Mitigation of air leakage in underground coal mines: A case study of the Quang Ninh coalfield, Vietnam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51301/ejsu.2026.i2.04Keywords:
air leakage, air leakage reduction, ventilation works, main fan stations, underground coal mines, Quang Ninh coalfieldAbstract
The stability and efficiency of ventilation systems in underground coal mines are crucial for ensuring production safety and protecting workers’ health. Air leakage not only reduces the efficiency of fresh air supply to working places, including longwall faces, dead-end roadways, and large underground openings, but also contributes to hazards such as spontaneous coal combustion and methane accumulation, which may lead to explosions. In addition, air leakage significantly increases the energy consumption of main fan operation. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate and propose solutions to reduce air leakage in underground coal mines. Based on the mining and ventilation layout, as well as the existing ventilation works, the authors carried out field surveys, measurements, analyses, and evaluations in order to propose measures for reducing air leakage through mine ventilation works. In addition, several design solutions for ventilation gates, ventilation doors, and retaining walls were proposed for application in underground coal mines of the Quang Ninh coalfield, Vietnam. The research methods used in this study included data collection, field surveys, in-situ measurements, field analysis, and evaluation of the obtained results. The proposed solutions have been applied in mine production and have shown positive results, including reduced air leakage, improved ventilation efficiency, better operating performance of the main fans, and lower ventilation costs for the entire mine. The results of this study can also serve as a basis for underground coal mines to develop ventilation plans and to select and install appropriate ventilation works for reducing air leakage throughout the mine.
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