Dispersion in an open-cut coal mine in stably stratified flow

Discharges from combustion within a coal pit which occur during night-time inversion conditions may result in stagnant accumulation of smoke and dangerous gases which could inhibit mining operations. A wind-tunnel model study was performed to identify the range of flow and mixing conditions which could exist when stably stratified atmospheric surface flows pass over a large open pit. Flow penetration into the pit depended upon approach-flow stability (Froude number) and the strength of the thermal inversion within the coal pit. Measurements of wind speed and temperature were made upwind, within and downwind of the pit. Concentration measurements were made within the pit, of surface sources released along pit walls. Pollutant levels were found to be strong functions of the approach-flow pit Froude number, source location, and release time.