Evaluation of the optimum conditions for a local ventilation system in connection with the mine ventilation network

In a single working face in an underground mine, a single duct and a booster fan are installed to provide fresh air to the working face for local ventilation. Since this local ventilation is provided in conjunction with the entire ventilation network of the mine, its performance and resulting environment depend on the conditions of air intake and exhaust, the duct leakage, and the fan characteristics. To operate an effective ventilation system, the optimal ventilation conditions should be identified along with the characteristics of the mine development. In this study, a computational analysis was conducted considering the ventilation method, conditions of the duct and the fan for a selected test mine scenario to provide an effective and economical local ventilation system. The resulting optimum local ventilation conditions suggested were based on an evaluation of these characteristics.