Real-Time Airflow Monitoring and Control within the Mine Production System
Abstract
Computer software has been developed to link real-time information generated by underground mine ventilation airflow monitoring sensors into a network simulation program to undertake network simulations and allow interpretation of key system data and operational changes. Results were used in the development of a computerised monitoring and simulation system to provide immediate or real-time data on air behaviour within each branch of an underground mine ventilation network through linking of sensors to the ventilation network simulation software. The outcome of the project is an online system that can report changes in the mine ventilation system, allow causes of changes to be isolated and rectified, improve balancing of available air throughout the mine, allow improved approaches to regulator setting and dispense with much of the labour used for underground ventilation measurement. The work activities in both coal and metalliferous Australian mines have involved examination and modelling of regulators, software modification and considerable mine site testing and optimising activities. There is some discussion on approaches to control of flow through ventilation systems with increased information. New systems will be part of a total mine information management system. They will have to be cost effective and justified by gains in productivity. New systems will need to provide simulation of contaminant production such as diesels, vehicle heat, strata heat, radiation, blast fumes and other gases. More robust real-time ventilation simulation systems will be required. Personnel and vehicle identification and production tracking will be collected to provide integrated ventilation system monitoring and control. This paper examines a study to gain greater understanding of computerised real-time airflow monitoring and control within the mine production system to provide immediate simulated information in each branch of an underground ventilation network and to allow interpretation of key system data and operational changes. A case study implementing a real-time airflow monitoring and control is discussed. Approaches to control of flow through ventilation systems with increased information are discussed. The concept of a system that can be linked to or be part of a total mine information management system is developed. Such a system can form the base for mine automation that allows mines to incrementally and cost effectively implement monitoring and control to further seek gains in productivity.
Recommended Citation
S. Gillies and H. W. Wu, "Real-Time Airflow Monitoring and Control within the Mine Production System," Proceedings of the 8th International Mine Ventilation Congress (2005, Brisbane, Australia), Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Jul 2005.
Meeting Name
8th International Mine Ventilation Congress (2005: Jul. 6-8, Brisbane, Australia)
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Air Behaviour; Real-Time Information; Underground Mine Ventilation Airflow Monitoring Sensors; Underground Mine Ventilation Network
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2005 Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
08 Jul 2005
