Ventilation optimisation through digital transformation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
Underground mines require electricity to operate main surface fans and auxiliary systems, with primary ventilation systems typically accounting for approximately 40 to 60% of the mine’s overall electricity consumption. The primary reason for this considerable expense is that most underground ventilation systems are designed for the peak demand regardless of the actual demand, which is commonly dictated by diesel equipment usage. Most platinum mines on the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe tend to operate their ventilation systems at this peak level, despite the mine’s air volume being well in excess of the “true” ventilation needs. This is due to a lack of appropriate ventilation controls. The authors designed and installed a ventilation on demand system at one of the bord and pillar platinum mines to minimize the use of redundant air in underground operations. Fourth industrial revolution techniques were applied to the environmental monitoring and tracking systems thereby optimizing airflow demands. The mine managed to reduce its annual power consumption by 23% through the implementation of manual control and time of day scheduling levels of the VOD concept. There was also a 6% productivity improvement mainly attributable to an increased face time as a result of the significant reduction in the re-entry period following a blast. This paper introduces a novel concept of ventilation optimisation through digital transformation targeting mainly room and pillar platinum mines. A system was designed, installed and commissioned, though there is currently an ongoing optimisation process to harness the full benefits of VOD.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Tonderai Chikande, Huw Phillips, Fred T Cawood
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