How can the goaf stream be located effectively?

Locating the goaf stream effectively is crucial in mine safety and ventilation management. The best method is to detect the warmest stream of air discharging from the goaf. This approach relies on the principle that air exiting from the goaf (the area left behind after mining) will often be warmer than surrounding air due to the presence of various factors, such as heat generated from the oxidation of spontaneous combustion materials or chemical reactions. By identifying this warm air, miners can accurately trace the path of the goaf stream and manage ventilation accordingly.

While other methods may provide helpful information about overall conditions within the mine, such as monitoring gas levels in the intake air or taking temperature readings, they do not specifically pinpoint the goaf stream's location as directly as detecting the warmest air discharge. Infrared cameras can also be useful for visualizing thermal variations, but the process may not always yield conclusive results specific to determining the exact location or behavior of the goaf stream. Thus, the most effective strategy involves monitoring the warmest air exiting the goaf, which provides a clear indicator of its location.