A fan can be running normally while too little air reaches the working face. An extended duct run or a leaking connection may be enough to cause a shortfall, even when the motor shows no sign of trouble.
Operators need to know how much air reaches each working area as well as whether the fan is running. As mines introduce remote-controlled loaders and more automated production, fan selection and ventilation control need to be planned together.
Workers positioning an axial ventilation fan in an underground roadway. [Read more…] about Why Mine Ventilation Fans Belong in the Automation Plan