US20080254733A1 - Airflow Regulator - Google Patents

Airflow Regulator Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080254733A1
US20080254733A1 US11/911,419 US91141906A US2008254733A1 US 20080254733 A1 US20080254733 A1 US 20080254733A1 US 91141906 A US91141906 A US 91141906A US 2008254733 A1 US2008254733 A1 US 2008254733A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
louvre
blade
blades
regulator
frame
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Abandoned
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US11/911,419
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English (en)
Inventor
Verne Mutton
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Minova International Ltd
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Individual
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Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2005901907A external-priority patent/AU2005901907A0/en
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Assigned to MINOVA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED reassignment MINOVA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MUTTON, VERNE
Publication of US20080254733A1 publication Critical patent/US20080254733A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
    • E21F1/00—Ventilation of mines or tunnels; Distribution of ventilating currents
    • E21F1/08—Ventilation arrangements in connection with air ducts, e.g. arrangements for mounting ventilators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F24F13/15—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre with parallel simultaneously tiltable lamellae
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
    • F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
    • F24F2013/146—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with springs
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87265—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
    • Y10T137/8741—With common operator
    • Y10T137/87442—Rotary valve
    • Y10T137/87467—Axes of rotation parallel
    • Y10T137/87475—Adjacent plate valves always parallel

Definitions

  • a louvre-type airflow regulator is disclosed.
  • the regulator finds particular application in mining shafts, tunnels, raises, roadways etc (hereafter “mine passages”) to control or regulate airflow therethrough.
  • Underground mines may have a number of raises that act as a conduit for fresh air, with raises formed on an air intake side of an ore body and on an air return or opposite side of the ore body. Airflow at various levels in a mine is then controlled by airflow regulators arranged, inter alia, at the entrances or exits of these raises.
  • Known airflow regulators used in mines are referred to as drop-board regulators and have been in use for some time.
  • An airflow regulator is also known that includes vertical louvres pivotally mounted in a steel frame.
  • Drop-board regulators may comprise a steel H section frame fabricated into compartments of a convenient size. Into each compartment hardwood boards are dropped down between the flanges of the H section. In this way the aperture of the regulator can be adjusted in area, thereby altering the quantity of airflow that is allowed into a given section of a mine.
  • Drop-board regulators require manual adjustment.
  • a miner has to physically remove all the boards, being a heavy, arduous and time consuming task.
  • Major stope firings can result in large volumes of air being forced through mine passages, with the pressures generated being sufficient to permanently damage mine ventilation structures.
  • a louvre-type airflow regulator for a mine passage comprising:
  • the biasing mechanism can provide the regulator with air “overpressure” protection resulting from eg. a major stope firing or blasting event, without the need for regulator demounting.
  • air “overpressure” protection resulting from eg. a major stope firing or blasting event, without the need for regulator demounting.
  • predetermined airflow can include within its scope predetermined air pressure, and typically though not exclusively relates to an increase in airflow/pressure from a firing or blasting (eg. a stope firing or blasting).
  • the predetermined position typically corresponds to a closed position or a partially opened position of the blades (the blades in the partially opened position being more closed than in the open position).
  • the partially opened position may be assumed, for example, when the louvre is in a normal airflow control mode of operation.
  • the open position typically corresponds to a blade fully open position, although the blades may be less than fully open, but yet be more open than the predetermined position, hence the terminology “open position” includes such a configuration.
  • the biasing mechanism may comprise:
  • a weighting arrangement operable on each louvre blade and that tends to cause it to pivot into the predetermined position;
  • a spring mechanism that positively urges each louvre blade to pivot into the predetermined position; and/or
  • a strut mechanism that positively urges each louvre blade to pivot into the predetermined position.
  • the weighting arrangement can comprise one or more weights operatively coupled to each louvre blade via a respective linkage, whereby due to gravity the weight(s) draw down on the linkages and thereby urge each louvre blade into the predetermined position, but at the predetermined airflow the louvre blades then act on each linkage and urge the weight(s) up as each louvre blade moves towards the open position.
  • the weighting arrangement can comprise one or two weights, with each weight having the linkages extending therefrom at intervals spaced along the weight, and with each linkage being coupled to a respective louvre blade at a coupling that is pivotally mounted to the frame at the same point as the blade pivotal mounting.
