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
Recommended Citation
Mutama, Kuda R. and Pelletier, Dave P., "Axial Flow Fan Use At San Manuel Mine" (1999). U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium. 3.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/usmvs/8usmvs/8usmvs-theme13/3
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.
