Partially enclosed air curtain dust control technology to prevent pollution in a fully mechanized mining face

To mitigate the effect of coal dust on the health of workers and the work environment, a new type of partially enclosed air curtain device for dust control is proposed; its dust control effect was numerically simulated in this study. The results show that after the dust control air curtain device has been turned on, a partially enclosed dust control air chamber is formed in the shearer driver’s working area. Although the air chamber affects the air flow velocity and diffusion trajectory at the 1.4–2.0 m height in the coal mining area, it does not affect the safe operation of the entire tunnel ventilation system. Simultaneously, the air chamber prevents the dust generated at the dust source from entering the shearer driver’s working area; with a dust control efficiency of 61.8%, the quantity of dust is successfully reduced. The diffusion of particles to the downwind side reduces the diffusion distance of ultra-high-concentration dust by approximately 35 m. This technology effectively improves the working environment for coal mine operators (particularly for shearer drivers), reduces risks, and provides operators with a safe and clean production environment. Moreover, this technology can provide new ideas for dust prevention and control methods in other restricted spaces. • A new type of air curtain dust control technology is proposed. • The experiment verified the formation effect of the air curtain. • The influence of the air curtain on the wind flow of the roadway is revealed. • The barrier effect of the air curtain on the dust at the dust source is revealed. • The shearer driver’s working environment can be improved using this approach.