  • the spring mechanism can comprise one, a number, or a respective spring for each blade.
  • the spring(s) pull each louvre blade into the predetermined position, but at the predetermined airflow the louvre blades act on and stretch against the spring(s) as each louvre blade moves towards the open position.
  • the spring(s) can extend between the frame and a location on or connected to a louvre blade at or adjacent to a leading or trailing edge of the blade.
  • only one or a few springs may be required to pull the louvre blades into the predetermined position (eg. with the spring then acting on the linkages).
  • the spring(s) may, for example, comprise a helical, leaf or other spring type.
  • the strut mechanism can comprise a gas strut that is connected to a linkage mechanism that acts on the louvre blades to urge them into the predetermined position.
  • the louvre blades can act on the linkage mechanism which in turn acts against the gas strut as each louvre blade moves towards the open position.
  • the connection between the gas strut and the linkage mechanism can be adjustable such that the louvre blades can either be fully or partially closed by the operation of the gas strut.
  • the regulator may further comprise a control mechanism to separately and independently control the position of each louvre blade during normal airflow conditions in the mine passage (ie. to control airflow other than that generated by a blast).
  • a control mechanism to separately and independently control the position of each louvre blade during normal airflow conditions in the mine passage (ie. to control airflow other than that generated by a blast).
  • the biasing mechanism is adapted to not interfere with normal airflow control and typically the control mechanism is adapted to not interfere with opening of the louvre blades at the predetermined airflow or with biasing mechanism blade return to the predetermined position.
  • the control mechanism may comprise a remotely controlled adjustment mechanism or a manual adjustment mechanism.
  • the control mechanism can employ actuators that are eg. electrically operated and that may be remotely controlled (eg. via a fibre optic communication system at a surface of the mine).
  • the manual adjustment mechanism can provide for multi-blade positioning, with the louvre blades being maintained at a given partially opened position using eg. a locking pin.
  • the regulator can further comprise the frame.
  • the frame can, for example, form part of a module, with a plurality of such modules being mountable in a larger frame arranged in the passage.
  • the regulator modules can also be configured such that they can be located into existing drop-board frame structures after removing the timber drop boards.
  • a complete set of modules can be made up within a suitable (eg. purpose-built) frame that can be attached to the mine opening by various means.
  • These means can, for example, comprise a plurality of mounting pins/bolts that extend from eg. the larger frame and that are adapted for fastening with respect to adjacent wall(s) of the mine passage.
  • the pins/bolts can then be used for the mounting of suitable formwork that provides a backing for the application (eg. via spraying) of a cementitious binder (eg. shotcrete), the pins/bolts, formwork and binder then providing a structural wall to support the frame in the passage.
  • suitable formwork that provides a backing for the application (eg. via spraying) of a cementitious binder (eg. shotcrete)
  • Each module in the set may have a plurality of selectively extendable securing pins arranged around its periphery such that, when the module is mounted in the larger passage frame, extension of the securing pins secures the module to the passage frame, and retraction of the securing pins enables module detachment from the passage frame.
  • Each module may also have lifting points formed therein that enable it to be lifted into and out of the passage frame
  • the louvre blades move when subject to a large air blast, and thereafter move back to the predetermined position.
  • the blade return mechanism eg. the counterweight size
  • the blade return mechanism can be reduced or of less scale.
  • the regulator may further comprise a stop for preventing blade pivotal movement beyond the open position (typically a blade fully open position).
  • the stop may comprise a dampener or shock absorber, to dampen or absorb the momentum of a pivoting blade.
  • the mechanism can be employed with in-use vertically (or otherwise) extending louvre blades, usually the blades extend generally horizontally in the frame in use.
  • FIG. 1 shows a front view of a louvre-type regulator
  • FIG. 2 shows a front view of a louvre-type regulator module for use, inter alia, in the regulator of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show side schematic views of a louvre-type regulator in closed (shut) and open configurations, and illustrating the operation of a weighting mechanism for the regulator;
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view the weighting mechanism of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively show front and plan views of a drop-board regulator frame but suitable for receiving one or more louvre-type regulator modules therein;
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively show side schematic views of intake and exhaust louvre-type regulators in a mine passage and illustrating the action of blast and ventilation airflows;
  • FIG. 8 shows a side schematic view of two louvre blades of an exhaust louvre-type regulator in a closed configuration, and illustrating the blast and ventilation forces thereon;
  • FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of a louvre-type regulator module
  • FIG. 10 shows a rear perspective view of the module of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 shows a perspective detail of the module of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 12 shows a front detail of the module of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 13 shows a rear view of another louvre-type regulator module
  • FIG. 14 shows a side detail of the biasing mechanism for the module of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 15 shows a front detail of the biasing mechanism for the module of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 16 shows a side detail of the biasing mechanism of FIG. 15 ;
  • FIG. 17 shows a front detail of a securing mechanism for the module of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 18 shows a front detail of both the securing mechanism and a lifting feature for the module of FIG. 13 .
