METHOD OF MINING NITROGEN COMPRESSOR PLANT OPERATION Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: mining industry, particularly for removing gaseous nitrogen directly from mine atmosphere to use thereof for fire prevention and extinguishing.

SUBSTANCE: nitrogen compressor plant adapted to be arranged in mine tunnel includes several functionally connected modules arranged in series and mounted on small-size movable platforms in maximum possible proximity to nitrogen consumer. Compressor unit is located in front of other components in direction of fresh air jet flow feeding into mine tunnel and non-used exhaust gas mixture is removed from compressor compartments during compressor stoppage along with exhaust air jet control at mine tunnel exit. Gas mixture enriched with oxygen is supplied from membrane gas-separation unit into special mixer to reduce oxygen content in above gas mixture up to safe level by forced dilution thereof with additionally supplied air. The resultant mixture is then moved into mine tunnel along with fresh air jet directed to mine tunnel zones. Membrane gas-separation unit includes several minor gas-separation units. Cleaned air flow exiting from compressor is supplied to membrane gas-separation unit through air flow separator, in which common air flow is divided into several jets. The jets are then moved to minor gas-separation units having lesser end sections through branch lines. When nitrogen consumption is reduced or when air is supplied by compressor the minor gas-separation units are automatically disconnected from separator. Each branch line includes control valve, to which control signal impulse is directed from common control panel or from system adapted to regulate nitrogen consumption.

EFFECT: possibility of continuous nitrogen production from atmospheric air directly in mine and, as a result, increased efficiency of fire prevention and extinguishing and improved safety if mining work performing.

6 cl, 1 dwg