VUMA ADCO

VUMA-network

VUMA-network
Software for the ventilation of underground atmospheres
 VUMA ADCO

VUMA-network 2020

© VUMA Adco

24 Sloane Street

Bryanston

Johannesburg

South Africa

Phone +27 11 706 9797

info@vuma3d.com

www.vuma3d.com

Revision: 24 July 2020

Table of Contents
Copyright notice ............................................................................. 1

System requirements..................................................................... 2

What is new in this version? .......................................................... 4

Introduction .................................................................................... 8

Getting started ............................................................................... 9

Display settings.............................................................................. 9

General tab ........................................................................................... 10

Billboards tab ........................................................................................ 15

Grid tab ................................................................................................. 16

Additional settings tab........................................................................... 17

Customizing your shortcut keys ........................................................... 18

Navigation .................................................................................... 19

Colour modes and range settings................................................ 20

Display checkboxes ..................................................................... 22

Hint panel overview ..................................................................... 25

Hint tab .................................................................................................. 26

Blast tab ................................................................................................ 27

Fire tab .................................................................................................. 28

 What-if tab............................................................................................. 29

Settings panel .............................................................................. 30

Reference tab ....................................................................................... 30

Layer tab ............................................................................................... 32

Levels tab.............................................................................................. 33

Explorer tab........................................................................................... 34

Drawing branches........................................................................ 35
Levels .......................................................................................... 37

Network construction tools .......................................................... 38

Branch types ................................................................................ 40

Tunnels ........................................................................................ 40

Aerodynamic inputs .............................................................................. 40

Thermodynamic inputs ......................................................................... 41

Contaminants inputs ............................................................................. 42

Shafts........................................................................................... 43

Aerodynamic inputs .............................................................................. 43

Thermodynamic inputs ......................................................................... 44

Contaminants inputs ............................................................................. 45

Development headings ................................................................ 46

Aerodynamic input form........................................................................ 46

Thermodynamic input form................................................................... 47

Contaminant input form ........................................................................ 49

 Blast input form ..................................................................................... 50

Fans ............................................................................................. 51

Fan branch editor.................................................................................. 51

Production zones ......................................................................... 52

Production zone types .......................................................................... 52

Control managers ........................................................................ 58

Aerodynamic Control Elements............................................................ 58

Thermodynamic Control Elements....................................................... 63

Contaminant Control Elements ............................................................ 65

Reference drawings..................................................................... 66

Overview ............................................................................................... 66

Exporting ............................................................................................... 67

VUMA-libraries............................................................................. 67

Rock library ........................................................................................... 69

Fan library ............................................................................................. 70

Air cooler catalogue .............................................................................. 72

Weather data ........................................................................................ 72

Friction resistance ................................................................................. 74

Airborne contaminants/atmospheric pollutants .................................... 76

Vehicle library ....................................................................................... 78

Adding a vehicle to a branch ................................................................ 80

Solution methods ......................................................................... 82

Dashboards ................................................................................. 83

Fix flows and regulators dashboard ..................................................... 83

Massflow balances and leakages dashboards .................................... 85

Reporter ................................................................................................ 90

Fan Dashboard ..................................................................................... 93

Vehicle Dashboard ............................................................................... 94

Histogram Dashboard........................................................................... 95

Cooler Dashboard................................................................................. 96

Heat load Graphs Dashboard............................................................... 98

Development end dashboard .............................................................100

Modelling principles ................................................................... 102

The modelling guide .................................................................. 103

Hints and tips ............................................................................. 104

Index .......................................................................................... 106

Simple mine 1 – Using the template .......................................... 111
Simple mine 1 – Without template ............................................. 121

Simple mine 2 ............................................................................ 125

Simple mine 3 ............................................................................ 130

Simple mine 4 ............................................................................ 134

U S E R M A N U A L

Copyright notice
© 2020 VUMA Adco of South Africa

All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any language in any format by any means, without the written permission of
VUMA Adco of South Africa.

1
U S E R M A N U A L

System requirements
Please ensure that all drivers are updated before installing the software

Minimum:

• Intel i3 or equivalent processor

• 4 GB RAM
• 2 GB of available hard disk space
• Windows 7/10
• DirectX 9 graphics device [NVIDIA 7 Series or higher]
• Internet access for online activation

Recommended:

• Intel i7/i9 equivalent processor

• 8 GB RAM or more
• Windows 10
• NVIDIA GTX Series, Intel 6300 or equivalent dedicated graphics hardware
• 24 inch or larger screen
• Solid state drive

2
U S E R M A N U A L

High DPI (resolution) monitors

On certain laptops or desktops with High DPI monitors, the text or

layout of forms might become blurry or oversized. To resolve the
issue, it is recommended that you follow these steps:

• Open VUMA-network
• Right-click the app in the taskbar.
• Right-click the name of the app and select Properties.
• Click on the Compatibility tab.
• Under "Settings," click the Change high DPI
settings button.
• Check the override scaling checkbox, and set it dropdown
to System (Enhanced)
• Click on OK
• Click on Apply
• Click on OK
• Relaunch VUMA

3
U S E R M A N U A L

What is new in this version?

Updates and improvements in VUMA-network 2020 – Q1 (With service pack 3°)

New

o Convert wireframe references to solid references

o Watermarks can now be exported and imported between models
❖ Recent backup file browser
❖ Rendering of hidden stage branches
❖ Colour reference drawing/s by level/depth
• Dockable panels [with selective editing]
• Added shock loss factors to tunnels and shafts
• Option to break large surfaces into smaller parts - improves accuracy during VRT conversions
• Rename tool - rename all branches based on different criteria [Level / Layers]
• Split tool can now automatically connect to a nearby node [< 7 m]
• Fan library updates [TP/SP] split with more input options
• Refuge chamber circles to show covered areas
• Light and dark themes
• Trace airflow - look for a forward unrestricted path
• Blast solver now includes respirable dust tracing
• Reference drawing tool - Remove parallel lines
• Annotations can now be assigned to specific layers I & II
• Thermal sub data - new vehicles can now be added using the Thermal sub data tool
• User defined custom vehicle categories
• Downstream air travel time between points [stench gas etc., smoke detection]
• Custom service water flow rate [l/s]
• In-out temperature graphs for Thermal control managers
• Forward air trace - limit the number of steps [helpful with recirculation]
• The size, position, and window state of the VUMA Main form is now being saved, this can be disabled
via Display Configuration
• If the model has a review note file, it will automatically be loaded with the model if it is in the same folder
• Backup file save prompt added

Miscellaneous Updates

o Watermark UI and usability has been improved

o Watermark toggle settings are now being saved
o Deswik import settings saved
o Solver screen simplified
o Supersplit mode to allow profiles and rectangular
o Improved duplicate reference line remover

4
U S E R M A N U A L

o Reference tab - show colour

o Some solver errors will now be shown as warnings
o Improved the vehicle custom category UI and inputs
o Option to remove groups
❖ Improved file loading speeds
❖ Improved Deswik CSV reading + Unit switching
❖ Updated decimal values in summary reports
❖ Ability to customize blast colour ranges
❖ Memory handling improvements
❖ Added branch comments to select by similar
❖ Display of data in SI / Imperial improved
❖ Updates to Deswik (DVF) file reading and supported entities
❖ Fan digitizer - editing of efficiency before adding fan
❖ Staging now employs a datetime control
❖ Updated Reporter outputs to indicate by color reverse flows and design criteria exceptions
❖ Added regulator column to Fix flow / fans dashboard
❖ Drain water temperatures increased
❖ Reference conversion progress bar
❖ Whatif -results copy to include header text
❖ Vehicle fuel consumption maximum value extended to 300 g/kwh
❖ Extended error messages when opening a model file and an error occurs
❖ Dark theme on mixing calculator
❖ Explorer bar now lists the branches with no stages
❖ Restoring original regulator icon after re-including branch
❖ Faster reference conversion [skipping short lines]
• Minor updates to the splash screen and initial Vuma start-up loading
• Added water spray functionality to what-ifs
• Copy and paste improvements [rock and fan library]
• 3D Refuge chamber cube [easier to identify on plan view]
• Segmenting branches - keep original branch name
• Removed ID from names when converting references
• Improvements to simplify model to avoid certain vertical angles
• Export blast data to CSV- now adds extra file for NOx values
• Larger coordinate display + negative values in brackets for easier identification
• Additional 3D PDF Sticky text export options [Units and custom colors]
• Fan dashboard - change (multiple) fix flow to a specified fan in the library
• Fan library - allow copy and paste from Excel
• Stages coloring improvements
• Sticky text - distinguish between face and outlet conditions
• Performance update of hints when dragging branches or nodes
• Simplified blast fume inputs
• Ability to delete unused profiles
• Improved copy and paste [same model]
5
U S E R M A N U A L

• Format painter colors the source branch and the target branches
• Vuma help files will now open the latest version from our website if there is internet access
• Air cooling power - user definable dry bulb value
• Optional setting for Undo and Duct merging
• Format painter now shows each available sub-data type.
• Ducting tool maintains multiselect upon adding multiple ducts.

Reporter

• Editable tunnel and shaft bends, contraction, and enlargement sub data sections
• Supports column grouping and filtering
• Column widths saved automatically
• Vehicle section has expanded

Vehicle edits

• On vehicle dashboard and reporter [vehicle type]

• Type can now be changed to another vehicle type on multiple branches via the Reporter
• Change multiple branch vehicles at once

Profile editor

• Create arch only profiles that can be rotated (Brattice shaft)

• Edit profiles by moving the points of the profile
• When copying between models - profiles will be added automatically

Fan digitizer

• Allows Total Pressure curve data input

• Allows changing of evase outlet size type
• Fix with RPM value

Reference importer (No preview)

• Faster reading of line types

• Option to skip short lines during import
• Reduced progress bar updating

Blast fume calculations

• User defined result interval [default 60 seconds]

• Addition of respirable dust

6
U S E R M A N U A L

• Playback colors updated - also for playback of individual gasses

• Toggle the blast smoke trails

Bug fixes

o Fixed a bug where vehicles could not be edited on the vehicle dashboard when in a stages model
o Fixed a bug that occurred when trying to delete a single vehicle from the library
o Fixed a bug that caused vehicle controls to size incorrectly when adding more vehicles than space allowed
on the branch forms
o Fixed a bug on the design criteria form where the colors on the model would not change when making
changes to the design criteria
o Fixed a bug that ignored multiselect branches from filtering in the reporter
o Fixed a bug in the format painter that would insert the default subdata from the branch to the copied
branch when the source branch had no subdata in it
o Fixed a bug that showed incorrect vehicle number in the reporter
o Fixed a bug that caused an issue with stages when inserting a vertical shaft via the context menu
o Cooling capacity of d/c air saved (Hannes)
o Updated error messages to be more user friendly
o Fixed design criteria unequipped shaft values not saving (Ralph)
o Fixed design criteria imperial conversions
o Applying of default resistance when switching a fan off (Jaco)
o Importing of txt files skipped the first airway
o Slow performance when multiselect and changing branch dimensions
o Off fan icon not updating after changing the fan
❖ Deswik import reads past the end of file
❖ Changing fix flow to fan - improved error handling
❖ Inserting vertical branches with no visible layers
❖ Sealed icons on excluded branches resets other control icons
❖ Whatifs - switching fans on or off
❖ Missing node values when not showing the level info
❖ Adding of second curves to exiting fans
❖ Fix to irregular dev end production rates
❖ Fix to exporting to DWG with empty layer names
❖ Dust dropout calculations
❖ SI/US conversions and general imperial display and UI improvements

7
U S E R M A N U A L

Introduction
VUMA-network is a windows-based software package for simulating atmospheric and environmental conditions
in underground mines. This product is based on current research and development and uses state-of-art
procedures and technology.

VUMA-network allows a mine network to be built up by linking numerous component elements, each with
specific aerodynamic, thermodynamic and contaminant characteristics.

The basic component elements (called branches) comprise of shafts, shaft, tunnels, development headings,
stopes, fans, and control manager elements (which include air coolers and regulators).

VUMA-network simulates ventilation flows, temperatures, humidity and dust

A L L V U M A -
and gas concentrations throughout any mine network. It can be applied to a full
N E T W O R K variety of underground mining methods for narrow-reefs, massive orebodies, and
A L G O R I T H M S colliery layouts with different levels of mechanization.
H A V E B E E N
VUMA-network can be used as a planning tool and as a means of verifying
V E R I F I E D I N
environmental and energy parameters in operational mines. VUMA-network
R E C E N T W O R K calculates heat flows, dust and gas loads and can be used to analyse cooling
A N D O V E R A strategies, contaminant dilution and ventilation tactics. These include overall energy
D E V E L O P M E N T requirements and fans, air coolers and scrubber/filter needs. VUMA-network can
P E R I O D O F S O M E
be used for effective energy management and the creation of safe and healthy
conditions in mines.
T W O D E C A D E S .

VUMA-network uses verified engineering principles to accurately calculate and

quantify the relevant parameters. However, in mining environments, there are some inputs that are difficult to
quantify, and VUMA-network rating categories have been developed for these inputs. For example, VUMA-
network categories are provided for: rock surface wetness, condition of pipe insulation, diesel work cycles,
moisture ratings of heat sources, in-stope water use and others.

VUMA-network is a ‘steady-state’ flow simulator that calculates aerodynamic, thermodynamic and

contaminant dynamic (and tracking) properties. In underground environments, ‘transient-state’ simulations of
these parameters are only important in certain circumstances (for example power failures).

8
 Getting started
Building your first model

V UMA-network allows you to rapidly construct a new model by either drawing

the mine layout branch by branch, or by importing and converting a mine plan
(reference drawing). Converting an existing reference drawing is the
recommended method since it allows for the most representative layout with the
minimal effort.

B E F O R E

J U M P I N G I N T O
Display settings
T H E To change the display settings, click on “Configure” icon on “Display” tab.
C O N S T R U C T I O N
The display settings form will appear. On this form, you can modify various
S I D E , I T
visual elements, ranging from the sizes of nodes and branches. A few
W O U L D B E
elements on the form will now be discussed in more detail:
A D V I S A B L E T O

F I R S T

C O N F I G U R E

T H E D I S P L A Y

S E T T I N G S .

9
General tab

Figure 1 Display settings >> General

Branch/node text size: Increasing or decreasing this value will result in a change to the
rendered size of the branch/node text labels.

Node scaling size: Increasing or decreasing this value will result in a change to the
rendered size nodes.

Figure 2: Large branch text with increased node scaling

Branch scaling size: Increasing or decreasing this value will render branches with an
associated change in width and height without changing the length. This is useful for
screenshots [by increasing the scale] and working on detailed models [by decreasing the
scale].

10
3D Branch icon scaling: Increasing or decreasing this value will change the size of 3D
icons. Useful for screenshots etc.

Figure 3: Resized 3D branch icons

Fire & rescue icon scaling: Increasing or decreasing this value will change the size of
the fire & rescue 3D icons. Useful for screenshots etc.

