POLYMER PLASTIC DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN MINING

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the use of polymer plastic drainage systems in modern mining and their significance. Drainage systems are designed for efficient water flow and management, which simplifies the control of water accumulation inside the mine. The article details the methods for calculating the water capacity of drainage systems, their installation in mine shafts, and related reinforcement technologies, particularly the use of shotcrete and anchor reinforcements. It also explores methods to ensure the stability of tunnels in salt mines and the role of drainage systems in improving safety and operational efficiency. Reinforcing drainage systems with polymer materials accelerates excavation processes and enhances mining productivity.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной статье рассматривается использование полимерных пластиковых дренажных систем в горнодобывающей промышленности и их значение. Дренажные системы используются для эффективного отвода и управления водой, что облегчает контроль за скоплением воды внутри шахт. В статье описаны методы расчета водоёмкости дренажных систем, их установка в шахтах и технологии укрепления, в частности, применение торкрет-бетона и анкерных креплений. Также освещены способы обеспечения устойчивости шахт в соляных месторождениях и роль дренажных систем в повышении безопасности и эффективности работы. Укрепление водоотводящих систем с помощью полимерных материалов ускоряет процесс добычи и повышает производительность горных работ.

Keywords: polymer plastic materials, drainage systems, mining, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, corrosion resistance, resistance, groundwater, drainage pipes, water control in mining, lightweight materials, maintenance, flexible drainage systems, chemical resistance.

Ключевые слова: полимерные пластические материалы, дренажные системы, горное дело, полиэтилен, полипропилен, поливинилхлорид , коррозионная, стойкость, подземные воды, дренажные трубы, контроль воды в горном деле, легкие материалы, техническое обслуживание, гибкие дренажные системы, химическая стойкость.

Introduction: Polymer plastic materials are materials consisting of high molecular weight compounds obtained from petroleum products or synthetic materials, the main types of which are:

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinyl chloride PVC

These materials are used in many industries, as they possess properties such as lightness, durability, and chemical stability. These materials allow for anti-corrosion and long-term use in drainage systems.

Drainage systems are used in mining to control groundwater and land. Polymer plastic drainage systems can be used for the following purposes:

• Groundwater withdrawal: Allows groundwater to be effectively diverted due to the elasticity and resistance of drainage pipes to chemicals.
• Corrosion-resistant systems: In mining, drainage systems can quickly become unusable due to exposure to chemicals.
• Fast and inexpensive installation: Polymer drainage systems are installed faster than traditional metal and concrete pipes, simplifying the operation process.

Advantages of polymer drainage systems:

• Lightweight: Polymer materials are lighter than metals or concrete, making them easier to install and transport.
• Corrosion resistance: Polymer pipes are resistant to chemicals and corrosion and are used for a long time.
• Flexibility: These materials are easily flexible, allowing them to be used in various complex shapes.
• Low maintenance: These systems, which have long service life, require little maintenance.

The primary purpose of drainage systems in the mining industry is to control groundwater and ensure the stability of the land. Polymer drainage systems provide several advantages in mining projects:

• Drainage systems in coal mines: Polymer pipes are used to address groundwater problems in coal mines.
• In metal ore deposits: Polymer drainage systems are used in the processing of metal ores due to their corrosion resistance.
• Application in mines: Polymer drainage systems are effective for removing groundwater from mines.

Calculating the Water Capacity of Drainage Systems:

There are no exact calculation formulas for the drainage system, but a solution can be found by calculating the volume of the cylinder when calculating the water capacity.

In this case, we apply the formula of the cylinder  (H=L) (H=L).

Here:

• L - pipe length (m),

• R - pipe radius (m),

π = 3.14, a mathematical constant.

In this case, we calculate the internal capacity of the system of 8 pipes with a diameter of 30 cm and 3 pipes with a diameter of 22 cm, formed by a connecting structure.

V_30d=LπR²=1000*3.14*0.15²=70.65m³

V_22d=LπR²=1000*3.14*0.11²=37.99m³

If the number of pipes with a diameter of 30cm is 8, the number of pipes with a diameter of 22 sm is 3, the total volume is determined by the following formula and we calculate the capacity.

V_un=(8*V₃₀)+(3*V₂₂).

V_un=(8*V₃₀)+(3*V₂₂)=(8*70.65)+(3*37.99)=679.17m³

The internal liquid capacity of the structure at a distance of 1000 m is 679.17~679 m³. If we calculate the volumetric capacity of pipes with diameters of 30 sm and 22 sm in the range of 200, 400, 600, 800 meters, then in 200 meters it is 135.84 m³, in 400 meters it is 271.67 m³, in 600 it is 407.51 m³, in 800 meters it is 543.35 m³.

a)                                                                              b)

c)

Figure. Image of the construction

Image of the construction on the drawing;

a) from the front

b) from the back

c) views from the top.

The appearance and dimensions of the design are chosen based on the scope and dimensions of the combine's excavation.

Solution: Spraying is an effective method in concrete drainage systems. Strengthening the structure using aerated concrete during the installation of polymer drainage systems accelerates mining operations. This method helps to speed up the process of blocking waterways and strengthening the structure.

We will present the following construction as a solution

Figure 2. Computer graphical representations of the construction along with aerated concrete in the mine workings

Conclusion: Polymer plastic material drainage systems are an efficient and convenient technology for water management and drainage in mining. Their application and reinforcement in mine shafts not only improve the safety of mining operations but also help in completing excavation tasks more quickly. The use of shotcrete and additional reinforcement methods further enhances the efficiency of these drainage systems.

References:

1. J.Y. Richard, "Polymeric Materials in Drainage Systems". Springer, 2019.
2. C.P. Matthews, "Plastic Piping Systems: Fundamentals and Applications". Wiley, 2017.
3. A.D. Roberts, "Mining and Water Management: The Role of Drainage". Routledge, 2020.
4. I. Kovalenko, "Engineering Plastic Materials in Underground Mining". Elsevier, 2021.
5. B. W. Krevolin, "Polyethylene and Polypropylene Applications in Industrial Drainage". McGraw-Hill, 2018.