Sensitivity Analysis of mine ventilation network by derivative methods

Underground mine ventilation networks are affected by various parameters which have not been seen at the planning phase. The efficiency of ventilation network is related to this parameter. In this research, resistance variation is defined as one of the parameters involved in ventilation performance. Uncertainty of resistance variation in ventilation networks during mine life was modeled by sensitivity analysis method. For this goal, limited differential gradient of flow alteration against variation of resistance was calculated for each branch. The proposed method was implemented for the TAKHT mine ventilation network. Changes of resistance at main tunnel responsible for the transportation of persons and extracted materials were considered as inputs of the sensitivity analysis model. The maximum amounts of limited differential gradient are related to the most sensitive branches against resistant variation in the main tunnel. They are an air outflow tunnel and a ventilation duct. High-sensitivity branches have a higher risk for failure in the ventilation system, so the sensitivity of each branch can be considered as a factor in the reliability analysis model.