Figure 4: Fire & rescue icons

Animation arrows size: Increasing or decreasing this value will result in a change to the
size of the animated arrows.

Figure 5: Animation arrows

Reference drawing variation: Increasing or decreasing this value will result in a change
to the visible reference drawings, if you are currently viewing the model in a “Selected
level only” mode. VUMA will take the depth of the selected level, and only render the
parts of the reference drawing that falls within the specified reference drawing variation.

Figure 6: Selected level mode shows only portion of drawing

11
Reference drawing opacity: Increasing or decreasing this value will render all solid
reference more, or less, transparent. This has no effect on lines and text values.

Figure 7: Changing the reference transparency makes solids more "see-through"

Node snap to sensitivity: Increasing or decreasing this value affect how quickly VUMA
tries to snap to existing nodes when drawing new branches. The selected snapping area
is indicated by the orange circle in image below.

Figure 8: Snapping area indicated by orange circle

Hide low flow range: Increasing or decreasing this value to have branches “disappear”
temporarily if their volume flows are less than the specified value. Toggle the “Hide low
flow branches” on the bottom toolbar after specifying the range. Note that the check
button also indicated the number of branches (49 in this example) that will be hidden, as
well as the defined low flow range (1 m³/s in this example).

Figure 9: Toggle button for hiding low flow branches

Invert legend (Red <-> Blue): Checking this box will change the colour spectrum range
so that Red is the lowest value and Blue the highest.

Figure 10: Inverted colour axis

12
 Show format painter each time: Checking this box will show the “Format Painter”
B I L L B O A R D S
settings dialog every time you click to use is.
C A N B E S H O W N

W H E N Connect nearby nodes after splitting: Checking this box will make VUMA
H O V E R I N G
automatically join the node created after splitting with any other nodes within the allowed
range. This currently only applies to tunnel branch types.
O V E R A

B R A N C H , W H E N

T H E B R A N C H

I S S E L E C T E D ,

O R A L W A Y S .

Figure 11: Splitting inside the circle will force an automatic merge

Prompt before joining nodes: If checked, the following dialog will pop up every time
the program tries to connect to nodes after construction.

Anti-aliasing: Reduce jagged edges in the final rendered objects and smoothen textures
by the specified factor. This can cause a slowdown on slower systems.

13
Colour theme: Change the theme throughout the applications. Option includes

• Default theme

• VUMA Light

• VUMA Dark

Figure 12: Comparing the Dark and Light Theme

14
Billboards tab

Billboards are tiny images that appear on branches – indicating the presences of sub-data
– or indicating the type of branch.

On the Billboards tab – you can alter how billboards appears in terms of size and viewing
distance. Furthermore, this tab also allows you to choose which billboards to
show.

15
Grid tab

On the Grid tab – you can change the colour of the grid lines, the spacing of it, and
whether grid lines are drawn around the centre of the model, or around the start node.

16
Additional settings tab

The additional settings contain several advance settings.

The Graphics settings allows the user to adjust the quality for older systems.

Under Backup options, the user can configure the backup intervals, clean-up schedule
of old backups. The file recovery interval defines the time period during which VUMA
will prompt for the automatic restoration of a backup in the case of an application crash.

Dock settings allows the user to configure the appearance of the hint panels.

The Undo enabled checkbox must be checked in order to the Undo system to be able
to revert changes.

17
Customizing your shortcut keys

Users can customize the shortcut keys used by the VUMA software.

On the Display tab, you will find a new ‘Shortcuts’ button. Clicking this button will open
the new Shortcuts form.

At the top right you can choose a profile to use, it will default to the VUMA profile. If
you would like to make changes to the shortcut keys, you can choose the ‘Custom profile’
option. This will allow you to select a function in the shortcuts list and assign a new
shortcut to it.

Once your shortcuts have been setup, click the ‘Save shortcuts’ button at the bottom to
save your custom shortcuts. You can now use the new shortcuts in your VUMA
software.

18
Navigation
To navigate around a model, the following commands can be used

Keyboard shortcuts Refer to the keyboard shortcuts in the appendix

Figure 13: Mouse navigation

Quick views allows you to set, and then jump, quickly

between different sections in a model. To set a
view, go to the “Display” tab, and then click on
the “Quick views” button. Select an available
slot, and then enter any descriptive name. Click on “OK” to
save it to the specified slot.

To go to a view, click on the “Views” button on the middle

of the bottom toolbar, and select the required view.

Figure 14: Quick view settings

Zoom fit:Click on the “Home >> Select >> Zoom fit” button to fit the whole model
into the existing view. If the model does not fit properly, it might be because
the model is spread out over a very large area. Switching on the “Boundary
box” checkbox on the “Display” tab can greatly assist in identify the outliers in
the model.

19
Realistic stopes: Toggle this checkbox to alter the display size of stopes – this allows
you to quickly identify the active workplaces in the model.

Capture screenshots: Click on the “Capture” button to take a screenshot of the current
view. If the adjacent “Legend” checkbox is also checked, a legend matching
the one at the bottom of the screen will be drawn across the bottom right hand
side of the image.

Colour modes and range settings

B
ranch and nodes can be coloured according to a range of input and output
parameters. To set the colour mode, first select the type required.

Figure 15: Changing between colour mode types

After selecting the type, choose the required parameter from the second dropdown box.

20
The node or branch colours will update according to their respective position between
the minimum and maximum value

Figure 16: Selecting the colour parameters

Clicking on the custom button allows the user the override the calculated minimum and
maximum value with new values.

Figure 17: Custom color ranges

21
 The bottom toolbar also contains a few predefined colour sets. The sets are
S E T T I N G T H E

F I X E D R A N G E 1. Typical set
C H E C K B O X

W I L L
2. Aero set
O V E R R I D E
3. Thermo set
T H E A U T O -

M A T I C A L L Y 4. Clean-up set
C A L C U L A T E D
and allows you to quickly access commonly used colour modes.
M I N I M U M

A N D

M A X I M U M
Display checkboxes

T
V A L U E S W I T H
he bottom status bar contains a number of checkbox items that can be toggled
U S E R
at any time to show or hide specific items in the models. These items are
D E F I N E D
described below:
V A L U E S
Toggle reference drawing: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide any reference
drawings included in the current model. Make use of the “Overview” button
on the “References” tab to show or hide individual reference drawings.

Toggle excluded branches and nodes: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide
excluded branches and nodes in the model. Excluded branches and nodes are
ignored by the solver. You can exclude / include branches using the context
menu, or by pressing X when hovering over a branch.

Toggle airflow animation: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide animated arrows
indicating the speed and direction that air is flowing in the model. If the air is
not moving, you might have to solve the model again, or look for unconnected
branches. The speed and sizes can be set with the adjacent buttons.

22
 Toggle node visibility: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide the nodes on the ends
of branches. The size of the nodes can be adjusted in the “Display >>
Configure” dialog.

Toggle draw direction: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide indicative arrows on
branches with regards to their respective drawn direction. Note that this
direction might differ from the actual direction that air travels. In such cases,
the airflow value will be
displayed as a negative value. You can
alter the drawn direction with the
shortcut “F” when hovering over a
branch, or from the right-click context
menu. To perform this operation on the
entire model – use the “Solve >> Fix
reverse flows”

Toggle text: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide text labels. The colour and size
of the text can be further customized via the “Configure” screen on the
“Display” tab.

Sticky text dropdown list: Select

STICKY
the required attribute
TEXT from the list. Sticky text
is added or removed from a branch via the right-click
G I V E S Y O U context menu of the currently selected branch. The colour and size
M O R E
of the sticky text labels can be further customized via the
“Configure” screen on the “Display” tab. The sticky text checkbox
C O N T R O L
on the display tab must be checked in order to display.
O V E R W H I C H

B R A N C H E S Toggle low flow branch visibility: Toggling this checkbox allows you to show or hide
S H O U L D branches that have a calculated volume less than the specified limit as defined
S H O W T E X T
on the “Configure” screen on the “Display” tab. It is recommended to have
this option only checked during the initial cleaning up stages of a model.
L A B E L S ,

A N D W H A T

I T S H O U L D

C O N T A I N .

23
Toggle 3D icons:Toggling this checkbox will show or hide all the 3D branch icons in
the current model. The size of these icons can be customized via the
“Configure” screen on the “Display” tab.

Toggle Fire & rescue icons: Toggling this checkbox will show or hide all the Fire &
rescue icons in the current model. The size of these icons can be customized
via the “Configure” screen on the “Display” tab.

24
Hint panel overview

T
he hints panel provides you with a quick overview of the currently highlighted
branch (or node)’s properties, or in the case of a multi-selection of branches,
selected summary values. It should be noted that nodes have different properties
and outputs available, such as dust and gas concentrations. Panel can be moved around,
or “docked” to the sides of the window. You can also drag a panel to another screen or
hide it completely. If you wish to show or reset the panels, make use of the Reset panel
on the Display tab.

Figure 18: Reset panel to default state

You can customize which values to show in the hint panel by right-clicking on the panel
– and choosing “Customize hints and graphs” or clicking on the top-left button.

The hint panel has 4 separate tabs, namely

• Hints

• Blast graphs

• Fire results

• What-if results

Set the active tab depending on your current requirement. Note that you can easily copy
the points, or the graph image, to the clipboard from the context menu.

25
Hint tab

Figure 19: Customize the hint panel appearance

Note that input properties with blue labels can be edited directly inside the tool window
by clicking on the value and entering the new value.

Figure 20: Editing values inside the panel

26
Blast tab

Figure 21: Blast result tab with context menu

27
Fire tab

Figure 22: Fire results tab showing fumes

The type of fire result displayed is selected from the bottom dropdown as seen below:

Figure 23: Selecting the required fire result graph

The delta Q option shows the difference in volume flow from one step to the next.

28
What-if tab

Figure 24: Step-line What-if results tab

The what-if results tab is used to view the results after running what-if scenarios. The
graphs can be customized from the right-click context menu. Graphs can be displayed
as step lines graphs, or as column graphs.

Figure 25: Column what-if result with the customize form

visible

29
Settings panel

T
he settings panel provides you with a quick overview of visual collections that
can be toggled on or off. The settings panels consist of 5 main tabs, namely:

• References

• Layer I

• Layer II

• Levels

• Explorer

Panel can be moved around, or “docked” to the sides of the window. You can also drag
a panel to another screen or hide it completely. If you wish to show or reset the panels,
make use of the Reset panel on the Display tab.

Reference tab

Figure 26 References tab

The reference tab allows the user to toggle the visibility of reference drawings inside the
model by changing the checked state of the visible column.

30
Figure 27: Reference toolbar

Note that if the reference visibility checkmark is unticked -NO references will be visible

Figure 28: Global reference visibility toggle

31
Layer tab

Layers are powerful visualizing aids by allowing the user to selectively show or hide parts
of the mode. After creating layers, the user can assign a branch to layer via the layer
dropdowns inside the branch edit form, or via the multi-selection context menu. The
layer tab allows the user to toggle the visibility of layers inside the model by changing the
checked state of the visible column. The name of the layer can be editing directly by
clicking inside the Name column.

Figure 29: Layer tab

32
Levels tab

Levels allow the users to view portions of the model – based on a pre-defined depth and
variance. Unlike layers, levels are assigned automatically to branches depending on their
respective depths. The name of the level can be editing directly by clicking inside the
Name column.

Figure 30: Level tab

33
Explorer tab

The explorer tab allows the user to quickly navigate to important elements (like fans and
fix flows) inside the model. It also a section for loose and unconnected branches. Note
that a loose branch refers to a branch with no (included) connected branched on either
side, while a unconnected branch refers to a branch with a connected branch either on
the in, or the out, node.

Figure 31: Explorer tab

34
 Drawing branches

B
ranches are constructed by selecting the respective branch type from the
“Draw” tab on the “Home” tab. Once selected, left click once on the desired
location to start the new branch, and then move the mouse to the end location.
Click the left mouse button once more to complete the branch construction. The
construction of a new branch can be cancelled at any moment by pressing the “Escape”
key on the keyboard.

S E T T I N G U P

D E F A U L T

B R A N C H E S

W I L L S A V E

Y O U A L O T

O F T I M E

A N D E F F O R T

Figure 32: Different branch types

Newly drawn branches will automatically inherit the values of their respective branch
defaults. To change the default values for a branch, make use of the “Defaults” button
on the “Library” tab. Alternatively, you can also access the defaults screen via the little
arrow on the “Draw” group in the “Home” tab.

35
Vertical branches are not drawn (unless existing nodes to connect between already
exist) but are added to a model by right-clicking on the start location, and then selecting
the option to “Insert a vertical branch”. A form will appear where you can specify the

Figure 33: Insert vertical

branch from the context menu

branch type to be added, as well as the level, or levels, to which the branch is be
connected.

To edit an existing branch, exit the draw mode first by pressing the Escape key on the
keyboard. You can edit a branch in one of 3 ways:

• Double-click a branch
• Press “E” whilst hovering over a branch
• Via the Edit command on the right-click context menu

In keeping with the mining applications, and to prevent the graphics from getting cluttered,
the horizontal branches are automatically grouped in and displayed by, levels

36
Levels

L
evels can be configured via the level editor, found on the Home ribbon tab.
Alternatively, you can right-click on a node, and from the context menu, choose
the option to “Add new level”.

When creating layers, you need to specify the Name, Depth and Variation of the level.
Note: The level variation is used only to assist in assigning nodes to the correct level
and can be increased or decreased in order to have more or less of the nearby nodes
shown (when in the selected level only display mode). Under most circumstances, you
can leave the value at the default of 5 meters.

The Randomize button will assign random colours to every level.

The Auto fix button will apply random colours to each level, and revert the variations
to 5m. Lastly, it will also remove any empty levels.

Figure 34: Level editor

When modifying levels, the following prompt

may appear: If you click Yes, nodes that were
part of the modified level, will update their
respective depths by the change in elevation
of said level.

Figure 35: Prompt appearing after editing levels

37
Network construction tools

V
UMA-network provides numerous tools to assist you with the drawing and
editing of the network. Please refer to the online YouTube videos for a detailed
explanation of their respective functioning.

Moving branches and nodes: You can swop between the two different move modes
by toggling the state of the “Move” button on the “Home >> Select” tab.

This mode allows you to drag branches and nodes along any direction of the
axis by clicking on the desired axis and pulling it by dragging the mouse.

This mode allows you to drag branches and nodes in any horizontal direction by

clicking and dragging the associated control that will appear on the selected branch or
node.

38
Figure 36: Construction tools on the Home tab

Delete mode: Click the “Delete” button on the “Home” tab to enter the “Delete mode”.
Click on the branches that you wish to delete. To exit the “Delete mode”,
press the “Esc” button on the keyboard.

Magnet join mode: The magnet mode allows you to connect two branches by clicking
on two branches in sequence (after activating the magnet mode). The first
selected branch will stay in place, and the closest node of the second selected
branch will extend to join with the first branch.

