Mining in focus
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New TLT-Turbo fans to be installed underground.
Many functions of an underground ventilation system, including the fans, can be automated. much-talked-about topic in the ventilation fraternity has been what is termed ventilation on demand( VoD).“ Mining companies are trying to transition from ventilating all the underground workings 24 hours a day in all sections, whether there is work being done in that area or not. VoD suggests that air will be supplied only to working areas where there is a need to do so,” says Mochubele.
When a new mine looks at ventilation, it can introduce several measures that will ensure efficiency. New software programs are integral to the planning process. Furthermore, Mochubele suggests practical means to improve the ventilation system.“ One way of being more efficient is to reduce the average speed in an upcast shaft to between 18 and 22 metres per second( m / s),” he says. When developing a new mine, Mochubele advises that the speed of air in the shaft can be reduced to such an extent that it is above the critical velocity of air, which is between 7.5 and 11m / s.
Unfortunately, critical improvements on the ventilation system can only be done during the planning phase, when the length, shape, lining, and size of the tunnels are still being designed. Once it is designed and implemented, it is difficult to improve or change the system. Mochubele says that the mining industry needs to embrace the introduction of communication systems and remote controlling of fans, ventilation doors, and vehicles, as they will go a long way in reducing ventilation cost from the start, which will have a positive impact on the operation in the long term.
Ventilation attracts attention
It is encouraging that Wits is devoting the necessary attention to mine ventilation to empower future mine managers. According to Mochubele, third-year students are given projects on VoD.“ Our aim is to produce future mining engineers who understand optimisation of ventilation systems. We are currently working with the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa to develop an NQF level six qualification in order to address the shortage of ventilation specialists in the industry. We are also looking at the future mine and the role of ventilation in ultra-deep mines. Therefore, we are encouraging students to undertake postgraduate studies in mine ventilation,” says Mochubele.
Technology, research, and innovation will play an increasingly key role in the development and improvement of airflow and ventilation systems in underground
[ 24 ] MINING MIRROR JULY 2018