THE IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEM DESIGN
WHY SYSTEM DESIGN?
The energy cost for operating the ventilation system usually exceeds the investment costs of fans and ducting.
A professionally designed Ventilation System ensures good air quality, lower energy costs and the lowest possible number of installed fans. This means lowest total cost for the entire ventilation during the project.
SWEDFAN experienced underground ventilation specialists offer free consultations for ventilation system design for all clients.
WRONG VENTILATION SYSTEM DESIGN
– WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
1. WRONG CHOICE OF AIR FLOW
Too low airflow leads to longer time to ventilate the blasting fumes which leads to slower tunneling speed. If the airflow is higher than required, this leads to higher investment costs of fans and higher running costs.
2. WRONG DUCT DIAMETER
The duct diameter determine the air flow velocity and the pressure inside the duct. The duct pressure determines the number of fans and/or kW rating of the fans, and the power load of the fans. The power load is directly proportional to the power costs to run the fans.
3. WRONG FAN
The fan should be chosen to meet the capacity according to the calculated duct pressure and airflow. Too low airflow means no efficient tunneling which results in lower profit for the project. Too high airflow cause higher duct pressure which increase the energy costs.
4. DUCT LEAKAGE
When calculating the required airflow delivered by the portal fan station in relation to the required airflow delivered to the tunneling front, a duct leakage must always be assumed. The leakage depends on how well the joints of each duct section are designed, the duct quality and how well damages are repaired.
5. NO AIRFLOW CONTROL
Normally, max airflow is required when ventilating the fumes after blasting and when mucking is executed. A reduced airflow can normally be accepted during works such as drilling, scaling, charging. With frequency inverters, a great energy cost saving is possible if the fan speed/airflow is controlled and regulated depending on what tunneling works are carried out.