Format mode: Activate the format mode to copy values between branches. Select the
“Format” button, then click on the branch from which you wish to copy
values. All branches clicked on whilst the Format mode is still active will inherit
the values from the first selected branch. To exit the “Format mode”, press
the “Esc” button on the keyboard.

Branch select mode: The branch select mode allows you to add, or remove, branches
to the multi-selection set individually. Alternatively, you can add or remove
branches by holding in the “Shift” key and then clicking on a branch.

Branch merge mode: The branch merge mode allows you to simplify, or clean, a model
by merging two similar branches into a single branch. Activate the “Merge”
mode, and then proceed to click on two connected branches. Note that the
properties of the first selected branch will be used.

Add duct mode: The “Add ducting” mode allows you to rapidly add a duct network to
existing branches. Click on the icon and complete the input form. Proceed to
click on all the branches where you wish to add ducts to.

Insert default control manager mode: This mode allows you to quickly add a control
manager branch between two existing branches by simply activating the mode,
and then click on the branch where you wish to add the control manager. If
you

39
Branch types

B
ranches form the primary building blocks of the ventilation network, which in
turn represent the various physical components of a mine ventilation network.
To separate between the different activity types, VUMA-network branches are
split between seven basic branch types, namely:

• Tunnels
• Shafts
• Development headings
• Production zones
• Fans
• Control managers

Tunnels

T
unnel branches are generally the most significant and important building blocks
in VUMA-network and can be used to customise any layout of airways,
excavations, and galleries. The cross-section of tunnels can be circular,
rectangular, or irregular and they may be assumed to be inclined or horizontal. If the
tunnel cross-section changes significantly over the length, the branch should be split into
suitable tunnel sections. Also, if the tunnel is exceptionally long (> 500m) it is advisable
to divide it into shorter sections (for more accurate intermediate information and age
input).

Aerodynamic inputs

Initial tunnel lengths are automatically calculated from node co-ordinates [as drawn]
but you can override the values by entering a new length.

Aerodynamic pressure loss criteria are determined by given airflow-pressure data, or

by standard friction calculations (that include temperature and density variations).

The Atkinson options form is used to save and quickly access typically used Atkinson’s
values, which is commonly used.

• The Atkinson method is a simplified approach based on a re-

arrangement of the more rigorous Darcy-Weisbach equation.
• Specific measurements from existing tunnels may be entered as volume
flow and corresponding pressure drop (this will inherently account for
natural pressure effects). VUMA-network calculates a resistance factor
(N.s2/m4) that is used in further calculations.

40
 Thermodynamic inputs

Heat loads in tunnels are determined from state-of-art, verified algorithms based on
some three decades of research and development and operational work. The algorithms
account for the variations in shape, surface wetness, rock types and time of exposure as
well as the effects of drains, pipes, ducts, presence of vehicles and of any other specified
heat sources or sinks. The algorithms calculate both heat energy and water vapour
transfer from established basic procedures.

Age is the average age of inlet and outlet in years.

L O N G O R Heat flux in a circular cylindrical hole

N E W L Y
800
E X C A V A T E D
700
T U N N E L S
600
( L E S S T H A N
Heat flux W/m2

500
A M O N T H Quartzite
400
Lava
O L D )
300
S H O U L D B E
200
D I V I D E D
100
I N T O
0
S H O R T E R 0 1 2 3 4 5
Age of excavation years
S E C T I O N S

T O A L L O W

A C C U R A T E The physical properties of density, conductivity, and specific heat define a rock type.
A G E I N P U T . These are selected from an active-library of standard and user-defined rock property
data. Click the drop-down list of rock type names resident in the library to select the
required type. Alternatively, return to menu and library for full active-library interaction.

Surface wetness of the exposed surfaces affects rock heat flow.Input information on
this aspect can be selected from a set of VUMA-network surface wetness ratings.

Surface coverings of the exposed rock surfaces can affect rock heat flow, particularly if
materials have insulation properties. Input information on this aspect can be selected
from a set of VUMA-network surface cover ratings.

Apart from surrounding rock heat, tunnels can experience significant other heat & cool
loads. VUMA-network assumes these heat sources to be linearly distributed over the
length of tunnel. User-defined inputs can be utilised for any generic heat sources or
sinks. Users enter this information as an energy loading (in kW) between nodes or as a
linear energy loading (kW per m of tunnel length). In addition, for each input, a VUMA-
network heat-moisture rating must also be selected.
41
 Vehicle heat can be entered directly as a user-defined input or through a selection from
V E H I C L E ,
the vehicle library (an active library that provides guidance on typical vehicles, work
P I P E , D R A I N cycles and heat rates). This library will feed-back the relevant heat and moisture data
A N D D U C T directly to the input form. Electrical vehicles are assigned Cat. 1 and diesel vehicles Cat.
A R E 3 heat-moisture ratings.
S P E C I A L L Y
Pipe heat or cooling effects are determined by VUMA-network from input of water
C A T E R E D
flow, inlet water temperature, nominal pipe diameter and direction of pipe flow. The
F O R I N quality of pipe insulation (if any) may be selected from a set of VUMA-network pipe
V U M A - insulation ratings. VUMA-network is primarily concerned with simulating ventilation
N E T W O R K conditions and not water conditions. Therefore, the tunnel branch should not be used
A N D H A V E
as a tool for evaluating water networks’ performance, as pipe connections at branch
nodes are not continuous.
T H E I R O W N

I N P U T Drain heat or cooling effects are determined from input of water flow, inlet water
F O R M S . temperature, drain width and direction of drain flow (with respect to the air flow).
VUMA-network is primarily concerned with simulating ventilation conditions and not
water conditions. Therefore, the tunnel branch should not be used as a tool for
evaluating drain temperatures as drain connections at branch nodes are not continuous.

Heat flow to or from ducts is determined from input of duct air flow quantity, inlet duct
temperature conditions, duct size, direction of duct flow and leakage direction (from
duct to tunnel or vice-versa). Duct leakage criteria are selected from a set of VUMA-
network duct leakage ratings. It is assumed that duct leakage (in or out) has negligible
effect the branch mass flow however the leakage affects the psychrometric conditions.
Note also that duct connections at branch nodes are not continuous.

Contaminants inputs

Contaminant inputs include sources of dust or gas experienced between the branch inlet
and outlet nodes.

Contaminant concentrations are calculated at outlet nodes

Dust levels and the concentration of different based on contaminant load and branch ventilation flow rate.
Gases are assumed to be ideal and inert.
gases are analysed by VUMA-network on
a general network basis. Concentrations of similar contaminants are additive and are
tracked by VUMA-network throughout the network.

Input forms allow specifications for dust and several gases in a variety of measurement
units. Mg/s or mg/m³) for dusts and mg/s or l/min or % concentration or ppm for
gases.

42
Shafts

S
haft branches are significant building blocks in VUMA-network and can be used
as elements in the vertical plane connecting various sub-networks defined by the
different levels. The cross-section of shafts can be circular, rectangular, or
irregular and they may be assumed to be inclined or vertical. If the shaft cross-section
changes significantly over the length, the branch should be split into suitable shaft
sections. Also, if the shaft is exceptionally long (> 500m) it is advisable to divide it into
shorter sections (for more accurate intermediate
information and age input).

To add a shaft to a network, click on the corresponding

location (or existing node) in the network, and right-click.
From the resulting context menu, choose the option to
Insert a vertical branch, and then choose the relevant
levels on which the shaft should have connections.

Figure 37: Inserting a shaft via the context menu

Aerodynamic inputs

Shafts lengths are automatically calculated from its node coordinates – and cannot be
edited (unlike tunnels).

The connected to start node option will automatically add a virtual (invisible) 0
pressure drop branch to the start node when solving.

Frictional resistance is specified by either of the following approaches:

• The Atkinson method is a simplified approach based on a re-
arrangement of the more rigorous Darcy-Weisbach equation.
• Specific measurements from existing shafts may be entered as volume
flow and corresponding pressure drop (this will inherently account for
natural pressure effects). VUMA-network calculates a resistance factor
(N.s2/m4) that is used in further calculations.

43
 Thermodynamic inputs

Heat loads in shafts are determined from state-of-the-art, verified algorithms based on
some three decades of research and development and operational work. The algorithms
account for the variations in shape, surface wetness, rock types and time of exposure as
well as the effects of drains, pipes, ducts, presence of vehicles and of any other specified
heat sources or sinks. The algorithms calculate both heat energy and water vapour
transfer from established basic procedures.

Age is the average age of inlet and outlet nodes in years.

L O N G E R ( >
The physical properties of density, conductivity, and specific heat define rock-
5 0 0 M ) , types. These are selected from an active-library of standard and user-defined rock
N E W L Y property data. Click to activate the drop-down list of rock type names resident in the
E X C A V A T E D library and to select the required type. Alternatively, return to menu and library for full
S H A F T S
active-library interaction.
S H O U L D B E
Surface wetness of the exposed surfaces affects rock heat flow.Input information on
D I V I D E D
this aspect can be selected from a set of VUMA-network surface wetness ratings.
I N T O

S H O R T E R Apart from surrounding rock heat, shafts can experience significant other heat & cool
S E C T I O N S
loads. VUMA-network assumes these heat sources to be linearly distributed over the
length of tunnel. User-defined inputs can be utilised for any generic heat sources or
T O A L L O W
sinks. Users enter this information as an energy loading (in kW) between nodes or as a
A C C U R A T E
linear energy loading (kW per m of tunnel length). In addition, for each input, a VUMA-
A G E I N P U T . network heat-moisture rating must also be selected.

Pipes, drains, and ducts are specially catered for in VUMA-network and have their own
input forms.

Pipe heat or cooling effects are determined by VUMA-network from input of water
flow, inlet water temperature, nominal pipe diameter and direction of pipe flow (up to
two pipes can be used). The quality of pipe insulation (if any) may be selected from a
set of VUMA-network pipe insulation ratings. VUMA-network is primarily concerned
with simulating ventilation conditions and not water conditions.

The shaft branch should not be used as a tool for evaluating

water networks’ performance, as pipe connections at branch
nodes are not continuous.

44
 Heat flow to or from ducts is determined from input of duct air flow quantity, inlet duct
temperature conditions, duct size, direction of duct flow and leakage direction (from
duct to shaft or vice-versa). Duct leakage criteria are selected from a set of VUMA-
network duct leakage ratings. It is assumed that duct leakage (in or out) has a negligible
effect on the branch mass flow; however, the psychrometric conditions are affected by
the leakage. Note also that duct connections at branch nodes are not continuous.

Contaminants inputs

Contaminant inputs include sources of dust or gas experienced between the branch inlet
and outlet nodes.

Contaminant concentrations are calculated at outlet nodes

Dust levels and the concentration of different based on contaminant load and branch ventilation flow rate.
Gases are assumed to be ideal and inert.
gases are analysed by VUMA-network on
a general network basis. Concentrations of similar contaminants are additive and are
tracked by VUMA-network throughout the network.

Input forms allow specifications for dust and several gases in a variety of measurement
units. Mg/s or mg/m³) for dusts and mg/s or l/min or % concentration or ppm for
gases.

45
Development headings

D
evelopment headings are branches that simulate the excavation of tunnels in
virgin ground for exploration or for the establishment of new production zones
or for the expansion of existing production zones.

Development headings vary in the way in which they are excavated, and VUMA-
network offers a selection of options reflecting mining of different minerals and ores and
in varying degrees of mechanisation within these.

There are three main subsets for development heading branches: Aerodynamic,
Thermodynamic and Contaminant-dynamic. Users may select analysis-modes of Aero
& Thermo & Contaminant, Aero & Thermo, Aero & Contaminant or Aero only.
Depending on which analysis-mode is selected, users must consider different input
forms, each of which is discussed below.

The primary selection, when adding a development heading branch component to a

network, is the heading type. The input form for this is shown above:

Development ends are loop elements. This means that, as far as the network is
concerned, the end is close to the start-point of the loop. Notwithstanding this, VUMA-
network utilises the concept of intermediate observation points [IOP’s] to evaluate
environmental conditions at the face. VUMA-network assumes IOP’s to be close to the
advancing face of the development heading concerned and produces a summary of
conditions at these points.

Figure 38: Development headings should have connections on both ends

Aerodynamic input form

The input fields regarding the name and shape of the excavation are self-explanatory.

46
Length: For drill and blast development headings, the length should be in the range of
10m to 100m (check max). The minimum length of the heading must not be less than
the minimum distance between the start and end co-ordinates. Actual length refers to
the length typed in the length box, that the solver will use, and the drawn length refers
to the length of the branch visually.

Inclination: The direction of inclination of the development heading away from the
horizontal [up or down] must be indicated by clicking in the appropriate selection field
and by selecting the desired direction. In addition, VUMA-network requires an
indication of the steepness of the inclination. This is done by selecting a VUMA-network
inclination rating varying from 1 [0° inclination] to 5 [90° inclination]. The latter may be
used for simulating shaft sinking operations.

Mass flow: The air mass flow rate must be entered by typing in the field provided
irrespective of whether the network pressure drop is significant.

Network pressure drop: This is the air pressure drop seen by the network externally to
the development heading. Since auxiliary fans usually ventilate development headings,
this pressure drop is negligible. However, where used, VUMA-network assumes this to
be a fixed function of the end’s and duct length and of any auxiliary fans in the system.

In-heading leakage: This represents the percentage of the air mass used in the
development heading that does not reach the face. VUMA-network uses this leakage,
irrespective of the Vent. Option selected, to establish the conditions at the IOP.

Vent. Options: This option allows the user to define the way in which the development
heading is ventilated. Click to select between force or exhaust auxiliary ventilation - the
latter includes force overlap systems.

Duct diameter: The nominal diameter [mm] of the ventilation duct serving the
development heading must be entered in the field provided. Only one duct is allowed
in each development heading and VUMA-network assumes that the duct extends over
the whole length of the heading.

Mining direction is a visual setting, affecting how the development end stub will be
rendered on screen. It has no bearing on the calculated results.

Thermodynamic input form

Face advance rate is the average monthly face of advance [m/month].

Because of the multitude of different possible scenarios for development headings,

VUMA-network does not evaluate the water vapour transfer component of the total
heat flow independently. Users must specify the outlet dry bulb - wet bulb difference
of air at the outlet node that is required to determine the full outlet psychrometric

47
condition. In mines where service water is ‘freely’ used, values of between 1 °C and 2°C
are considered reasonable. In dry mining conditions, this can be as high as 10 °C to 15°C.

Other heat loads & cool loads allow users to enter a suite of heat loads and cooling loads
from the list below. Specified db-wb difference required for each caters for
enthalpy/moisture ratios in all components. Therefore, users are only required to enter
the heat energy component [positive for a heat source or negative for a heat sink] and
the corresponding Heat-moisture rating from the corresponding drop-down menus:

User-defined inputs can be utilised for any generic heat sources or sinks, users simply
enter this information in kW between the inlet and outlet nodes of this branch.

Equipment, air coolers, auxiliary fans and winches have their own input forms as special
categories of this selection.

