Researchers are increasingly turning to innovative methods to improve the sustainability and efficiency of coal mining operations, particularly through the use of paste filling technology. A recent study highlights the significant role of aggregate gradation, particularly the combination of coal gangue and aeolian sand, on the rheological properties and transportation characteristics of filling slurries.
Proper gradation of filling slurry aggregates is more than just ideal measurement—it is pivotal for ensuring efficiency during transportation within pipelines. Integrated solutions using waste products like coal gangue not only offer economic benefits but also align with green mining practices. The study found evidence to support this, as well as solutions to common transportation issues encountered during the filling process.
The investigation commenced with aggregate gradation tests on coal gangue and aeolian sand, varying their compositions to assess the best ratios for enhanced performance. Notably, the research concluded, "Appropriately increasing the proportion of aeolian sand can improve particle gradation," indicating the materials' potential for efficient slurry flow.
Through extensive rheological testing, the researchers observed patterns affecting pipeline performance. They utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the slurry's conveying behavior under assorted conditions. Results revealed, "The pipeline resistance loss is directly proportional to the slurry concentration and inlet velocity..." bolstering their analysis with quantitative data and simulations.
The findings not only reaffirmed the importance of maintaining optimal aggregate ratios but also discussed the adverse consequences of inadequate gradation, like blocking and increased filling costs. When coal gangue was disproportionately high, the inefficiencies compounded, highlighting the need for balanced mixes of both aggregates.
Through their modeling efforts, the team demonstrated how different ratios of coal gangue to aeolian sand influenced flow velocity distributions within the pipeline, leading to important insights about aggregate interactions. Their regression analysis indicated, "A reasonable aggregate gradation should be controlled so the slurry simultaneously meets small pipeline resistance loss and anti-segregation," proving this relentless pursuit of efficiency holds promise for practical applications.
Conclusively, the research supplies valuable technical support for the optimization of paste filling practices. The recommendations not only advocate for specific ratios of aggregates but also elucidate the broader significance of environmentally responsible practices within coal mining industries. The strides made through these studies present exciting prospects for both enhancing operational efficacy and mitigating ecological impacts.