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UBC Theses and Dissertations

Controlled recirculation of exhaust ventilation in Canadian mines Saindon, Jean-Paul

Abstract

Uncontrolled recirculation of mine air is considered a hazard because it can result in excessive dust and objectionable gas levels. Smoke and gas from a mine fire can also be carried back into the fresh intake air. Recirculation is prohibited by most mining legislations and there is prejudice against its use. Recent experiments in Britain and South Africa have shown that recirculation of mine air can be safely implemented using suitable monitoring instruments. Controlled recirculation of air offers several advantages and shows potential for maintaining the quality of the mine air whilst also reducing heating and ventilation costs in many Canadian mines. The thesis reviews the work to date and outlines proposals for future applications of controlled recirculation in Canada. Particular problems of gas pollutants dilution, removal mechanisms and dust sedimentation and filtration are explained. A field survey at Sherritt Gordon Ruttan operation to study pollutant concentrations and trends is presented. Finally, monitoring and instrumentation requirements as well as economics of recirculation are examined.

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