Vehicle heat can be entered directly as a user-defined input or by accessing the

equipment active library that provides guidance on typical vehicles, work cycles and heat
rates. This library will return the heat and moisture data relating to selected equipment
directly to the input form.

The effect of any air cooler in the development heading is simply entered as a duty [kW]
that is applied to the face ventilation quantities after the development heading leakage is
subtracted. The cooling water used by the development heading air coolers is considered
additional to the service water flow. Fans operating in conjunction with air coolers must
be treated as auxiliary fans. Further information on air coolers and required water flows;
refer to the VUMA-network Air Cooler Calculator.

Auxiliary fans are secondary ventilation fans mostly linked to development heading air
coolers. This effect is calculated by VUMA-network from the input total rated fan motor
capacity of all secondary fans in the development heading.

Winch operation in development headings creates an overall heat effect that is calculated
by VUMA-network from the input of total rated winch motor capacity of all generally
operational winches in the heading.

Fissure water flow isthe average fissure water ingress into the heading in tons per ton
mined per month [t/t].

Fissure water temperature correction: This is used to determine conditions at the

IOP. Fissure water often enters workings at temperatures close to local virgin rock, but
there are exceptions and VUMA-network allows users to enter a fissure water
temperature correction. A positive entry [ºC] indicates a fissure water temperature above
that of the local virgin rock temperature.

48
Service water flow: Representative of the water quantities used with mining equipment
and watering down that generally flows freely in the workings. The average flow is
specified in tons of water per ton of rock broken in the development heading. This is an
all-time average based on 24-hour day and 30-day month. The effect of water flow in
drains is ignored over the length of the development heading but may be included as a
user-defined heat load.

Service water temperature reaching the face of the development heading must be
entered in the appropriate filed [in °C].

The nominal service water pipe diameter serving each development heading must be
entered [in mm]. VUMA-network assumes this to extend over the full length of the
development heading.

The quality of pipe insulation [if any] may be selected from a set of VUMA-network
pipe insulation ratings. VUMA-network is primarily concerned with simulating
ventilation conditions and not water conditions. Therefore, the development heading
branch should not be used as a tool for evaluating water networks’ performance, as pipe
connections at branch nodes are not continuous.

Contaminant input form

The contaminant inputs include sources of dust or gas experienced in development

headings.

Development heading contaminant source elements model dust or gas loads originating
between the branch inlet and outlet nodes.

Dust levels and the concentration of different gases are analysed by VUMA-network
on a general network basis. Contaminant concentrations are calculated at development
heading outlet nodes based on contaminant load and branch ventilation flow rate. Gases
are assumed to be ideal and inert. Concentrations of similar contaminants are additive
and are tracked by VUMA-network throughout the network.

Users may select one type of dust and up to two types of gas emitters for the same point
element. The source strength may be selected in many units. Click the relevant
dropdown to display the selection in the contaminant drop-down box and select the
appropriate unit. For gases, the entries include concentrations, emission rates and
increases in these across the source [mg/s or l/min or % concentration or ppm]. For
dusts, entries can be in emission rates or as an increase in concentration across the source
[mg/s or mg/m³].

49
 Blast input form

The Blast input form development headings is shown below:

Blast results are estimates only as many
simplifications are used during calculations

Explosive is the type of explosives to be used

Explosive Mass: Mass of explosive in kilograms. (Calculated from explosive charge

factor and face advance)

Face advance: Desired faced advance for blast in meters (Calculated from explosive
charge factor and explosive mass)

Charge factor: Mass of explosives in kilograms over broken rock volume (Calculated
from explosive effectiveness table and rock density)

NOx/CO rate: emission estimations for NOx/CO in kilogram per ton explosives.

50
 Fans

F
ans are network components used to move air in simulated networks. The types
of fans most modelled using VUMA-network are either axial flow or centrifugal
units and are used to move air in mine drives (auxiliary fans) or at the top of
ventilation shafts (main upcast fans). The VUMA-network fan manager allows users to
create and maintain a fan library. Before a fan can be used in a ventilation network it
must be defined in the fan library, which is described later.

F A N
Fan branch editor
B R A N C H E S
The fan characteristic chart graphically
A R E illustrates the data in the table. Total pressure
E L E M E N T S curves are plotted in red, and static pressure
A R E U S E D curves are in blue.
T O I M P A R T
The central panel displays the list of fans in the
E N E R G Y T O
fan library. The fan characteristic curve is
T H E displayed in the right-hand panel in grey. This is
A I R F L O W the manufacturers curve at the reference density
N E T W O R K . and speed.

The fan may be

‘switched’ on or off,
In practice the fan will operate at a different
and if switched off
density and may be run at a speed which will display a
different to the reference speed. resistance category.

The rotational
speed may be varied between 50% and 200% of
the manufacturer’s reference speed, and if a
reference speed has been specified in the fan
manager, the resultant rotational speed will be displayed.

VUMA-network determines the thermodynamic effect of adding energy to the

air stream from the data entered and calculates the air properties at the discharge
of the fan accordingly.

51
Production zones

P
roduction zones are branches that represent areas of a mine where ore is
produced, or minerals are extracted or obtained. VUMA-network allows for a
wide range of mining methodologies including narrow-reef, massive orebodies,
and colliery layouts with different levels of mechanisation and backfill. Users can build
customised stoping and production gallery layouts through selections from eight basic
production zone types and sometimes using tunnel and development headings branches.

Specific selections of basic production zone types are required in the selection input form
shown below:

Production zone types

• Narrow reef stoping

• Drifting [and fill]
• Benching/cutting [and fill]
• Open stoping
• Stope shrinkage
• Vertical crater retreat
• Room and pillar mining
• Coal long wall

Once the basic production zone type selection has been made, and prior to inputting
aerodynamic and geometry and other details, users need to provide information on
different mining methods and mining geometry.

Mining geometry refers to the way in which faces are advanced in narrow reef
production zones. The options offered under this heading are single-sided breast,
double-side breast, up-dip panel advance or down-dip panel advance.

Given the repetitiveness nature of the geometry that production zone units have typically
in a mine, users may use the default option for production zones to construct a unit that
can be inserted at each position in the network.

Once the basic production zone type, mining method and, where applicable, mining
geometry selection has been made, each production zone branch requires further types
of inputs to be ready for inclusion in the network: Aerodynamic, Thermodynamic and
Contaminant-dynamic. Only the Narrow Reef Stoping Production Zone will be
discussed in this document.

52
Aerodynamic input

As an example, a double-sided breast production zone with up-dip ventilation is

demonstrated, other mining geometries of narrow reef stoping are similar and
differences are self-explanatory. This form is used to input all the geometry input. An
active sketch automatically evolves on the right-hand side of the screen as data items are
input.

These parameters are generally self-explanatory, but the following may be of user
assistance:

Vent Option allows users to choose the direction of the airflow between air up-casting
or down-casting through the production zone.

Production zone width or stoping width includes over break.

Face length is the total length of face including the portion of all strike gullies between
the toe of the bottom panel and the top of the uppermost panel. For double-sided
stopes, the actual face length must be entered - VUMA-network will not double the face
length automatically.

In-production zone strike length is the average distance from dip/centre gully and face.
This represents the length of ventilated strike gullies.

53
Figure 39: Production zone editor

Vent control to face distance is representative of the average face area open for air flow
and is the average distance of the ventilation controls from the face. For backfilled
production zones, this is the fill-to-face distance averaged over the full backfill cycle.

Dip gully perimeter is the measure of exposed rock surface at typical dip/centre gully
sections.

Strike gully perimeter is the measure of exposed rock surface at typical strike gully
sections.

Angle of face applies to the Updip and downdip layouts only. This is defined as the
acute angle generated between the production panel and an imaginary line parallel to the
line of dip drawn at the toe of the panel. The angle is measured in the plan view.

Active dip gully length applies to the Updip and downdip layouts. This is defined as the
average length of the dip gully through which the panel must advance to reach the end
of its life.

Aerodynamic pressure drop criteria are evaluated from entered reference pressure loss
[Pa] and mass flow data [kg/s]. In general, it is not practical to calculate production zone
aerodynamic losses from basic friction data and the reference pressure/flow method is
preferred. However, users can obviously utilise the Atkinson approach [or other friction
54
data] by sub-dividing the production zone into several branches [tunnels and point
elements].

In-production zone ventilation, leakage is an important issue that should not be

neglected. This information is entered as % ratio of average mass flow on panel faces to
total mass flow at inlet node. The total flow is joined again at the outlet node.

The effect of leakage is such that the outlet node may not always be the most critical
location. VUMA-network uses the concept of intermediate observation points to define
one critical point within certain types of branch elements where environmental
conditions may be more severe as the result of leakage effects

Thermodynamic input form

The Thermodynamic input form for the narrow reef production zone is shown below.

As an example, a double-sided breast production zone with up-dip ventilation is

demonstrated, other sub-types of narrow reef stoping are similar and differences are self-
explanatory.

55
Heat loads in these production zones are determined from state of-the-art, verified
algorithms based on some three decades of research and development and operational
work. New algorithms account for the effects of advance rates, layouts, rock types, rock
wetness, water temperature and flow rates as well as effects of in-production zone
coolers, equipment and machines and any other specified heat sources or sinks.

Face advance rate is entered as an average monthly advance rate.

The establishment period includes the period during which the raise is developed, any
period during which the raise may have been dormant and equipped [and ledged, if so
desired]. The establishment period is specified in months.

The advance rate and establishment period are used to determine the age of exposure
of various rock surfaces and the corresponding heat energy flux into the excavation.

The status of the stope is selected by clicking on the button to select either the active or
dormant option. Dormant but ventilated production zones are relatively common
[although in the absence of gases, the zone could be sealed-off until required].

VUMA-network calculates heat flow from standing rock without effects of broken
rock, service water and specific mining activities. Users are required to input dormant
period [in days] since the last advance. This information is used to determine the age of
exposure of various rock surfaces. VUMA-network allows users to specify different rock
types for hanging wall, footwall, and orebody in the production zone branch.

Clothing factor: set the clothing factor of the clothes worn by personnel that would be
present in this branch. Input information on this aspect can be obtained from a set of
VUMA-network Clothing factor ratings.

Apart from surrounding rock heat, production zones can experience significant heat
energy fluctuations from other-heat & cool -loads. These may vary during the mining
cycle and users may wish to simulate different parts of the cycle with this facility.
VUMA-network offer the following other-heat & cool -loads options:

User-defined inputs can be utilised for any generic heat sources or sinks, users simply
enter this information as kW between the inlet and outlet nodes of this branch.

Equipment, production zone air coolers, auxiliary fans and winches have their own input
forms as special categories of this selection.

Vehicle heat can be entered directly as a user-defined input or by accessing the

equipment active library that provides guidance on typical vehicles, work cycles and heat
rates. This library will return the heat and moisture data relating to selected equipment
directly to the input form.

56
The effect of production zone air cooler is simply entered as a duty [kW] that is applied
to the face ventilation quantities after the production zone leakage is subtracted. The
cooling water used by the production zone air coolers is considered additional to the
service water flow. For further information on air coolers and required water flows; refer
to the VUMA-network Air Cooler Calculator.

Auxiliary fans are secondary ventilation fans, such as force-overlap duct fans or those
linked to production zone air coolers, whose presence and operation create an overall
heat effect. This effect is calculated by VUMA-network from the input total rated fan
motor capacity of all secondary fans in the production zone.

Winch operation in production zones create an overall heat effect that is calculated by
VUMA-network from the input of total rated winch motor capacity of all generally
operational winches in the production zone.

Fissure water can be a significant heat source that must be considered in the
thermodynamic modelling. Fissure water flow is the average intake of ground water
from rock surrounding the production zone and meeting air in the production zone.
This is specified as tons of water per ton of rock broken [ore and waste] in the production
zone. This is an all-time average based on a 24-hour day and 30-day month. In dry
mines this value is zero while in the wettest mines in the world this value is above 10 t/t.
Values of 4 t/t are high. Fissure water often enters workings at temperatures close to
local virgin rock, but there are exceptions and VUMA-network allows user to input
fissure water temperature corrections. A positive correction [°C] indicates a fissure
water temperature above that of the local virgin rock temperature.

Service water temperature is the average daily temperature of the service water arriving
at the production zone. VUMA-network determines heat flow to/from the water as a
function of flow, rock temperature, face advance and layout.

Because of the multitude of different possible scenarios for production zones, VUMA-
network does not evaluate the water vapour transfer component of the total heat flow
independently. Users must specify the outlet dry bulb - wet bulb difference of air at
the outlet node that is required to determine the full outlet psychrometric condition. In
mines where service water is freely used, values of between 1°C and 2°C are considered
reasonable. In dry mining conditions, this can be as high as 10°C to 15°C.

Contaminant input form

The contaminant inputs include sources of dust or gas experienced between the
production zone inlet and outlet nodes.

Dust levels and the concentration of different gases can be analysed by VUMA-network
on a general network basis. Contaminant concentrations are calculated at production
zone outlet nodes based on contaminant load and branch ventilation flow rate. Gases

57
 are assumed to be ideal and inert. Concentrations of similar contaminants are additive
and are tracked by VUMA-network throughout the network.

Input forms allow specifications for dust and many gases in a variety of measurement
units [mg/s, or Δ mg/m³ for dusts and mg/s or l/min or Δ% concentration or Δ ppm
for gasses].

Control managers

C
ontrol managers are network components that have primary aerodynamic,
thermal or contaminant properties that are specific and that can be controlled
by users.

Control manager elements include leakage paths, regulators,

These elements have no significant physical bends, air crossings, abrupt contraction, and expansions, (all
of these are defined as aerodynamic elements), coolers,
dimensions but contribute significantly to
heaters (thermodynamic elements) and contaminant sources
either the aerodynamic, thermodynamic or and sinks - the latter represented by filters and scrubbers.
contaminant properties of the system.

In a similar fashion to other branch types, control manager elements are also defined in
terms of the primary Aerodynamic, Thermodynamic or Contaminant-dynamic
properties. Some control manager elements also have secondary properties that are
inherent to the network solution but that may not be controlled by the user. For
example, a contaminant sink will reduce the contaminant concentration in the system as
a function of an efficiency introduced by the user, but the user has no way of controlling
the thermodynamic properties of the process. Alternatively, air coolers, are primarily
thermodynamic elements, however, aspects of the air pressure drop across them
(aerodynamic) will be taken into consideration in the full solution.

Aerodynamic Control Elements

The following options are available:

• Leakage path
• Regulator
• Bend
• Air crossing
• Abrupt contraction loss
58
 • Abrupt enlargement loss

Figure 40: Aero control manager form

Leakage Path Control Element

VUMA-network enables users to enter leakage in several ways. Leakage is allowed

between two defined nodes and the user may choose one of several parameters. The
leakage path input screen is shown here:

Users may identify control manager elements by selecting the name field at the top of
the input form and typing the branch name. Selection of any options in this form is made
by pointing and clicking the desired selection button. Users should ensure that the
orientation of the branch element, reflected in green at the bottom right hand corner,
is correct.

