System Overview
The ABC Controlled Ventilation System (CVS) is intended for use as an air monitoring system in tunneling and mining environments. The CVS can be used to alert personnel of dangerous gas concentrations as well as automatically control the ventilation system. Paired with an Adjustable Speed Drive to control fan operation, it is designed to allow optimal ventilation and safety while minimizing energy and labor costs.
Software
A computer will run the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) software necessary to monitor and control the ventilation system. The SCADA software initiates all communication with field devices. Sensors are periodically polled to monitor for alarm conditions. In response to an alarm, the PC can increase ventilation (in the case of toxic gases), decrease ventilation (in the case of a fire), and activate audible/visual alarm indicators. The software can be configured to respond to any combination of flow, temperature and gas readings. In addition, the SCADA software can be used for data logging and archiving purposes. Current underground conditions and variable trends can be viewed on the screen. The user can also manually set the ventilation to their needs. ABC provides the custom SCADA software for your particular requirements.Adjustable Speed Drive
ABC uses Adjustable Speed Drives (ASD) to control the ventilation system fan. An ASD varies the electricity frequency to the fan, allowing it to run at less than its rated speed, when excess ventilation is available. Providing only required airflows can result in significant energy savings.An Adjustable Speed Drive connected to the CVS allows quick response to observed conditions. When gas levels elevate, or the face temperature rises, the fan speed will be quickly adjusted. The fan speed can also be manually controlled at the fan location.
Enviro Sensorstations
Placed at regular intervals along the tunnel or mine, each Environmental Sensorstation simultaneously monitors the concentration of up to four different gases, together with levels of ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, ventilation air velocity or airborne dust contamination.After engineers have calculated the amount of fresh air required at the face, continual monitoring of airflow is essential because it can sometimes be restricted or diverted. Worker safety is always important, and monitoring ensures sufficient air is reaching all areas. Monitoring also provides feedback to the SCADA system, which can then make adjustments based on actual airflow, instead of relying on fan speed.
Enviro Sensorstations can be placed on the TBM at the face of the tunnel to provide monitoring where it is most important. At first detection of methane or another dangerous gas, the system can increase the fan speed and dissipate the contaminant to safe levels.
Additional Options
With ABC's CVS, it is possible to add a wide range of other sensing devices and controls at any point along the system. Humidity, dust, flame, fan vibration, proximity, level sensors, and many other sensors can be incorporated according to your specific requirements.
The benefits of an ABC Controlled Ventilation System are substantial. Underground safety is key, and the CVS helps ensure air quality and dissipate dangerous methane. With the electricity and labor savings, the system will pay for itself many times over.