Abstract

HOOMAN, M.; WEBBER-YOUNGMAN, R.C.W.; DU PLESSIS, J.J.L.  and  MARX, W.M.. A decision analysis guideline for underground bulk air heat exchanger design specifications. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2015, vol.115, n.2, pp.125-129. ISSN 2411-9717.

This paper discusses a study that investigated different underground bulk air heat exchanger (>100 m³/s) design criteria. A literature review found that no single document exists covering all design criteria for different heat exchangers, and therefore the need was identified to generate a guideline with decision analyser steps to arrive at a technical specification. The study investigated the factors influencing heat exchanger designs (spray chambers, towers, and indirect-contact heat exchangers) and the technical requirements for each. The decision analysers can be used to generate optimized, user-friendly fit-for-purpose designs for bulk air heat exchangers (air cooler and heat rejection). The study was tested against a constructed air cooler and heat rejection unit at a copper mine¹. It was concluded that the decision analysers were used successfully. This tool (decision analysers) can be used by engineers for the efficient and cost-effectively design of heat exchangers.

Keywords : mine refrigeration; water-air; heat exchanger design; decision analyser.

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