Numerical simulation of backward flow of methane roof layer in an airway

We study methane backward flow in the laneways at various wind velocities and angles based on computational fluid dynamics theory; analyze the backward flow area length, the concentration distribution and the methane roof layer thickness. The results show that the methane roof layer would move against the airflow in a declensional ventilated airway if the downward air velocity is not large enough. The faster the airflow speed, the smaller the methane backward flow area becomes, and the methane roof layer becomes thicker and shorter. In a declensional ventilated airway, the methane/air mixing capacity increases with the increase of the inclination of the airway, and the thickness of methane roof layer decreases with the increase of the inclination of the airway.