  • Drop-board regulators are used to control air-flow to an underground mine and are typically located in (or at the entrance/exit of) so-called mine raises. These raises are typically located on each side of an ore body and comprise a number of air intake (or inlet) raises and a number of air return (or exhaust) raises. Where a stope firing or blasting occurs proximate to known drop-board regulators these can be damaged and rendered ineffective if the boards are not removed.
  • Louvre-based regulators have now been developed to overcome the shortcomings of drop-board regulators, including the heavy weight of the drop boards, and the arduous and time-consuming task of moving boards.
  • Such louvre-based regulators allow for control of airflow in mine passages, but also provide for air overpressure to be accommodated (eg. as a result of proximate stope firing or blasting) and, thereafter, for louvre blade return.
  • regulator demounting prior to a stope firing or blasting need not occur.
  • louvre regulators can be controlled remotely (eg. from a control room at the mine surface) to regulate normal airflow levels in mine passages.
  • a first stand-alone louvre design (Example 3) was proposed that incorporated manually controllable adjustment mechanisms of the louvre blades. It was noted that, due to the nature of manual control mechanisms, in some mine applications this design could be compromised by a large and/or proximate stope firing, resulting in sever air overpressure, leading to permanent louvre damage. For example, if each louvre blade is locked in a set position (eg. partial or fully opened position) it may still sustain damage due to the turbulent and non-laminar nature of airflow that can move therepast as a result of stope firing and blasting (ie. forcing the louvre blade against its lock).
  • a second stand-alone louvre design (Example 4) was proposed that incorporated self-adjusting louvre blades without manual control, with the second design being generally applicable in mines and being resistant to large and/or proximate stope firing.
  • the self-adjusting louvre blades were able to pivot in response to turbulent and non-laminar airflow moving therepast, but could still be independently controlled during normal airflow situations (ie. maintained at a number of set positions).
  • a louvre regulator 10 is schematically depicted for mounting at or in a mine passage (eg. an air intake or exhaust raise).
  • the regulator 10 comprises a plurality of different sized louvre blades 12 , 14 and 16 . Whilst the regulator can employ vertically extending louvre blades, the blades 12 , 14 and 16 extend generally horizontally in use.
  • two louvre modules comprising eight smaller louvre blades 12 , two louvre modules comprising seven medium louvre blades 14 , two louvre modules comprising four large louvre blades 16 .
  • one of the lower modules can have some of the louvre blades removed (or re-sized) to enable an access door to be provided therein.
  • Each louvre blade is adapted at opposing ends for pivotal mounting in a respective module frame 20 ( FIG. 2 ) to define a louvre module.
  • each louvre blade is able to pivot around a lengthwise axis, between a closed or partially opened position in which the louvre blades combine to close or restrict gas flow through at least a portion of the passage, and an open position in which gas (typically air) is able to easily flow between louvre blades and through the passage.
  • the same louvre module can be employed in both intake and exhaust raises, although the intake modules may require substantially less biasing than the exhaust raises (as described below).
  • the axis A may be offset with respect to a lengthwise central axis of each louvre blade. Indeed the axis may be located in a bar 22 mounted to either:
  • the overlapping arrangement is especially useful for an intake louvre as it results in the forcing of a seal, due to pressure on the louvre blade front faces of passage ventilation air ( FIG. 7A ).
  • the non-lapped arrangement ( FIG. 3 ) can be used for an exhaust louvre.
  • typically the same louvre module is used in both intake and exhaust louvre regulator positions.
  • the module frames 20 are mountable in a larger frame 30 arranged in and across the mine passage as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a number of mounting pins or rock bolts 32 extend from the frame 30 and are each adapted for being fastened with respect to (typically into) adjacent walls of the mine passage.
