Engineers at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota have identified the cause of unexpected airflow reversals during heavy rainstorms. Their findings show that falling water in a shaft acts like a piston, pushing air through tunnels. The research was published this year in a mining journal.
The phenomenon was first observed by mining engineer Jason Connot after he joined the facility in 2019. During intense rainfall, airflow patterns weakened or reversed, affecting the ventilation system at 5 Shaft.
Connot and colleagues installed Maestro airflow sensors on the 2000 Level. Data from the sensors, combined with mathematical modeling adapted from sewer system studies, confirmed that surplus water sent down the shaft pushed large volumes of air.
The paper, titled Effects of Water Inflows on a Mine Ventilation System: A Case Study, appeared in Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. It was co-authored with researchers from South Dakota Mines.
Facility officials said the work improves safety predictions for ventilation during storms and emergencies. Connot completed the study while managing his full-time role and earning a master's degree.
