Mining ventilation is an essential technology to ensure the health and safety of underground miners. It provides air to miners and a means of removing toxic gases. As minerals are extracted from the earth, naturally occurring gases are released from the rock, such as methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Without proper ventilation, these gases can become concentrated and could lead to serious health hazards and fatalities. Properly designed ventilation systems are designed to ensure that miners have access to fresh air and clear the environment of health risks.
Design and Engineering
For any type of underground mine ventilation system, the first step is to understand how the environment and the ore body influence the design and engineering process. In the engineering design process, the following factors are often considered:
•Mining layout: This includes information such as tunnel access and design, dimensions, location of shafts and ore bodies, depth of mine and other important data.
•Ventilation circuits and duct design: Include information such as fan placement and size, duct placement and size, inlet and exhaust points and other details.
•Air flow measurements and quality testing: Measurements may be needed to determine air velocity, air pressure and other factors. Quality tests can be performed to ensure air quality and safety standards are met.
•Standards compliance: Standards and regulations may need to be met to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Ventilation systems for underground mines typically use fans to push fresh air into the system. The fresh air is then channeled through a series of ducts. Ducts may be specially designed to channel air in a specific pattern or channel for temperature control and air flow rate. Fans may be of several sizes and types, from large main supply fans to smaller return fans.
Once the fresh air supply is established, other ventilation activities take place. The air is circulated to the miners, and this air must be replaced with air from the surface or through pre-existing underground ways. Fans may be used to move the air back and forth, or guiding fans may be used to propel the air through the system.
The air flow rate and volume, air quality and air circulation must also be monitored and managed to ensure miners are getting adequate air in an environment free from hazardous gases. Monitoring devices such as gas detector tubes, pumps and computer software can be used to monitor air quality, pressure and composition.
Ventilation systems for mines should include emergency systems for times when the ventilation system fails or features back up in case the main system is blocked, such as a generator system. Portable electric and battery powered emergency fans are available in case of a main system failure.
Other Hazardous Gases
In addition to carbon dioxide, methane and carbon monoxide, there are other toxic gases found in underground mines. These gases include nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, coal dust and silica dust.
Mining ventilation systems should also be designed to address these gases. Generally, oxygen and toxic gas detectors can help monitor these hazardous gases. Air dampers, filters and scrubbers can be used to remove these gases and protect miners.
Conclusion
Mining ventilation systems are essential to ensuring the safety and health of miners. These systems should be designed by a qualified professional and must meet all standards to ensure the greatest degree of safety. Monitoring systems should also be in place to monitor air quality, pressure and composition and hazardous gases should be addressed with proper ventilation and safety equipment.