  • the pins or bolts are fastened into the wall and then formwork is mounted to the pins or bolts.
  • a cementitious binder 34 eg. shotcrete comprising steel fibre reinforcement
  • the frame 30 is typically also braced from the front (not shown) via trusses/struts.
  • the frame can have heavy bracing at the floor level in the form of two horizontal struts at the module joins.
  • Two 45° braces can extend up from the floor level to the frame mid-point to provide bending resistance in the vertical.
  • Both sets of braces can be joined and bolted to the floor, and both sets can possess pin-jointed connections at the louvre frame. The braces are able to absorb much of the impact on the frame during firing/blasting.
  • the module frames 20 can be mounted in an already existing drop-board frame 40 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) that may already be arranged in and across the passage.
  • a biasing mechanism for acting on each louvre blade is provided.
  • each blade is maintained in the predetermined position by the biasing mechanism until a stope firing, blast etc cause a predetermined airflow to act against the blades (eg. corresponding to a predetermined air pressure (or overpressure)).
  • one such biasing mechanism comprises a weighting arrangement operable on each louvre blade and that tends to cause it to pivot into a predetermined (closed) position ( FIG. 3A ).
  • the weighting arrangement comprises a weight bar 50 that is operatively coupled to each louvre blade via respective linkage arms 52 which extend from respective coupling pivots 54 .
  • a coupling pivot 54 is connected to each louvre blade end and, when rotated by the linkage, causes its louvre blade to pivot about axis A.
  • the coupling pivot 54 can be connected to each louvre blade end at the same point as the blade pivotal mount at bar 22 (ie. to be centred on axis A).
  • FIG. 4 shows the weight bar 50 in greater detail.
  • the bar may comprise to back-to-back U-shaped channels 56 fastened together on either side of linkage arms 52 .
  • Adjustable ballasts 58 can be mounted within either or both of the U-shaped channels 56 , with the amount of ballast being regulated responsive to the airflow/pressure which the louvre blades will be subjected to in use (eg. differential blast pressures, differential ventilation pressures at intake and exhaust louvres etc).
  • the weight bar 50 urges down on the linkage arms 52 to pivot and maintain each louvre blade in the predetermined (closed) position ( FIG. 3A ).
  • a predetermined airflow/pressure directed from left side of louvre blades in FIG. 3
  • the blades are urged by the air to be pivoted towards an open position and now act on each linkage arm 52 against the weight of weight bar 50 ( FIG. 3B ).
  • the weight of bar 50 again urges down on the linkage arms 52 to pivot and return each louvre blade to the predetermined position.
  • the predetermined position may also correspond to a blade partially opened position, in which case the bar 50 , via linkage arms 52 , can pivot and return each louvre blade to this position, and this position may in turn be delineated by one or more appropriately positioned stops acting on the bar, linkage arm(s) and/or blade(s).
  • the weighting arrangement may also comprise two (or more) spaced-apart weight bars, and when two weight bars are present they can be located on either side of a louvre module.
  • a spring mechanism that positively urges each louvre blade to pivot into the predetermined position.
  • the spring mechanism can comprise one, a number, or a respective spring for each blade. The spring(s) pull each louvre blade into the predetermined position, but at the predetermined airflow the louvre blades act on and stretch the spring(s) as each louvre blade moves towards the open position.
  • each spring can act between the frame and the lever arms or weight bar, or a respective spring can act on each louvre blade to urge it into the predetermined position.
  • each spring can extend between the frame and a mounting point located on the louvre blade at or adjacent to a leading or trailing edge of the blade.
  • Each spring may comprise a helical spring (eg. of steel), a leaf spring etc.
  • the tension in each spring may also be adjustable.
  • the louvre blades act on and stretch the spring(s) as each blade pivots towards the open position, with the spring(s) returning each blade to the predetermined position as the airflow/pressure subsides.
  • a louvre module 60 comprises a frame 62 which is mountable into a larger frame (for example in larger frame 30 ), with the larger frame typically having been pre-arranged in and across a mine passage.
  • the module 60 comprises four large louvre blades 64 , with each blade having a support shaft 65 affixed (eg. welded) to a rear thereof, and with opposing ends of shaft 65 being pivotally mounted in a respective part of the frame 62 (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ).
