Location

Rolla, Missouri

Session Dates

11 Jun 1999 - 17 Jun 1999

Keywords and Phrases

Axial Flow Fan; Blade Pitch; Block Caving; Production Level; Haulage Level; Intake Shaft; Exhaust Shaft

Abstract

A case study is presented for the use of multiple axial flow main fans as the principle source of the primary mine ventilation system for a large multi level mine. Formerly owned by Magma Copper, BHP Copper Inc.'s San Manuel Mine is a large underground block caving copper mine which started producing copper in 1955. The San Manuel Mine produces over 50,000 tons per day sulfide copper ore. The total airflow into this mine is approximately 800 m3/s (1,600,000 cfm). Providing adequate ventilation has been a very challenging experience as new, deeper levels are developed. BHP relies on operation of axial flow main fans which offer the flexibility of blade pitch changes to satisfy airflow requirements. The system provides the airflow requirements for development, production, mine dewatering pump stations and underground maintenance shops. The ability to adjust blade pitch manually, provides flexibility and has been a preferred feature to variable speed drives typical of centrifugal fans. In addition, axial flow fans can often be located more conveniently in underground environments where space availability is at a premium. The ventilation practice described in this paper may be useful to other mines with similar layouts.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Meeting Name

8th U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Document Version

Final Version

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

File Type

text

Language

English

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Jun 11th, 12:00 AM Jun 17th, 12:00 AM

Axial Flow Fan Use At San Manuel Mine

Rolla, Missouri

A case study is presented for the use of multiple axial flow main fans as the principle source of the primary mine ventilation system for a large multi level mine. Formerly owned by Magma Copper, BHP Copper Inc.'s San Manuel Mine is a large underground block caving copper mine which started producing copper in 1955. The San Manuel Mine produces over 50,000 tons per day sulfide copper ore. The total airflow into this mine is approximately 800 m3/s (1,600,000 cfm). Providing adequate ventilation has been a very challenging experience as new, deeper levels are developed. BHP relies on operation of axial flow main fans which offer the flexibility of blade pitch changes to satisfy airflow requirements. The system provides the airflow requirements for development, production, mine dewatering pump stations and underground maintenance shops. The ability to adjust blade pitch manually, provides flexibility and has been a preferred feature to variable speed drives typical of centrifugal fans. In addition, axial flow fans can often be located more conveniently in underground environments where space availability is at a premium. The ventilation practice described in this paper may be useful to other mines with similar layouts.