Review and Design the Ventilation System of Mindola Sub-Vertical Shaft, Mopani, Kitwe

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Date
2016
Authors
Mungalaba, Fred
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Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Temperatures and humidity at Mindola Sub-Vertical (MSV) shaft have been rising with depth as mining of lower lying copper reserves is achieved. This rise in temperature has been catalysed by a number factors notably the increase of diesel equipment, geothermal gradient (increase in depth), auto compression and other sources of heat. Productivity, workers morale is affected negatively in these conditions. The aim of the study was to review the current Mindola Sub-Vertical shaft ventilation system and design a ventilation system that will reduce or control the heat levels and other underground air pollutants. This was achieved by identifying the major sources of heat and quantifying the heat using heat determination methods. The heat from diesel equipment, water fissures, rock strata, explosives, men (metabolism) and electrical machines was also quantified. Subsequently, the air volume required to remove or reduce heat and other mine pollutants like dust and gases was determined. Findings of the study were that areas at MSV have been experiencing high temperatures that exceed the allowable temperatures of 31°C wet bulb and 28°C dry bulb by the Zambian mining regulation. The temperatures were found to be as high as 35.0°C and 32.5°C dry and wet bulb respectively. The findings reviewed that the old vent raises in the upper levels where mined at 2.4metres diameter while the new raises in the deeps are mined at 3.1metres hence causing improper flow of air. The study results indicated that total quantity of heat for the mine was 32,033 kW and ventilation air required was 826.45m3/s compared to the current down casted air of 624.00m³/s. The study has also established that the V9 shaft main up cast fan should be upgraded by introducing another fan to increase the volume quantity by 202.24m3/s. The return air raises in old upper levels which were mined at 2.4metres diameter must be slipped to current size of new raises at 3.1metres diameter to avoid choking which results in short circuiting and recirculation of air in both the primary and secondary circuits. Keywords: Mine Heat Sources, Heat Loads, Mine Air Pollutant, Wet Bulb Temperature, Dry Bulb Temperature.
Description
Master of Mineral Science in Mining Engineering
Keywords
Mine ventilation , Mining equipment
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