  • each louvre blade is able to pivot around a lengthwise axis extending through the shaft 65 , between a closed or partially closed (partially opened) position in which the louvre blades combine to close or restrict gas flow through the module, and an open position in which gas is able to easily flow between louvre blades.
  • the frame 62 further incorporates two tyne-receiving lifting sleeves 66 in a base member 68 thereof.
  • the lifting sleeves 66 can each receive therein a respective tyne of a forklift vehicle to enable module lifting and transfer to and from the larger frame.
  • side members 70 of the frame 62 each have four spaced securing pin barrels 72 mounted thereto via angle iron brackets 74 .
  • Each barrel houses a respective securing pin 76 for sliding therein.
  • a release bolt 78 is attached to and projects transversely from the pin 76 to travel in tracking 80 defined in the barrel 72 .
  • the tracking 80 terminates at two locking slots 82 and 83 to accommodate any variations in the larger frame when mounting the module therein.
  • Each securing pin is slidable to extend beyond the periphery of frame 62 and is lockable in that extended position by moving the bolt 76 into one of the two locking slots 82 and 83 .
  • extension of the pins secures the module to the larger frame.
  • each blade is maintained in a predetermined (eg. closed) position by the biasing mechanism until a stope firing, blast etc causes a predetermined airflow A ( FIG. 14 ) to act against the blades (with the airflow corresponding to a predetermined air pressure (or overpressure)).
  • the biasing mechanism comprises a gas strut 86 .
  • the strut 86 has a housing 88 , with a rod 90 being connected to the frame base member 68 at pin mounting arrangement 92 .
  • the housing 88 is moved by gas pressure in the strut up along rod 90 to generally be urged up with respect to the frame 62 (in the direction of arrow F— FIG. 15 ). This movement imparts the self-closing tendency in the biasing mechanism.
  • an upper end of the housing 88 has upwardly extending lugs 94 fastened thereto, with each lug having a hole therethrough.
  • the lugs 94 receive a downwardly extending lug 96 therebetween, with lug 96 also having a hole therethrough.
  • Lugs 94 are connected to lug 96 via a retention pin 98 .
  • the lug 96 extends downwardly from a plate 100 , with the plate 100 in turn being connected to a linkage bar 102 for louvre blade adjustment (as described below).
  • This mechanism comprises opposing spaced guide rods 104 , each with a plurality of holes 105 defined therethrough.
  • Each rod 104 is also connected to the frame base member 68 at a respective pin mounting arrangement 106 and extends upwardly therefrom and through apertures in the plate 100 .
  • the rods can thus help to guide plate movement up and down.
  • An adjustment pin 108 is insertable through a selected one of the holes 105 of each rod 104 to extend between the rods as best shown in FIG. 15 . As shown, the pin 108 sits above plate 100 and thereby restricts its upward travel, being that travel resulting from the gas strut urging upwardly on the plate. Because the plate is connected to the linkage bar 102 for louvre blade adjustment, the extent of louvre blade closure can thus be controlled through appropriate location of the adjustment pin 108 .
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a variation on the adjustment pin 108 .
  • An elbow 109 extends from the pin and can extend through the next overlying hole 105 .
  • a retaining clip 109 A can fasten an end of the elbow into position, to fasten the pin 108 in place.
  • the linkage bar 102 is pivotally connected to a double bracket arrangement 110 (as best shown in FIG. 13 ).
  • Each of the double brackets in an arrangement 110 is, at one end, fixed (eg. welded) adjacent to an upper edge of a respective louvre blade 64 .
  • the opposite end of each of the double brackets pivots about a pin 112 extending through a hole (eg. 114 ) at linkage bar 102 .
  • the gas strut acts to move the strut housing 88 upwardly.
  • pin 108 can be employed at various positions along the rods 104 so that plate 100 will engage the pin, thereby stopping louvre blade movement to the fully closed position (with this stop resistance being depicted by arrow S in FIG. 15 ).
  • the pin 108 can be used to maintain the louvre blades in a partially closed (partially open) position.
  • pin 108 may be employed when it is desirable or necessary to allow some, or a normal/natural flow level of eg. air in the passage in which the module 60 is employed.
  • Arrow A in FIG. 14 depicts a predetermined airflow/pressure being reached whereby the blades 64 are urged by the airflow to be pivoted (in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 14 ) towards an open position.
