Optimization mathematical model of a contact air cooler for a mine turbocompressor

Purpose. Establishing the dependencies of rational parameters of turbocompressor contact air coolers on the operating mode and initial conditions. Methodology. The methods of analytical research, mathematical modeling, physical modeling, and mathematical statistics were used in the study. Findings. As a result of the research, an optimization mathematical model of the mine turbocompressor air cooler was developed, which allows establishing its rational parameters depending on the initial conditions and operating modes of the turbocompressor. The adequacy of the theoretical studies was proved on a specially designed experimental setup. The obtained dependences make it possible to minimize the theoretical flow rate at the inlet to the uncooled section of the turbocompressor, which reduces the specific energy consumption for the compressed air production. Originality. For the the first time, a method has been developed for determining the rational parameters of contact air coolers when the initial temperature of water, air, and air pressure changes, which allows developing a methodology for the constructive calculation of the contact cooling system of mine turbocompressors. Practical value. Compressed air is widely used in all industries. It is one of the most common energy carriers in industrial enterprises, and the devices associated with its distribution and processing are an energy-intensive complex industrial energy system; the level of its perfection depends on the performance of technological processes that use compressed air. Compressed air is widely used in the mining industry (ore mining and fuel production). Compressed air is produced by turbocompressors. To increase the efficiency of the compressor, compressed air coolers are used. A significant weakness of the standard compressor cooling system is the rapid contamination of the heat exchange surfaces of air coolers with scale layers, which leads to a decrease in their efficiency and an increase in the specific energy consumption for compressed air production. This disadvantage is not found in the Venturi tube – centered droplet separator contact air coolers. As a result of the study, the dependencies were obtained and used to develop a methodology for the constructive calculation of contact air coolers for a mine turbocompressor.