SETTING HIGH VENTILATION STANDARDS

AUSTRALIAN MINING SAT DOWN WITH SMART-VOD TO TALK ABOUT ITS INCREMENTAL APPROACH TO VENTILATION FOR UNDERGROUND MINING.

While technology in the mining industry has evolved significantly over recent years, most underground mining vehicles being used today are still powered by diesel motors.

This means forced air ventilation is required to remove the diesel exhaust and blast gases, and to reduce the ambient temperature for underground operators.

A ventilation system is used to solve these issues by providing fresh air for workers, removing contaminants such as dust, diesel fumes and blast gases, and by controlling the temperature.

Underground mines have primary fans located above ground, drawing fresh air underground and working in combination with secondary fans to force fresh air into the working face of blind headings.

The energy cost of each secondary fan is substantial - often higher than the fan's purchase price.

To help address this challenge, SmartVOD's ventilation on-demand system for underground mining minimises power usage and associated costs while complying with underground mining ventilation standards.