Abstract

VAN GRUTING, U.; SCHUTTE, C.S.L.; PELSER, W.A.  and  VAN LAAR, J.H.. Investigating the link between compressed air wastage and ventilation shortfalls in deep-level mines. S. Afr. J. Ind. Eng. [online]. 2022, vol.33, n.3, pp.109-123. ISSN 2224-7890.  https://doi.org/10.7166/33-3-2786.

As part of mining development, mines are constantly increasing in size and depth, resulting in a dynamic environment. There is often a recurring shortfall in ventilation adequacy in these mines, as mine planning and design are primarily driven by production considerations. As a result, compressed air is often misappropriated for underground 'self-ventilation'. Instrumentation, simulations, and physical examinations are three commonly used methods for ventilation assessment, each with its own shortcomings and limitations. There is a need for an alternative method to identify ventilation shortfalls in underground mines. This study investigates the hypothesis that a link exists between compressed air wastage and ventilation shortfalls. Both the compressed air and the ventilation network were benchmarked, which showcased a direct link, thus proving the hypothesis true. Using this premise, a methodology could be further developed to investigate compressed air wastage as a metric for identifying ventilation shortfalls.

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