ANALYSIS OF EXISTING METHODS FOR CLEANING THE TUBING SUPPORT OF VERTICAL MINE SHAFTS FROM SALT GROWTHS

Abstract

The operation of mineshafts in potash mines is accompanied by the formation of salt deposits on the lining and reinforcement. The area of salt deposits on the shaft lining can reach 8,000 m2. Ventilation shafts equipped with skip lifts are the most prone to overgrowth. Salt deposits on the shaft lining cause corrosion of metal surfaces in mineshafts, reduce the gaps between the skip and the lining, which can lead to the vessel getting stuck, and make it difficult to visually inspect the lining and reinforcement of the shaft. In addition, the uncontrolled growth of large salt fragments in the barrel poses a danger to the technological equipment and the workers who maintain it. Therefore, timely cleaning of the lining from salt deposits is an important task for the safe and efficient operation of mineshafts. This article describes the mechanism of salt growth on the lining and reinforcement elements of vertical shafts. Field observations have shown that the process of overgrowth of the tubing lining occurs in stages. At the same time, visual inspection, regulated by regulatory documents, is difficult at stages III and IV, and salt deposits pose a serious danger to the operation of technological equipment located in the shaft. The article discusses the main methods of cleaning the mineshaft lining from salt deposits, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as recommendations for choosing the appropriate technology based on the operating conditions. An analysis of measures aimed at reducing the amount of dust particles settling and the spread of salt deposits has been performed. It is concluded that it is an urgent task to develop a comprehensive approach to the problem of cleaning lining and of preventing the formation of salt deposits.