The following options are available:

Specified flow

The user may enter the leakage flow between the selected nodes in either m³/s
or kg/s. Click arrow to display the unit selection available and select the desired
unit from the drop-down list. VUMA-network assumes that the flow direction
is the same as that reflected on the branch direction label.

59
 VUMA-network uses the parameters entered to solve the network. A warning
message will be generated if the specified leakage flow direction is not
attainable. In this case the program will assume that the flow is frictionless and
will proceed to complete the network solution.

Percentage of flow

The user may enter the leakage flow as a percentage figure of the total airflow
entering the inlet node to this leakage branch. VUMA-network assumes that
the flow direction is the same as that reflected on the branch direction label.

VUMA-network uses the parameters entered to solve the network. A warning

message will be generated if the specified leakage flow direction is not
attainable. In this case the program will assume that the flow is frictionless and
will proceed to complete the network solution.

Fixed constant resistance

The user may simulate leakage between the two selected nodes by entering the
resistance characterizing the leakage flow. This is done by clicking the resistance
field and entering the flow resistance factor in [Pa per (m³/s)²]. VUMA-network
will use this resistance to establish the leakage value and corresponding
pressure drop irrespective of flow direction.

Measured flow and pressure drop

The user may enter the measured airflow in m³/s and the corresponding
measured pressure drop in Pa to define the leakage between the two selected
nodes. VUMA-network uses these entries to calculate a flow resistance factor
that is used in the solution of the network irrespective of the flow direction.

Regulator control elements

Users are offered the choice of one of the following types of air regulating elements:

User-defined resistance

This option enables users to enter the resistance factor in [Pa per (m³/s) ²].
VUMA-network uses this factor to calculate the pressure drop across the
regulator. This value is used in the solution irrespective of the direction of the
flow.

60
 Fixed flow

Regulation of airflow may be simulated by inserting a fixed

Avoid placing more than one of flow branch. In defining this regulator type the user must
these types of branches in series with stipulate the mass flow rate (kg/s) or the volumetric flow
(m³/s) that VUMA-network will maintain fixed for the
each other in the same mesh as this
solution of the network. Click the arrow to display the unit
may compromise the convergence of selection available and select the desired unit from the
the solution. drop-down list. VUMA-network assumes that the flow
direction is the same as that reflected on the branch
direction label. VUMA-network will use this information in
the solution and return a pressure drop or pressure rise for this branch required
to sustain the specified flow and direction.

Fixed pressure difference

This option allows users to define regulators by fixing the pressure change across
the regulator.

The user must enter the pressure difference - either positive in the direction of
flow or negative to define the opposite direction. VUMA-network assumes that
the flow direction is the same as that reflected on the branch direction label.
VUMA-network will sustain the pressure difference and flow direction for this
regulator while solving of the network in accordance with these entries.

Measured flow and pressure drop

This type of regulator allows the user to enter the pressure drop measured in Pa
across the regulator and the airflow though it in m³/s to establish the flow
resistance factor that VUMA-network will use in the solution of the network.
The resistance is used irrespective of the flow direction.

One-way flow (door)

This option allows users to simulate the effect of ventilation doors or ventilation
brattices in the network.

The user must enter the pressure drop in Pa and air flow in m3/s through the
doors or brattices. The corresponding flow resistance factor is calculated using
these entries and is used by VUMA-network in the solution of the network.
VUMA-network assumes that the flow direction is as reflected on the branch
direction label.

61
VUMA-network will return an error message if the specified flow direction of
the leakage flow is not attainable and will solve the network using the reverse
flow condition.

Duct piece through wall

This option allows users to enter information regarding regulators constructed

using circular or rectangular flanged ducts through walls or through airlocks.

Duct shape: The user may select the duct to be rectangular or circular in cross
section by clicking on the desired button. Following this selection, the user must
also enter are the diameter of a circular duct or the height and width of a
rectangular duct in metres.

Duct length: The length of the whole duct must also be entered in metres in the
appropriate field.

Inlet flange hydraulic diameter: VUMA-network assumes that the inlet flange
is circular. Where this is not the case, the user should calculate the inlet flange’s
hydraulic diameter. The user should enter the actual or hydraulic diameter of the
inlet flange in metres in the appropriate field. If omitted, VUMA-network will
assume that the inlet flange diameter is the same as the duct diameter.

Outlet flange diameter: VUMA-network assumes that the outlet flange is

circular. Where this is not the case, the user should calculate the outlet flange’s
hydraulic diameter. The user should enter the actual or hydraulic diameter of the
outlet flange in metres in the appropriate field. If omitted, VUMA-network will
assume that the outlet flange diameter is the same as the duct diameter.

Tunnel reduced cross-section

This option should be used where regulators consist of brick, concrete or timber
walls built in a tunnel, effectively reducing the cross-sectional area available for
airflow.

The user must enter the tunnel diameter, if circular in cross-section, or the
tunnel’s width and height for rectangular cross-sections. The fraction of the
open area, as a percentage of the tunnel’s total area is entered in the appropriate
field. If omitted, VUMA-network will assume this to be 100%.

62
Thermodynamic Control Elements

Users may identify control manager elements by selecting the name field at the top of
the input form and typing the branch name. Selection of any option in this and
subsequent forms is made by pointing and clicking the desired selection option.
Thermodynamic Control elements fall into one of two groupings:

Coolers

Users are offered the following choice the air cooler input properties:

Fixed duty

The user is prompted to use the cooling duty in kW and the air pressure drop
across the cooler in Pa. The user may consult the Cooler Active Catalogue to
access information on coolers that may be selected and transferred to the
program. VUMA-network will use this information to calculate the air
conditions at the cooler’s outlet as well as the aerodynamic properties within the
network.

Fixed outlet condition

The user is required to enter the outlet wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures in
°C as well as the air pressure drop across the cooler in Pa. VUMA-network will
use this information to calculate the cooler’s duty and aerodynamic properties
within the network.

Heat loads

Users are offered the following choice of control point elements that add heat energy to
the airflow:

User defined

The user is prompted to enter the heating duty of this element in kW, together
with the pressure drop across it in Pa. The user should also select a suitable heat-
moisture rating from the drop-down box according to the heater component
characteristics. These vary from dry to fully wet.

General equipment

This option allows users to access VUMA’s general equipment active catalogue.
This allows the selection of a variety of mining equipment, including vehicles,
which are assumed to be operational in this branch and return values of heat

63
energy and enthalpy moisture ratios to the program. Note that development
headings and production areas branches can access the general equipment active
catalogue directly and that this option should be used for other branch types

Pump stations

Users may enter the motor rating in kW of all operational units in a pump
station. VUMA-network will return the effective heat energy and enthalpy
/moisture ratio for this point element automatically to the program.

Refrigeration stations

Users may enter the motor rating in kW of all operational units in a refrigeration
station. VUMA-network will return the effective heat energy and
enthalpy/moisture ratio for this point element automatically to the program.

Hoists and winders

Users may enter the motor rating in kW of all operational units in an

underground hoist room. VUMA-network will return the effective heat energy
and enthalpy/moisture ratio for this point element automatically to the program.
Note that no air pressure drop may be entered for this option.

Crushers

Users may enter the motor rating in kW of all operational units in an

underground crusher station. VUMA-network will return the effective heat
energy and enthalpy /moisture ratio for this point element automatically to the
program.

Auxiliary fans

Users may enter the motor rating in kW of auxiliary fans. VUMA-network will
return the effective heat energy and enthalpy /moisture ratio automatically for
this point element to the program. Note that this option allows for the
thermodynamic effect of auxiliary fans in general atmospheres near such fans.
Therefore, the concept of atmospheric pressure variations is not applicable.

Substations

Users may enter the nominal rating in kW of all operational units in an

underground electrical substation. VUMA-network will return the effective heat
energy and enthalpy /moisture ratio for this point element automatically to the
program.

64
Contaminant Control Elements

Users may choose one these options:

• Contaminant source

• Contaminant sink

Users may identify control manager elements by selecting the name field at the top of
the input form and typing the branch name. Selection of any option in this and other
forms is made by pointing and clicking the desired selection button. Users should ensure
that the orientation of the branch element, reflected in green at the bottom right hand
corner, is correct.

If users require using more than one of these components in series, or in series with
other control manager elements (such as coolers, for example) they should repeat the
branch add selection for each additional component.

Users may select from a pre-determined list of gases and dust. The list will appear by
clicking on the drop-down box in the input screen above. The selected pollutant will be
entered in the window below the drop-down box once the selection in completed.
VUMA-network will accept up to two gases and dust in a source or a sink.

N
odes are simply dimensionless junction points for branches. Mass balance and
energy balance are maintained at every node.

Each branch is Each node has a set of co-ordinates. The geometric co-ordinates
connected are used for accurate modelling and to calculate or verify lengths of
between two branches. The virgin rock temperature is calculated for each specific
nodes and any node using the global geothermal gradient data. The user can
number of overwrite the value in the node input form. The temperatures
branches can be declared at nodes are the resultant mixed air temperatures from the
connected to any inflow branches.
one node

65
Reference drawings
Overview

R
eference drawings are drawings imported from various sources (for
instance AutoCAD, DataMine, MicroStation, Deswik, MineRP) that act as
a reference of the actual (or planned) mine layout. These drawings greatly
assist in the visualising of the mine layout and ensuring that the layout is
representative of the actual layout.

Figure 41: Supported reference drawing formats

When choosing to import a DWG/DXF reference, the user must select whether he/she
wishes to edit the drawing first. If Yes, the drawing will be loaded in a separate form,
where basic editing can take place (Hiding of layers and deleting individual or blocks of
entities). You can also choose to discard all none-line entities, such as text, circles and
solid shapes (meshes).

Figure 42: Reference drawing editor

66
You can also choose the import existing references from a different VUMA model by
clicking on the VUMA icon.

Figure 43: Reference drawing showing an open pit

Exporting

VUMA-network allows you to export your VUMA model to the AutoCAD DWG
format. Click on the “.dwg” button on the “Reference >> Export” tab.

VUMA-libraries

L
ibraries refer to catalogues, data tables and other information. Libraries
transfer information directly to the input forms and solver routines. The user
can add to or delete information from the library, but VUMA-network
provides basic or typical data. Some library elements have guidance-type
functionality.

Libraries within VUMA-network include:

• Fan library
• Rock properties
• Air cooler catalogue
• Frictional resistance data
• Vehicle library
• Profiles

67
Figure 44: Libraries tab

68
 Rock library

R
ock property data is called for when entering branch data for tunnels, stopes,
shafts and development headings. The following specifies the general thermal
rock properties:

k = conductivity W/m °C

ρ = rock density kg/m³

C ρ = specific heat J/kg °C

A unique name must also be given to the rock type and this is used to identify the
parameters in the library when specifying a rock type for a branch in the network.

Some of typical parameters, which are included in the standard library, are given below.

Name Conductivity k Density Specific heat Diffusivity

Cp [J/kg °C]
[W/m °C] [kg/m3] [m²/s]

Ventersdorp 3,1 2850 878 1.24e-6

Quartzite 5,74 2690 837 2,55e-6

Norite 2,63 3024 750 1,16e-6

A high diffusivity means that heat flows more rapidly from the rock (the
rock mass gives up its heat more readily).

It is advisable to use specific rock conditions for local conditions, for example, main
shafts and intakes might be in some general 'mother' rock, drives might be in a different
type of rock and the production zones in yet another. Where possible, specific values
for each of the different types should be entered.

69
In some production zones, the hanging wall and footwall can be in different rock.
VUMA-network allows for this to be accounted for if specific data is input.

Figure 45: Rock library editor

Fan library

T
he VUMA-network fan library allows users to create and maintain a fan
library. Before a fan can be used in a ventilation network it must
be defined in the fan library. This is done by activating the fan library
from “Libraries >> Fans” and inserting a new fan into the table.

When a new fan is inserted, default parameters are automatically defined for the new fan.
The user must then edit these to suit the proposed new fan.

The following parameters are required to define the fan:

• Name
• Volume, m³/s
• Pressure, Pa
• Density, kg/m³

70
Once these are defined, a fan curve must be entered (Press the Edit curve button or
double click on the new fan to activate the Curve editor). A fan curve must be specified
by at least three operating points with the following parameters.

• Volume flow, m³/s

• Pressure, Pa
• Efficiency, %
• Motor power, kW

The program automatically calculates the operating motor power and the efficiency from
the operating point specified. As a network solution is found, the fan operating point is
updated by linear interpolation.

The name given to the fan can be used to identify the fan in any branch in the current
network.

Figure 46: Fan library editor

71
 Air cooler catalogue

T
he air cooler design program calculates the cooling duties,
outlet air temperatures and air pressure drop across air
coolers. The following generic types of air coolers are
considered:

• Direct contact horizontal spray chambers

• Direct contact vertical spray towers
• Direct contact cross flow packed air coolers
• Direct contact counter flow packed air coolers
• Indirect contact finned tubed air coolers [cooling coils]

Weather data

S
urface climatic conditions play an important role in determining the conditions
that will be experienced throughout the underground mine network. This is
particularly critical when evaluating hot mines with cooling systems as well as
cold mines [with heating systems]. Note that VUMA-network psychrometric
analyses allow both sub-zero and high temperature evaluations.

VUMA-network calls for reference surface weather data in the form of wet-bulb
temperature [°C], dry-bulb temperature [°C] and barometric pressure [kPa].

Climatic conditions can vary significantly from place to place, sometimes even in the
same general mining area. Hence, VUMA-network has made no attempt to generalise
or provide definitive lists of reference climatic data for all mining areas throughout the
world [although this is a future aim of the VUMA-network team].

Ideally, reference climatic conditions should be derived from

In preference, use should be made of averaged statistical analysis of specific local weather data gathered over
a period. This data is often available in the form of hourly
hot [or cold] data in accordance with the
wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures and users are advised to
probability of these conditions occurring and consult the local weather office. This data should then be
their probable duration analysed to give suitable ‘reference values’ depending on the
application.

There is a common tendency to use absolute maxima [or minima] but, because of
significant thermal damping effects within intake systems, this is often incorrect and can
lead to serious over-design. Often, daily average hourly data are also not applicable as
general reference conditions because they mask the hot [or cold] conditions.

72
In preference, use should be made of averaged hot [or cold] data in accordance with the
probability of these conditions occurring and their probable duration. There is a need to
describe the hot part of typical hot days in summer [or typical cold days in winter]. Data
is often available [or can be analysed], such as the 5% day which means that this
temperature limit will only be exceeded for periods of about 450 hrs [5%] of the year.

Appropriate design and reference conditions for mine network studies will be between
2.5% and 7.5% days depending on the extent of the intake system and degree of thermal
damping. This logic applies to ventilation in mine networks and will not always be
applicable to refrigeration system components such as cooling towers and care must be
taken in this regard.

In the absence of any weather data, use can be made of the fact that daily
temperature averages occur at 09:00 and 18:00 and maxima at about 14:00
to 15:00. Some basic information can be gained by gathering specific mine data
at these times and assuming a trend between these conditions.