  • This causes the linkage bar 102 (via the double bracket arrangement 110 and plate 100 ) to be moved against the gas strut force F, causing the strut housing 88 to be driven downwardly along rod 90 .
  • the gas strut again urges the plate 100 and thus the linkage bar 102 upwardly to pivot and return each louvre blade to the predetermined position (partially or fully closed).
  • the gas strut can be interchanged, different self-closing forces can be selected based on a given strut's specifications.
  • the strut itself may also be adjustable, such that it is only compressible once a certain air pressure (eg. from a stope firing or blast) is reached.
  • the regulator comprises a control mechanism to separately and independently control the position of each louvre blade during normal airflow control in the mine passage (ie. for the flow control of non-blast generated airflow).
  • the biasing mechanism does not interfere with the control mechanism during such normal airflow control.
  • the control mechanism does not interfere with opening of the louvre blades at the predetermined airflow or with biasing mechanism blade return to the predetermined position. In other words, these mechanisms operate independently of each other.
  • the control mechanism can be manually adjustable or comprise a remotely controlled adjustment mechanism.
  • the remotely controlled adjustment mechanism employs actuators that are electrically operated and remotely controlled via a fibre optic communication system located at a surface of the mine to adjust the blades to a set position.
  • the actuators can operate in conjunction with air flow meters located at each regulator site, and an operator typically remotely adjusts the blades to obtain a desired airflow under normal mine operating conditions.
  • the manually adjustable mechanism can provide for multi-blade-position adjustment, whereby the louvre blades can be maintained at a number of different positions using locking pin(s). However, this adjustment must be performed in situ by an operator.
  • the regulator typically comprises a stop in the form of a dampener or shock absorber for preventing/restricting blade pivotal movement beyond the open position (typically a blade fully open position).
  • a dampener or shock absorber can be provided for each blade, or again one or just a few dampeners or shock absorbers may be arranged to act on the weight bar or the linkage arms.
  • Each dampener or shock absorber can absorb the momentum of one or more rapidly pivoting blades under the influence of an air blast.
  • Non-limiting examples of louvre-based regulators will now be described.
  • rock bolts were first installed into the mine wall. Pins, consisting of RHS steel section, were then cut to length, welded to the rock bolt and then welded to the larger regulator frame. At each attachment point two pins or braces were provided, one being directly in line with the frame and one extending at 45 degrees thereto, to provide a truss like effect.
  • Formwork was then mounted to the pins/bolts and shotcreting took place (typically a wet process concrete spraying with the concrete comprising steel fibre reinforcement).
  • a standard frame generally required 5 cubic metres of concrete to meet structural requirements.
  • louvre modules were designed that could be retrofitted into eg. a known six partition drop-board regulator frame.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically depict part of a steel drop-board regulator frame 40 to which the louvre modules could be mounted.
  • Known frames were constructed from 150 UC30 section and comprised three vertical partitions 60 , each divided into a top and bottom half by horizontal partitions 62 . In some of the drop-board regulator frames examined, partitions were missing, however were easily welded back into place.
  • each drop-board regulator frame the timber slabs were removed and six louvre modules 20 were then positioned within the frame.
  • four lugs were welded onto the sides of each module to be slotted into the regulator frames and the modules were then dropped down to fit inside the existing frame. Any gaps were able to be covered by steel cover plate.
  • modules included their rapid and easy removal (eg. for repairs, replacement) and their ability to be installed within any existing frame in the mine.
  • An initial trial louvre regulator design employed a normal airflow control mechanism using manual fixing of the louvre blades in each module via linking rods to a rigid manual blade adjustment mechanism (but which could also employ a motorised drive).
  • Example 3 the initial trial louvre regulator design incorporating manual louvre blade adjustment did not satisfy all operating conditions within the mine and, it was noted, would likely sustain damage at some stage, rendering it inoperative.
  • a second trial louvre regulator design was conceived (a so-called “MkII” design) which was designed to minimise the damage to the louvre blades, attached linkages and frame structure. The MkII design was developed to lessen the initial impact on the frame that secured the components.
  • the louvre blade pivot point was located as close to the leading edge (edge closest to the air-flow from within the adjacent stope) as possible so that damage was minimised during stope firing. Also, for the blades to hang freely and close against each other the pivot point was located close to the leading edge. 2.
