Abstract:
Mixing of stale air with fresh air (short-circuiting of airflows) is a
critical issue in any underground ventilation system. This study was done at Bogala
mines owned by Bogala Graphite Lanka Ltd, where this type of mixing takes place in
certain levels leading to a cyclic movement of stale air. The main objective of the
research project is to design an underground ventilation system and to select fans to
overcome these adverse effects and making ventilation more effective and efficient. As
die mine is of complex nature, two particular levels at 205 and 240 fathoms were
selected for the analysis, where the short circuiting of air is predominant. A detailed
survey was carried out to measure the variations of airflow and frictional pressure drop
along cross cuts, development drives and winzes in selected levels. The corresponding
values of mine air resistance for airways were determined to generate a solution
followed by suitable fan selection. Suggestions were made to improve the present
ventilation system, which will enhance mine air quality increasing health and safety
aspects of underground environment.
Citation:
Widisinghe, S.D., Silva, W.J.M.P.G.S., Jayakody, J.A.S.P., Konsal, J., Rasika, W.G.P., WeIideniya, H.S., & Ekanayake, K. (2008). Designing an underground ventilation system and fan selection. In S. Karunaratne (Ed.), Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Conference on Mining for Sustainable Development – A Multidisciplinary Approach (pp. 1-4). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