73
Friction resistance

F
riction resistance data is called for when entering branch data for tunnels, shafts,
and development headings.:

Atkinson factor

The user can also specify the airway resistance using the Atkinson K factor from the
relationship:

P = K.L.C.Q²/A³.w/1,2
where

P = pressure drop (Pa),

L = airway length (m),

C = airway perimeter (m),

Q = air quantity (m³/s),

A = airway area (m²),

w = air density (kg/m³) and

1, 2 = standard air density (kg/m³).

Care must be taken in specifying the K-factor because of the direct relationship between
the pressure drop and the resistance as a 50 % error in K would result in a 50 % error in
the pressure drop.

Typical Atkinson K values are given in the following table. K (N.s²/m4)

Shafts

concrete lined - No steelwork 0,004

concrete lined - streamlined 0,0045 - 0,025

buntons

concrete lined - RSJ buntons 0,0075 - 0,060

74
Tunnels

concrete lined - smooth 0,0037

unlined - uniform sides 0,0121

unlined - irregular sides 0,0158

unlined - raise bored hole 0,0029

75
Airborne contaminants/atmospheric pollutants

T
he following provides general information regarding typical contaminants in
underground mines.

Diesel Emissions

Recommended ventilation rate to cater for diesel emissions:

The general rule is 0.06 m³/s per kW of rated capacity at point of operations [for
example, in a section with diesel mechanisation of 22 kW per kt/month, minimum
airflow for diesel dilution will be 1.32 m³/s per kt/month.

Typical fuel consumption:

250 g/kWh or 0.3 litre/kWh or 550 kg/h or 660 litre/h per 100 kt/month in trackless
sections [based op required capacity of 22 kW per kt/Month].

Contamination rate:

Given in g/kWh for gaseous and particulate contaminants as shown in tables below:

For example:
5 g/kWh (CO) for a 50 kW machine = 250 g/hr
OR
2.5 * 105 mg CO per hour of operation

Divide mg/h of operation by ventilation rate in m³/hr to determine concentration in

mg/m³.

Air Quality Index:

Two Air Quality Indices apply, one for gases (including NO2), and one for particulates
(including RCD, SO2 and NO2):
AQIgas = [CO]/TLVCO + [NO]/TLVNO + NO2/TLVNO2,
AQIparticulate = 3([RCD]/TLVRCD) + [SO2]/TLVSO2 + [NO2]/TLVNO2, and
AQItotal = CO/50 + NO/25 + DPM/2 + 1.5[SO2/3 + DPM/2] + 1.2[NO2/3 +
DPM/2]
where [CO], [NO], [SO2] and [NO2] and their respective TLVs are measured in ppm,
and [RCD] is measured in mg/m³.

AQItotal should be less than 1.

76
 Source or Activity Contaminant Contaminant rate relative to source/activity

Drilling Respirable mineral dust 0.42-0.56 g/hr

Continuous Miner, Road Header, Shearer: Good dust control: 3-5 mg/m³

Mechanised Rock Breaking Respirable coal dust Average dust control: 6-9 mg/m³

Poor dust control: 10-20 mg/m³

Mechanical loading: 6-8 mg/m³

Respirable coal dust
Hand loading: 2-3 mg/m³

Mechanical loading: 3-5 mg/m³

Cleaning and Loading
Hand loading: 0.5-1 mg/m³
Respirable mineral dust
Scraping: 0.5-1.5 mg/m³

Water-jetting: 2-4 mg/m³

Respirable coal dust Trackless: 3-5 mg/m³

Tramming and Hauling Track-bound: 0.5-1 mg/m³

Respirable mineral dust
Trackless: 4-6 mg/m³

Respirable coal dust Transfer points: 6-8 mg/m³

Tipping
Respirable mineral dust Ore transfer chutes, main tips: 0.5-1.5 mg/m³

U/G Mineral Processing Respirable mineral dust Crushing and milling: 3-5 mg/m³

CO 5 g/kWh

CO2 900 g/kWh

Diesel mechanisation [exhaust
emissions] NOx 16 g/kWh

Hydrocarbons 2,5 g/kWh

RCD (soot) 5,1 g/kWh

SO2 1,2 g/kWh

77
Vehicle library

T
he vehicle library allows you to set up individual vehicles in detail.
You can add new vehicles, edit an existing vehicle, delete a vehicle,
delete all unused vehicles, save your vehicle library to file, load a
vehicle library file, or import vehicles from the global library.

Figure 47: Editing a vehicle in the vehicle library

78
To add a vehicle to the library, follow these steps:
1. Click the ‘Add new vehicle’ button
2. Enter a custom description
3. Enter the vehicle manufacturer
4. Enter the vehicle model name
5. Select a category that this vehicle belongs to
6. Select the vehicle’s engine type
7. Enter the vehicle’s rated power (if you select a dual engine you will need to
supply both a diesel rated power and an electric rated power)
8. Select the sulphur content that this vehicle produces (Default: < 10 ppm)
9. Select the engine tier for this vehicle (Default: Tier 3)
10. Enter the MSHA rating for this vehicle (Default: 0.06)
11. Enter the vehicle DPM value (Default: 0.2)
12. Enter the vehicle’s fuel consumption (Default: 0.3)
13. Enter the vehicle’s CO yield (Default: 4)
14. Enter the vehicle’s NOx yield (Default: 7)
15. Click on ‘Save vehicle’ to save the vehicle

To edit a vehicle in the library, follow these steps:

1. Select the vehicle you want to edit from the vehicle list at the top
2. Edit the values that you want to change
3. Click on ‘Update vehicle’ to save the updated values for this vehicle

To delete a specific vehicle in the library, follow these steps:

1. Select the vehicle you want to delete from the vehicle list at the top
2. Click on ‘Delete vehicle’
3. Confirm your choice in the popup that will be displayed

To delete all unused vehicle in the vehicle library, follow these steps:
1. Click on ‘Delete all unused vehicle’
a. This will delete all vehicles that have not been assigned to branches in
your model
2. Confirm your choice in the popup that will be displayed

To save your vehicle library to file or import vehicles from a file, follow these steps:
1. Click on the ‘Vehicle library options’ button at the bottom of the form
2. Select the option you want to use (Save to file, import from file, import from
global library)
3. Select the location of the file from the dialog that popped up
4. If Importing:
a. Select the vehicles from the new display screen that will popup
b. Once your selection is complete, click the ‘Import’ button.

79
Adding a vehicle to a branch

O
nce you have setup all the individual vehicles you will use in your
model, you can open the Tunnel, Stope and Dev-end branch forms
to add the new vehicles to your model.

Figure 48: Adding vehicles to a branch

To add vehicles to a branch, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Thermo tab at the bottom of the branch editor form
2. Navigate to the Vehicles tag inside the Thermo tab
3. Click on ‘Active’ to enable the section
4. Select the vehicle you would like to add to this branch (You can also click on the
magnifier glass to search for a specific vehicle)
5. If the vehicle has a ‘dual engine’
a. Select its current work mode by clicking or moving the slider to ‘Diesel’
or ‘Electric’
6. Enter the number of vehicles of this type currently working on this branch
7. Select the work rate for these vehicles (This will alter the rate of power and heat
load on this branch. The multiplier is shown in the drop-down menu)
8. If you would like to add a new vehicle click on the + button on the top right
side of the vehicle section
9. When you are completed, you will be able to see the heat load of all the vehicles
assigned to this branch

80
To delete vehicles from a branch, follow these steps:
1. If you have more than one vehicle
a. You can delete vehicles by clicking on the x button on the left side of
the vehicle.
2. Please note that you cannot delete the very first vehicle selected. In order to
delete all vehicles from this branch; Disable the ‘Active’ check box on the
Vehicles tab. This will clear all vehicles on this branch.
3. Click ‘OK’ to save the changes made to this branch

81
Solution methods

S
olving a model is the process whereby all the inputs are passed to the
solution engine, which will then in turn attempt to balance the air flows and
calculated the psychrometric properties of the air.

VUMA-network calculates temperature, humidity, dust, and gas

concentrations simultaneously, accounting for natural ventilation effects
and density changes.

Primary solution methods:

• Aerodynamic only
• Thermodynamic
• Aero & Contaminants only
• Full solution

Depending on the current state of the model,

it might be easier to try and achieve a
complete Aerodynamic solution before
moving on to attempting a Thermo or even
a Contaminant solve.

Additional solution methods:

• Blast clearance
• Condensation
• Quick solve

82
Dashboards

D
ashboards allows the user to quickly view a summary of certain elements
of a mine, like fans or vehicles. The dashboards can be accessed from the
Home >> Dashboards sections, or via the Explorer tab toolstrip.

Figure 49: Dashboard section on the Home tab

Fix flows and regulators dashboard

F
Ixed flow control managers are extremely useful, as they allow the user to quickly
set a required airflow through a section of the mine. The caveat though it that the
pressure rise (or drop) required to achieve the desired quantity might fall outside
the boundaries of normal fan / regulator – and thus it is recommend to reduce the
number of fixed to zero by eventually replacing them with fans and regulators, that will
change performance in line with the overall system quantity and resistance.

In order to speed up the process of changing from a fix flow to a regulator – the user
can make use the fix flow and regular dashboards.

Figure 50: Regulator airflow checkmark in the control manager editor

83
The process is as follows:

1. Ensure the regulator airflow checkmark is checked

2. Ensure the model is solved successfully.

3. Open the dashboard.

4. Select the required branch to convert from either the fixed flows tab or the
regulators tab and click on the Change button.

Figure 51: Regulator and fix flow dashboard

If the selected fix flow has a negative pressure drop (i.e. a pressure rise) it cannot
be converted to a regulator – since the fix flow is acting as a fan.

84
Massflow balances and leakages dashboards

M
assflow balances and leakages dashboard allows the user to quickly view the
distribution and balance of airflow throughout the model. The dashboard is
subdivided into several separate pages.

Massflow balance page

On this page – the user can see the where air is entering and leaving the model. If the
model has successfully solved, these values will be equal. Clicking on a row will take the
user to the specified branch.

Figure 52: Massflow balance

85
Commitments and leakages page

Before making use of these dashboard pages – the user will need to mark the relevant
controls managers as either leakage or commitments.

Leakages are defined as air that

perform no useful work – i.e.
they do not assist in ventilating
workshops or stopes, whereas
commitments are defined as
air that perform useful work
(like ventilating a workshop or
pump station) without reaching
an active workplace.

Figure 53: Setting a control manager as a commitment

When marking a branch as a commitment or leakage – an optional airflow quantity may

also be added. This value is not used in the calculations – but serve as an indication of
the expected amount of airflow – for easy reference later. After marking the relevant
controls – the user can view the total amount of allowed leakages and commitments in
the model. VUMA will check each marked branch – and warn the user if the branch is
not a true leakage or commitment (because the air passes through a workplace) or if the
path has already been marked as a leakage or commitment.

Figure 54: Leakages page

86
In | Out page

Before making use of the In|Out dashboard page – the user will need to mark the
relevant branches as In or Out branches. These branches refer to actual measuring
points in the mine – and will assist during the calibration part of modelling. Also referred
to as an Up & Down survey. Branches can be marked from the right-click context menu,
or via die Mark dropdown section (see below).

Figure 55: Marking the branch as an In measurement

Figure 56: In | Out page

87
Air utilization

Before making use of the Air utilization dashboard page – the user will need to mark
the relevant branches as leakages or commitment branches.

88
System resistance

Note that the system resistance curve is only indicative at this stage

89
Reporter

T
he VUMA reporter is a powerful mass editor and viewer, and is divided into 3
main sections, namely:

• Input
• Output
• Summaries

The input sections display the detail for each branch type in an easy-to-read column
mode. By multiselecting and then right-clicking – the user can update several branches
at once. Note that only a single column is editable at a time.

The average, count and sum labels in the button toolbar will update as the selection
changes.

Figure 57: Multi-select input values to edit simultaneously

90
 The output section of the reporter contains the last calculated values for the different
branch types.

O U T P U T

V A L U E S A R E

N O T

E D I T A B L E

Figure 58: Output section of the reporter with grouped columns

Columns can be grouped by dragging the

column headers up (see top image).
Similarly, values can be filtered by
clicking on the “Contains” section below the
column name and setting the required filter
values.

91
Figure 59: Setting custom filters

The summary sections contain a wealth of collated data. The data can be view on a
global level or broken down per branch type. Before using these reports – ensure that
the model has solved successfully, and that the air types (intake / return) was set
correctly.

Figure 60: Reporter summary page

92
Fan Dashboard

T
he fan dashboard allows you to see all the fans and fix flows in your model in
one place. By selecting a fan from the list – you can also view the current fan’s
performance, as well as inputs relating to its status and speed ratio. Furthermore,
you can easily convert a fan to a fix flow, or vice versa, by using the buttons on the
bottom toolbar.

Figure 61: Fan dashboard

93
Vehicle Dashboard

T
he vehicle dashboard allows you to see all the vehicles on your model in one
place. Here you can see if the MSHA rating has been passed, the total vehicle
heat load in your model, number of vehicles, vehicle types, moisture ratings etc.
You also can remove or edit the selected vehicles.

94
Histogram Dashboard

H
istograms are charts that shows frequencies for. intervals of values of a metric
variable. Such intervals as known as “bins” and they all have the same width.
The histogram feature in VUMA allows the users to view the breakdown of
temperatures in tunnels and working places.

The design value and chart format can be set from the Chart options button.

Stope values can be displayed based on Face temperatures (worst case condition in
furthest panel) or Reject temperatures (outlet condition of stope). The reject
temperature is typically lower than the Face condition.

Clicking on a “bin” will allow you to jump to branches matching the criteria.
Use the viewing control options to customize this behaviour.

95
Cooler Dashboard

T
he cooler dashboard allows the user to view all the coolers in the model in one
place. Selecting a cooler from the list will jump to the specified branch in the
viewer. Coolers can be edited directly from the dashboard using the “Edit
selection” button. Data can be exported to Excel using the Export button.

Figure 62: Edit coolers inside the dashboard

The user can include “Optional cooler design” properties. These properties relate to
the water usage of the coolers. The results can be viewed on the following pages of the
cooler dashboard.

Figure 63: Cooler dashboard

96
Chilled water usage

The chilled water usage page splits the water usage based on distribution per level and
layers. Hovering over a slice in the pie graph will show the value in l/s.

Figure 64: Chilled water usage

The remaining two pages allows for further breakdown on water usage.

97
Heat load Graphs Dashboard

T
he heat load graphs dashboard displays the various heating and cooling elements
in chart format. Ensure that the model is fully solved before interrogating the
data.

Branches marked as dedicated returns are not included in these graphs.

Heating/cooling loads

Figure 65: Heating/cooling loads

Cooling loads are distributed into 3 categories

• Primary cooling: Any surface cooler
• Secondary cooling: Any other cooler above 1 MW
• Tertiary cooling: All other coolers

98
Energy balance

The energy balance graph displays heating versus cooling elements in a waterfall graph
format.