  • the blade design had a low resistance to passing air so that energy losses were minimised. 3.
  • the louvre blades were self-adjusting such that, before stope firing, mine ventilation officers did not have to make any adjustment to the louvre. 4.
  • the blades within a louvre module rotated freely on their shafts and could self-closed under mine ventilation pressures (except at blasting overpressures). 5.
  • the blades were fabricated to be sufficiently heavy to assist in achieving movement to a predetermined position (closed or partially open) against ventilation pressures. 6.
  • the required weighting was different for louvre regulators situated next to intake passages compared to those situated next to exhaust passages. 7. There was no restraint on the blades being able to fully open (eg. towards horizontal) from a set position (predetermined—closed or partially open) during firing and the blades dropped back (fell) to the predetermined position even after being further opened by the blast.
  • a pre-set guide (eg. stop) was not rigidly attached to the blade linkage.
  • the louvre frame was braced from the front, as there was no bracing access from the rear (or within the raise) in use. 10. An option to have one of the in-use bottom modules hinged, to enable user access through the louvre regulator, as necessary.
  • the blades could be independently coupled to an actuator (eg. employing a motor drive) for normal airflow control in the raise.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively and schematically illustrate louvre regulators subject to intake or exhaust pressure.
  • a typical maximum ventilation pressure within any raise was noted to be up to 2000 Pa (with the maximum fan pressure at the top of the raise as illustrated). This pressure was dissipated as air traveled through a raise and/or as air paths were split. This pressure was used for the design of the louvre blades.
  • a blade design was employed that located the blade pivot point towards its top edge; 2 A blade design was employed where the blade was tilted so that a component of the blade weight resisted the ventilation air-flow; 3 The weight distribution of the blade was closely examined.
  • the blade was assumed to be welded to a 30 mm diameter shaft and offset 100 mm, giving 100 mm overlap for each pair of adjacent blades.
  • the blade shaft centres were assumed to be spaced 375 mm. It was assumed that the offset blade design needed to resist a 2 kPa ventilation pressure without opening.
  • the calculations were as follows:
  • FIG. 8 offset blades are shown attached to 30 mm shafts centred on an axis A.
  • FIG. 8 offset blades are shown attached to 30 mm shafts centred on an axis A.
  • F s is the resultant force of a steel blade
  • F v1,2 are the forces on the blade due to the ventilation exhaust air.
  • Air pressure was resolved into equivalent forces about a line of thrust as shown.
  • Ventilation pressure on the blade below the shaft should therefore resist the moment M A .
  • the moment due to the ventilation pressure on the portion of the blade below the shaft was:
  • an exhaust louvre is schematically depicted. This design was based on incorporating a weight that can act against a 1000 Pa ventilation pressure on 300 ⁇ 1200 mm blades (an approximate louvre module size). The total mass of each weight bar on opposing sides of a module was 54 kg (a bar located on one side of the louvre could have a bar weight of approximately 108 kg).
  • the link bar weight was adjustable (eg. using the ballast). Also, because the blades had a tendency to accelerate as they shut the regulator design needed to account for impact against a set-point mechanism.
  • Each louvre blade was formed from painted mild steel (350 grade steel). The painting of the steel louvre was undertaken after sandblasting. Frames were also formed similarly. A two-part epoxy paint (Joatacoat 605) was employed to provide effective corrosion protection. Such paint was found to give good results in underground mines where known ventilation controls painted with such paint did not need to be refurbished until after a period of six years.
  • the louvre modules were designed to control airflow to surface air raises that service up to six or seven levels within each part of a mine.
  • Each louvre blade, module and frame :
  • the louvre regulator typically comprised six equally sized removable modules, each with a set of horizontal louvre blades for ease of removal and replacement of damaged modules (see FIG. 1 ). Lifting lugs were provided for the safe removal of each module.
  • horizontal louvre blades were able to be set in multiple positions.
  • the louvre blades in each module were adjustable to and lockable in the positions: Open, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and Closed.
