow velocity. As both parameters increase, the vortex core structure becomes more distinct, and the degree of flow field closure is significantly enhanced. When the jet angle ranges from 10° to 20° and the airflow velocity from 15 to 25 m/s, a stable closed reverse-pressure swirling forms at the discharge port, where induced entrainment and circulation effects are most pronounced. When the jet angle is 15° and the airflow velocity is 20 m/s, the negative pressure core remains most stable, and the swirling structure is most fully developed. In contrast, excessively large jet angles or overly high airflow velocities may lead to increased turbulent dissipation and vortex instability, resulting in the breakdown of the air curtain structure. Schlieren observation further confirm that the swirling structure is most complete under the condition of a 15° jet angle and 20 m/s airflow velocity, thereby verifying the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed swirling air curtain dust control method.

Key words: schlieren imaging, open-pit mine, discharge port, countercurrent air curtain, jet angle, jet velocity

CLC Number:

X964工业防尘

Chen Jingxu, Zhi Yongkai, Wang Jie, Jing Deji, Guo Yanchao, Liu Yawen. Numerical simulation and schlieren imaging validation of a swirling air curtain at an open-pit mine discharge port[J]. China Safety Science Journal, 2026, 36(5): 150-158.

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参数名称	参数设定
出口压力/Pa	0
空气密度/(kg/m³)	1.205
连续相动力黏度/(Pa·s)	1.8·10^-5
气体分子扩散系数/(m²/s)	2·10^-5
温度/K	293.15
壁设置	无滑移