Two things to remember:

• Set the required design reject value

• Set the required calculation type depending on the model requirement

Figure 66: Configuring the graphs

Figure 67: Energy balance waterfall graph

99
 Development end dashboard

The development end dashboard gives an overview of all development end branches in
the network. In addition, it also shows the vent column lengths and leakages (if defined)
and notes regarding the amount of available air vs the design input

Figure 68: Development end dashboard

In order to make use of the vent column length and leakage fields – the user must first
specify the duct column start ID from inside the development end branch editor [by
clicking on the Pick button and then selecting the branch where the vent column starts].

Figure 69: Setting the vent column start branch inside the development end branch
editor

100
 The Highlight button will colour the vent column of the selected development for easy
identification (see below)

Figure 70: Highlighting a vent column

101
Modelling principles
• It is importance to have accurate design/operational tools
o Size of mines make it impossible to do manually
o Cost implications – deeper, more extended mines have higher costs
o Less staff with less time is available and higher skills are required

• VUMA-network was developed as an interactive network simulation software

package for the simultaneous study of heat loads and ventilation requirements
in mines. It is ultimately designed for the planning and design of current and
future mine ventilation and cooling systems.

• Any simulation software consists of Input-Solution-Output

o Accuracy of results depends on input
o Actions resulting from simulation depends on interpretation
o VUMA is accurate - therefore the confidence of user is dependent on
the accuracy of the inputs

• Differences between VUMA-network and other vent/cooling software:

o Airflow and heat flow are simulated simultaneously, and the mutual
influence is considered
o Mining methods and branch types are typical to hot underground mines
o VUMA categories are used to make the software practical

• What is VUMA-network used for?

o Planning and design of new mines or sections to determine
vent/cooling requirements
o What-if analysis for changeovers, planning and design
o Optimisation of current vent/cooling networks
o Dust and gas tracing
o Blast clearance optimization
o Fire modelling
o Fault finding and problem solving

• Review of VUMA-network concepts:

o The Hardy-cross method demands a closed loop network [return
connected to intake]
o Each network has a starting point [root node] where the temperature
and pressure are fixed
o Networks consist of nodes & branches
o Branch inputs [characteristics] consist of:
▪ Aerodynamic inputs which govern the resistance and thus the
pressure drop of a branch [size, shape, friction]

102
 ▪Thermodynamic inputs which govern the heat added or
subtracted from the mass of air passing through the branch
[also influence the moisture content]
o An extensive help function is available – make use of it

The modelling guide

• Gather ALL input data required
• Construct a wire frame diagram of the ventilation network and indicate primary
airflow quantities [upcast, downcast, and connections to other mines/ shafts,
and approximate intake/return quantities per level]
• Customise the active libraries for the specific mine [fan, rock type, and vehicle
libraries]
• Set the default global settings for the specific mine [BP, VRT and rock
properties]
• Set the defaults for branches [aero, thermo] to minimise effort when
constructing the network
• Start by naming and saving the network file – it is critical to use a naming
convention to ensure back-ups and for future reference
• Construct the network level by level [complete input data per branch as they are
created] and solve as soon as possible – although the results will probably be
meaningless, this will indicate errors early on and will help when the complete
network must be solved
• Base VUMA categories [such as wetness rating] on experience – these are fine-
tuned when the model is calibrated
• Solve and balance the airflow network
• Solve and ‘balance’ the heat and airflow model [coolers are added/removed
here]
• Once the completed network is solved, the user needs to ‘calibrate’ the network,
especially thermo calculations, by comparing with measurements
• One should always solve the airflow first and then the thermo to prevent over-
heating or cooling in low flow branches
• The VUMA reporter is used to analyse input and output data, including a sorting
function
• Data can be exported to a spreadsheet for additional data manipulation (graphs,
additional calculations, etc.)

103
 Hints and tips

A
lways remember the 3P’s - Plan, plan and plan. The better a user is prepared,
the easier will it be to build and solve a network. Planning includes devising a
clear and detailed layout of the mine or section to be modelled, as well as
obtaining all the relevant input data that is required, such as rock properties, excavation
dimensions, fan specifications etc.

Always remember the 3C’s - Check, check and re-check. Due to the vast amount of
input data that goes into an accurate simulation model, mistakes can be made easily. The
input data summaries available in the reporter help a lot to detect input data errors.

Never attempt to build a complete mine network before solving for the first time. Try
to build the network per level and solve regularly. Even if the intermediate results
are not representative, this habit will save a lot of time and effort.

Calibrate VUMA-network for a specific mine. Parameters such as wetness rating,

service and fissure water flow rates, and linear heat are difficult to determine or judge. A
two-branch network consisting of for instance just a production zone and a fixed flow
control branch to provide a certain flow rate can be used to set the relevant parameters.
Using survey data, these parameters are adjusted to obtain results that correlate with
underground measurements and will give the user a good feel for when new sections of
a mine are planned, and measured data is not available. Even k-factors can be calibrated
in this way.

Make use of VUMA’s help facilities. They are comprehensive and will assist users at
the point in the program where the help is invoked.

Remember that the accuracy of the results can only be

Think practically. VUMA-network is as good as the accuracy of the input data.
intended for users with fair knowledge of Make sure that the VUMA-network model represents the
and experience in mine ventilation and real mine network as closely as possible. Try, however, to
cooling. These should be utilised when limit the number of branches used in a network by
simulating a network and especially when simplifying sections where the results are not really required.
interpreting results. A good example is long twin haulage with numerous sealed-
off connecting cross-cuts - don’t include them all, but rather
break such a long intake into fewer sections and simulate any
compound leakage at the breaking points.

Setting the default values for specific branch types can save a lot of time and
effort.

104
Save regularly. While building a network and when performing what-if studies, save
regularly to a new file. For example, start with a file called model 01 and then save to
model 02, model 03 and so on. This will ensure that the user can access a previous,
correct, or solvable version of the network in the case of a mistake or when the network
is not solving. Keep a detail log of the different versions of networks saved in sequential
files.

VUMA-network uses the Hardy-Cross method to solve the airflow in the

network. This means that any network to be simulated MUST NOT contain an
unconnected node [You can add a virtual branch by making use of the “Connected to
start node”]. Although it may seem strange to connect the top of the up-cast shaft to the
top of the downcast shaft via a fan or control manager branch, the first node of the
downcast shaft is normally the start node, meaning that the outlet thermodynamic
conditions of the fan branch’s outlet do not affect those of the air entering the mine.

The connected to start node option will automatically add an invisible 0 (zero) pressure
branch to the start node when solving.

The inlet and outlet nodes of development headings must be connected to rest of the
network. Remember that these nodes depict the physical positions of the entrance and
exit to the development heading.

To simulate a network correctly:

• Build the network, entering the data of branches as soon as each is generated,
• Solve the airflow and obtain the correct airflow balance.

105
Index

Active dip gully length, 49 Blast, 45

Add duct mode, 34 Branch merge mode, 34

advance rate, 51 Branch select mode, 34

aerodynamic, 4 branches, 3

Aerodynamic Control Elements, 53 Calibrate, 88

Aerodynamic pressure loss, 35 Charge factor, 45

Age, 36 Climatic conditions, 67

air cooler, 52 Clothing factor, 51

Air cooler catalogue, 67 conductivity, 64

Air Quality Index, 71 connected to start node, 38, 89

Airborne contaminants, 71 Contaminant concentrations, 37

Angle of face, 49 Contaminant sink, 60

Atkinson, 35, 38, 49, 69 Contaminant source, 60

Auxiliary fans, 52, 59 Contamination rate, 71

Billboards, 11 Control managers, 53

106
Crushers, 59 Fixed flow, 56

custom, 16 Fixed outlet condition, 58

Delete mode, 34 Format mode, 34

density changes, 77 format painter, 9, 10

Diesel Emissions, 71 Friction resistance, 69

Dip gully perimeter, 49 General equipment, 58

Display settings, 5 global geothermal gradient, 60

door, 56 Hardy-Cross, 89

Drain heat, 37 Hide low flow range, 8

Drawing branches, 30 High DPI, 3

Duct piece through wall, 57 Hoists and winders, 59

ducts, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40 Inclination, 42

edit an existing branch, 31 In-heading leakage, 42

establishment period, 51 In-production zone strike length, 48

Explosive, 45 In-production zone ventilation, 50

Explosive Mass, 45 Insert a vertical branch, 38

Exporting, 62 Insert default control manager mode, 34

Face advance rate, 51 Invert legend, 8

Face length, 48 leakage, 37, 40, 50, 52, 53, 88

Fan branch editor, 46 Leakage Path, 54

Fan library, 65 level variation, 32

fan operating point, 66 levels, 31

Fissure water, 52 Libraries, 62

Fixed constant resistance, 55 Magnet join mode, 34

Fixed duty, 58 Measured flow and pressure drop, 55

107
meshes, 61 rock density, 64

Mining direction, 42 Rock library, 64

Mining geometry, 47 rotational speed, 46

Moving branches and nodes, 33 screenshots, 15

Narrow reef stoping, 47 Service water, 52

natural ventilation, 77 Shafts, 38

Network pressure drop, 42 Solution methods, 77, 78

Node snap to sensitivity, 8 specific heat, 64

NOx/CO rate, 45 Specified flow, 54

One-way flow, 56 spray chambers, 67

outlet dry bulb - wet bulb gap, 52 status, 51

P = K.L.C.Q²/A³.w/1,2, 69 steady-state, 4

Percentage of flow, 55 sticky text, 18

Pipe heat, 37, 39 Strike gully perimeter, 49

Production zone width, 48 Substations, 59

Production zones, 47 Surface coverings, 36

Pump stations, 59 Surface wetness, 36, 39

Quick views, 14 Toggle 3D icons, 19

Realistic stopes, 15 Toggle airflow animation, 17

reference drawing, 5 Toggle draw direction, 18

Reference drawing opacity, 6, 7, 8 Toggle excluded branches and nodes, 17

Reference drawing variation, 6, 7 Toggle Fire & rescue icons, 19

Reference drawings, 61 Toggle node visibility, 18

Refrigeration stations, 59 Toggle reference drawing, 17

Regulator, 55 Toggle sticky text, 18

108
Toggle text, 18 Vent control to face, 49

Tunnel reduced cross-section, 57 Vent Option, 48

Typical fuel consumption, 71 Vent. Options, 42

User defined, 58 Vertical branches, 31

User-defined inputs, 36, 39, 51 virgin rock temperature, 60

User-defined resistance, 55 Weather data, 67

Vehicle heat, 37, 51 Winch, 52

Vehicle library, 73, 75, 85

109
Exercises

110
Simple mine 1 – Using the template

The following is a sketch of one of the Imaginary Gold Mining Company Limited mines,
namely Simple Mine 1. You are asked to simulate the airflow and heat flow in this mine
and to specify the cooling, airflow regulation etc to comply with certain requirements for
this mine.

The following requirements and specifications are given:

Requirements

A. Airflow quantity at X in sketch must be 100 m3/s.

B. Determine total dust loading at X.
C. Once this is achieved, attempt to balance the airflow quantities to the stopes by
placing regulators in the system.
D. Reduce the maximum stope reject temperature to approximately 27 °C by
adding a surface bulk air cooler to the system.
E. Insert a blast to all stopes and determine the blast clearance time
F. Complete info for Simple Mine 1 Presentation

Steps

111
1. Open the included Simple Mine1.v3dNetwork model from the
Examples folder (Normally located under C:\VUMA-
network\Bin\Examples)

a. Make sure that reference drawings are visible.

2. Go to the References tab – and click on the Convert button

3. Click on Convert selected drawings – Leave the rest of the form as

is.

4. The Level editor form will open automatically. Review the

automatically generated levels, then click on OK to close the form.

5. Save the model at this point

6. The conversion process will automatically

create equivalent length tunnel
branches over each selected drawing
element – you now need to change (or
update) the individual branches to their
respective properties – as per the detail
below.

(To change a branch from one type to another (for

instance from a tunnel to a shaft – highlight the
branch by moving the mouse cursor over it, and
then right-click to bring up the context menu. Choose the Change branch type option
(Shortcut C) and select the new type required.) To edit a branch, double click on the
branch, or use the Shortcut E)

112
 a. Change the branches in a logical sequence – start with the
downcast shaft – then progress through the station areas,
through the stopes until you reach the upcast shaft.

7. Once you have changed all the branches to match the sketch and the
provided information – you need to add a fan on top of the return shaft
– in order to move air through the mine. However – to determine what
fan to use – you need to know (amongst other) what the system
resistance of the mine is. The easiest way to determine the requirements
of a fan is to first change the branch at the top to a Control manager
of type Fix Flow – and to adjust its fixed volume flow input until it
meets the ventilation requirements as per the design. Then – you can
check the pressure rise required to achieve the air flow quantity – and
replace it with a fan capable of matching the parameters. The solving
process will be described later – for now, set the input to 100 m³/s (Bear
in mind the effect of density changes).

8. Since the abovementioned fix flow / fan will discard the air into

atmosphere, you need to ensure that the “Connected to start node”

box is checked – otherwise VUMA will treat the branch as being
unconnected – and ignore it during solving.

9. You also need to tell the program where the main fresh air intake of
the mine is – and you do that by assigning the Startnode property to a
single, specific node. For this example, navigate to the node on top of
the main downcast shaft, and double click on the node (or press E
whilst hovering over the node). If the button (Set as start node) is
enabled – click on it to set the current node as the start node. If the
button is greyed out (disbled), it indicates that the current node is already

113
 the start node – and that no further action is required -except to click

OK to close the form.

10. You should now be

able to solve the
network – in order to
get the calculated air
flows and
psychrometric
properties. To perform a solve, click the Aero button on the solve tab.
If any message appears regarding unconnected or loose branches, you
will need to cancel the solve and fix the connections before attempting
to solve again. An easy way to connect branches is to use the Magnet
tool (As described in the “Using the tools” video tutorial).

It is highly recommended to solve using the Aero only option in the early
stages of modelling – before attempting to solve a Full or Thermo solution

114
 11. If the solution
completed
successfully,
you should
see a green
check mark at
the top of the
screen. If not – you can click on the Solve >> Dashboard button to
investigate the cause.

12. Once you have managed to complete the Aero solution – you need to
verify that you are meeting the airflow requirement at X (Requirement
A). You might need to adjust the specified quantity of the fix flow (Step
7) to achieve it.

You need to re-solve after making changes to a model to see

the updated values.

13. To satisfy requirement B – you will need to perform a Contaminants

solution first. If you have correctly added the required dust loads to the
working areas (stopes) – you should now be able to see a calculated dust
concentration value by hovering the
mouse cursor over the node nearest to
position X. You can also see a visual

115
 representation by changing the color mode type to Node – and the color
paramter to Dust.

14. To control (regulate) air flow quantities (Requirement C) – you will need
to add control managers (regulators) to divert air by increasing the
resistance in airways with too much air.