  • the louvre framework was also able to be welded to existing drop-board regulator steel frames, however each such application required careful examination and measurement for compatibility.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
US11/911,419 2005-04-15 2006-04-12 Airflow Regulator Abandoned US20080254733A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005901907A AU2005901907A0 (en) 2005-04-15 Air flow regulator
AU2005901907 2005-04-15
PCT/AU2006/000493 WO2006108228A1 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-12 Airflow regulator

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US20080254733A1 true US20080254733A1 (en) 2008-10-16

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CA (1) CA2604747A1 (ru)
RU (1) RU2439330C2 (ru)
WO (1) WO2006108228A1 (ru)
ZA (1) ZA200709292B (ru)

Cited By (6)

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US20100267324A1 (en) * 2007-10-03 2010-10-21 Verne Mutton Airflow regulator
CN103953736A (zh) * 2014-04-28 2014-07-30 南通大通宝富风机有限公司 一种翼型旁通阀
US20160131393A1 (en) * 2013-07-19 2016-05-12 Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. Of Zhuhai Air deflector device and air conditioner
CN107269308A (zh) * 2017-07-12 2017-10-20 西安科技大学 煤矿综掘工作面风筒出风口叶片式机械调控装置
CN110206576A (zh) * 2019-05-16 2019-09-06 山东鼎安检测技术有限公司 一种煤矿井下智能风窗以及该智能风窗的调节系统、方法
US11073300B2 (en) * 2016-09-13 2021-07-27 Beth-El Zikhron Yaaqov Industries Ltd. Blast valve utilizing an aerodynamically configured blade

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RU167345U1 (ru) * 2016-02-24 2017-01-10 Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Российский Федеральный ядерный центр - Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт экспериментальной физики" (ФГУП "РФЯЦ-ВНИИЭФ") Устройство перекрытия воздушного канала
RU187187U1 (ru) * 2018-10-15 2019-02-22 Акционерное общество "Опытное Конструкторское Бюро Машиностроения имени И.И. Африкантова" (АО "ОКБМ Африкантов") Защитное устройство системы вентиляции
CN113091155B (zh) * 2020-10-14 2022-03-18 浙江都美电力科技有限公司 一体式环境调控方法
CN112502591A (zh) * 2020-11-16 2021-03-16 青岛中加特电气股份有限公司 一种叶片可调的百叶窗

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US2746374A (en) * 1951-10-31 1956-05-22 Dole Valve Co Flutterless damper for a heat register structure
US3346007A (en) * 1962-08-22 1967-10-10 Israel State Gas flow control louvres
US3261373A (en) * 1963-08-01 1966-07-19 Ventfabrics Inc Damper blade linkage
US3631790A (en) * 1969-09-23 1972-01-04 Specialties Const Automatic closing louver
US4709506A (en) * 1986-10-16 1987-12-01 Lukaszonas William S Swivel shutter assembly
US5277658A (en) * 1992-12-21 1994-01-11 Goettl George M Barometric damper apparatus
US5345966A (en) * 1993-12-23 1994-09-13 Carrier Corporation Powered damper having automatic static duct pressure relief
US5842919A (en) * 1997-03-27 1998-12-01 Duro Dyne Corporation Damper actuator assembly
US6575826B2 (en) * 2001-09-11 2003-06-10 Tom H. Myint Security air vent
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US20070218828A1 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 Wan-Ki Baik Damper apparatus for air conditioning system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100267324A1 (en) * 2007-10-03 2010-10-21 Verne Mutton Airflow regulator
US20160131393A1 (en) * 2013-07-19 2016-05-12 Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. Of Zhuhai Air deflector device and air conditioner
US10190798B2 (en) * 2013-07-19 2019-01-29 Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. Of Zhuhai Air deflector device and air conditioner
CN103953736A (zh) * 2014-04-28 2014-07-30 南通大通宝富风机有限公司 一种翼型旁通阀
US11073300B2 (en) * 2016-09-13 2021-07-27 Beth-El Zikhron Yaaqov Industries Ltd. Blast valve utilizing an aerodynamically configured blade
CN107269308A (zh) * 2017-07-12 2017-10-20 西安科技大学 煤矿综掘工作面风筒出风口叶片式机械调控装置
CN110206576A (zh) * 2019-05-16 2019-09-06 山东鼎安检测技术有限公司 一种煤矿井下智能风窗以及该智能风窗的调节系统、方法

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CA2604747A1 (en) 2006-10-19
WO2006108228A1 (en) 2006-10-19
RU2007142197A (ru) 2009-05-20
RU2439330C2 (ru) 2012-01-10

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