To add the control manager:

Air will follow the path of least
• Split (shortcut S) the return crosscut branch into two
resistance
sections
• Change (shortcut C) the first section to a control

manager.
• Edit the type to be a Tunnel reduced area regulator – and set the
Fraction of area open to be 10% (Initial guess value).
116
15. Click OK to close the form – and resolve the network using the Solve
>> Aero button.

16. Repeat above process by installing additional regulators to the other

return cross cuts – solving after each significant change to the model.
Adjust the fraction open parameter of the regulators until you manage
to get the same airflow through each stope (+- 25 m³/s). (For a quicker
method – watch the tutorial videos on Converting fix flows to regulators).

17. To fulfil requirement D – you need to

perform a Thermo solution first. If
successful, set the colour type to
Branch and the colour parameter to
Wet bulb.

18. Hovering the mouse cursor over the stope branches will indicate the
branch outlet (stope reject temperature). Without cooling, this value
should be in the region of 28 °C. As per the requirements - add a control
manager of type Cooler – Fixed duty in front of the start node at the
entrance of the main downcast shaft. Set the initial duty to 1000 kW.

19. Resolve the model – and adjust the cooler – until Requirement D is
fulfilled. Note that you need to move the start node in front of the
cooler – otherwise the effect of the cooler will be discarded.

117
 20. To perform a blast solution –
explosive input details first must be
added to the working places. To
quickly add it – click on the Solve
>> Add to all stopes button. Set
the Explosive type to ANFO
(branded < 152 mm) and click on
OK. Click OK again to close the message informing you that blasts were
added.

21. You need to perform a Thermo solution once again to ensure all the
values are up to date. Subsequently, click on the Blast clearance button.

• Import Simple Mine 1 Fan curve using fan digitizer

Global defaults

• VRT gradient: 0.01 °C/m

• Rock type: Simple
• Rock specific heat: 780 J/kg °C
• Rock conductivity: 5.74 W/m °C
• Rock density: 2700 kg/m3
• Surface altitude: 1262.71 m asl (87 kPa)
• Surface VRT (rock temperature): 19 °C
• Average ambient conditions: 18 °C wet-bulb
28 °C dry-bulb
• Overall wetness rating: Wet
• Clothing factor: Moderate

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 • Radiation equilibrium factor 0.5

Tunnels

• All tunnels are Simple Mine 1 arch profile.

o Width 4 m
o Height 5 m
o Radius 2 m
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.01 for tunnels.
• Average age of tunnels is 5 years.
• Wetness rating of tunnels is wet.
• All tunnels are shotcreted (surface cover rating).
• Each crosscut has a length of 150 m on Intake 2.
• Each crosscut has a length of 250 m on Intake 1.
• There is a dry linear heat in all intake tunnels of 5 kW per 100 m.
(Linear heat loads are added to calibrate a model to actual measured conditions
– and can also represent heat flow from pipes and cables strewn along the length
of the haulage).
• Visual Layer 1 - Tunnels

Shafts

o Downcast shaft: Circular, 7 m Diameter

o Borehole: Circular, 3.5 m Diameter
o Upcast shaft: Circular, 5 m Diameter

• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0,025 for downcast shafts, and
0,004 for unequipped shafts.
• Average age of shafts is 10 years.
• Wetness rating of downcast shaft is wet and for the upcast shaft is very wet.
• Other heat load is a dry linear heat in all intake shafts of 5 kW per 100 m.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

Shaft station area

• Model the shaft station area using the default tunnel settings
• Wetness rating for the shaft station area is very wet.
• Shaft station tunnels are 7 years old on average.
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.015 for shaft station tunnels.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

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Production zones

• The mining method is Narrow Reef stoping (single sided breast mining)
• Vent option: Upcast
• Face length: 200 (closest to sub shafts), 180, 160, 140 m
[adjust per stope]
• Stope width: 1.2 m
• Strike length: 80, 70, 60, 50 m [adjust per stope]
• Strike gully perimeter: 8m
• Dip gully perimeter: 12 m
• In-stope vent control: Good
• Backfill Typical
• Vent control to face: 7.5 m
• Panels: 4
• Active face: 100%
• Pressure drop: 1 Pa per 10 kg/s
• Establishment period: 12 months
• Status: Active
• Face advance rate: Edit to achieve 15000 t/month per stope
• Fissure water ingress: 0.1 ton/ton of rock at VRT
• Service water use: 1.0 ton/ton of rock at 20 °C
• Outlet DB/WB difference: Typical
• Dust load per stope: 50 mg/s
• The total kW rating for winches in the production zone is 60 kW being used
moderately.
• Visual Layer 1 – Production Zones

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Simple mine 1 – Without template

The following is a sketch of one of the Imaginary Gold Mining Company Limited mines,
namely Simple Mine 1. You are asked to simulate the airflow and heat flow in this mine
and to specify the cooling, airflow regulation etc to comply with certain requirements for
this mine.

The following requirements and specifications are given:

Requirements

• Airflow quantity at X in sketch must be 100 m3/s.

• Determine total dust loading at X.
• Once this is achieved, attempt to balance the airflow quantities to the stopes by
placing regulators in the system.
• Reduce the maximum stope reject temperature to approximately 27 °C by
adding a surface bulk air cooler to the system.
• Insert a blast to all stopes and determine the blast clearance time
• Complete info for Simple Mine 1 Presentation

121
Specifications

Create the following levels:

• Surface @ 0 m
• Intake 1 @ 2000 m
• Intake 2 @ 2080 m
• RAW @ 1920 m

Create the following layers

• Shaft and services

• Tunnels
• Production zones
• Control managers
• Import Simple Mine 1 Fan curve using fan digitizer

Global defaults

• VRT gradient: 0.01 °C/m

• Rock type: Simple
• Rock specific heat: 780 J/kg °C
• Rock conductivity: 5.74 W/m °C
• Rock density: 2700 kg/m3
• Surface altitude: 1262.71 m asl (87 kPa)
• Surface VRT (rock temperature): 19 °C
• Average ambient conditions: 18 °C wet-bulb
28 °C dry-bulb
• Overall wetness rating: Wet
• Clothing factor: Moderate
• Radiation equilibrium factor 0.5

Tunnels

• All tunnels are Simple Mine 1 arch profile.

o Width 4 m
o Height 5 m
o Radius 2 m
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.01 for tunnels.
• Average age of tunnels is 5 years.
• Wetness rating of tunnels is wet.
• All tunnels are shotcreted (surface cover rating).

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 • Each crosscut has a length of 150 m on Intake 2.
• Each crosscut has a length of 250 m on Intake 1.
• There is a dry linear heat in all intake tunnels of 5 kW per 100 m.
(Linear heat loads are added to calibrate a model to actual measured conditions
– and can also represent heat flow from pipes and cables strewn along the length
of the haulage).
• Visual Layer 1 - Tunnels

Shafts

o Downcast shaft: Circular, 7 m Diameter

o Borehole: Circular, 3.5 m Diameter
o Upcast shaft: Circular, 5 m Diameter

• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0,025 for downcast shafts, and
0,004 for unequipped shafts.
• Average age of shafts is 10 years.
• Wetness rating of downcast shaft is wet and for the upcast shaft is very wet.
• Other heat load is a dry linear heat in all intake shafts of 5 kW per 100 m.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

Shaft stations

• Model the shaft station area using the default tunnel settings – with a total length
of 600 m.
• Wetness rating for the shaft station area is wet.
• Shaft station tunnels are 7 years old on average.
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.015 for shaft station tunnels.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

Production zones

• The mining method is Narrow Reef stoping (single sided breast mining)
• Vent option: Upcast
• Face length: 200 (closest to sub shafts), 180, 160, 140 m
[adjust per stope]
• Stope width: 1.2 m
• Strike length: 80, 70, 60, 50 m [adjust per stope]
• Strike gully perimeter: 8m
• Dip gully perimeter: 12 m

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• In-stope vent control: Good
• Backfill Typical
• Vent control to face: 7.5 m
• Panels: 4
• Active face: 100%
• Pressure drop: 1 Pa per 10 kg/s
• Establishment period: 12 months
• Status: Active
• Face advance rate: Edit to achieve 15000 t/month per stope
• Fissure water ingress: 0.1 ton/ton of rock at VRT
• Service water use: 1.0 ton/ton of rock at 20 °C
• Outlet DB/WB difference: Typical
• Dust load per stope: 50 mg/s
• The total kW rating for winches in the production zone is 60 kW being used
moderately.
• Visual Layer 1 – Production Zones
•

124
Simple mine 2
The following is a sketch of one of the Imaginary Gold Mining Company Limited mines,
namely Simple Mine 2. You are asked to simulate the airflow and heat flow in this mine
and to specify the cooling, airflow regulation etc to comply with certain requirements for
this mine.

SURFACE LEVEL

SHAFT

TUNNEL

HOIST

RETURN

STATION
PRODUCTION
ZONE
REGULATOR

INTAKE 1

STATION

COOLER
DEVELOPMENT
INTAKE 2 HEADING

TUNNEL

Figure 71: Sketch of Simple Mine 2

Requirements

• Production Zone reject wet-bulb temperatures should not exceed 29°C.

However, the ‘hottest’ temperature should be as close too, but lower than, 29
°C.
• The cooling capacity of available air coolers are 500, 1000 kW. Several coolers
may be installed in series should more cooling at a single location be required.
• The face velocities in the ‘bottom’ stopes should be as close to 2,0 m/s as
possible and the face velocities in the ‘top’ stopes should be as close to 3,5 m/s
as possible.
• Use ‘fixed flow’ branch until all requirements have been met and then replace it
with a fan.
• Determine the blast clearance time

125
General

Create the following levels:

• Surface @ 0 m
• Transfer @ 2500 m
• Intake 1 @ 3000 m
• Intake 2 @ 3100 m
• RAW @ 2900 m

Create the following layers

• Shaft and services
• Tunnels
• Production Zones
• Development
• Control Managers

Import Simple Mine 2 Fan curve using fan digitizer

Specifications

• Rock type: Simple2

• Rock conductivity: 5.74 W/m °C
• Rock specific heat: 780 J/kg °C
• Rock density: 2670 kg/m3
• Surface altitude: 1262.71 m asl (87 kPa)
• Average ambient conditions: 15 °C wet-bulb
20 °C dry-bulb
• Surface VRT: 20 °C
• VRT gradient: 0.015 °C/m
• Overall wetness rating: Wet
• Clothing factor: Moderate

Tunnels

• The tunnel connecting main and sub-shaft is 5 x 5 m and 200 m in length.

• All haulages except the connecting haulage are Simple Mine 2 arch profile
o Width 4 m
o Height 5 m
o Radius 2 m
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.01 for tunnels.

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 • Other Heat Load is a dry linear heat in all intake tunnels of 5 kW per 100 m.
(Linear heat loads are added to calibrate a model to actual measured conditions
– and can also represent heat flow from pipes and cables strewn along the length
of the haulage
• Length of tunnels:
o Distance between cross-cuts: 150 m
o Distance from sub-shaft to first x/cut: 500 m
o Distance from last return x/cut to Upcast shaft: 400 m
o X/cut lengths: 150 m

• Tunnels have no surface covering.

• Average age of tunnels is 6 years.
• Wetness rating of tunnels is wet.
• Make Layer 1 - Tunnels

Shafts
o Downcast shaft: Circular, 7 m Diameter
o Sub-shaft: Circular, 5 m Diameter
o Upcast shaft: Circular, 5 m Diameter

• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.025 for downcast shafts, and
0.004 for unequipped shafts.
• Average age of shafts is 12 years.
• Wetness rating of downcast shaft is wet and for the upcast shaft is very wet.
• Other Heat Load is a dry linear heat in all intake shafts of 5 kW per 100 m.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

Development headings

• Development headings are 3 x 3 m and have flat inclination (1°) and are of the
Drill and Blast type with no network pressure drop effect, using 10 kg/s forced
ventilation systems and 760 mm ducting with a 0.0014 k factor.
• It is assumed that no in-system leakage takes place in development headings.
• The face advance in all development headings is 40 m/month and the lengths
are 150 m.
• Fissure water is introduced at the VRT and at a rate of 0.1 ton/ton of rock, and
service water at 12 °C is introduced at the rate of 0.5 ton/ton of rock.
• The service water pipe diameter is 100 mm and the condition of thermal
insulation is intermediate.
• Assume and outlet wb/db difference of 2 °C.

127
 • An 110kW electric loco is operating in the heading and its utilisation is typical.
• Make Layer 1 – Development

Shaft station area

• Model the shaft station area using the default tunnel settings – with a total length
of 600 m.
• Wetness rating for the shaft station area is wet.
• Shaft stations tunnels have substations adding 50 kW of heat to the intake air.
• Shaft station tunnels are 7 years old on average.
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.012 for shaft station tunnels.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

Production zones

The mining method is Narrow Reef stoping (double sided breast mining)
• Vent option: Upcast
• Face length: 150 m
• Stoping width: 1,5 m
• In-stope vent control: Good
• Backfill Typical
• Total strike length: 100 m
• Dip gully perimeter: 12 m
• Strike gully perimeter: 8m
• Vent control to face: 6m
• Active face: 100%
• Panels per side: 4
• Pressure drop: 1 Pa per 10 kg/s
• Establishment period: 12 months
• Face advance rate: Edit to achieve 15000 t/month per stope
• Status: Active
• Fissure water ingress: 0.1 ton/ton of rock at VRT
• Service water use: 1.0 ton/ton of rock at 15 °C
• Outlet DB-WB difference: Typical
• The total kW rating for winches in the production zone is 40 kW being used
moderately.
• Make Layer 1 – Production areas

128
Control Managers

o The Transfer Level hoist is rated at 1000 kW. (Thermo)

o Type of Regulators: Tunnel reduced area (3 x 2 m). (Aero)
o Make Layer 1 – Control Managers

129
Simple mine 3
The following is a sketch of one of the Imaginary Gold Mining Company Limited mines,
namely Simple Mine 3. You are asked to simulate the airflow and heat flow in this mine
and to specify the cooling, airflow regulation etc to comply with certain requirements for
this mine.

The following requirements and specifications are given:

Requirements

• Production Zone reject wet-bulb temperatures should not exceed 28°C. However,
the ‘hottest’ temperature should be as close too, but lower than, 28 °C.
• The cooling capacity of available air coolers are 500, 1000 kW. Several coolers may
be installed in series should more cooling at a single location be required.
• The flow rates in the ‘bottom’ stopes should be as close to 25 m3/s as possible and
the flow rates in the ‘top’ stopes should be as close to 20 m3/s as possible.
• Use a ‘fixed flow’ branch until all requirements have been met and then replace it
with a fan.

130
Specifications

• Rock type: Simple3

• Rock conductivity: 4.0 W/m °C
• Rock specific heat: 820 J/kg °C
• Rock density: 3000 kg/m3
• Surface altitude: 500 m asl
• Average surface ambient conditions: 20 °C wet-bulb, 25 °C dry-bulb
• Surface VRT: 18 °C
• VRT gradient: 0.01 °C/m
• Overall wetness rating: Dry
• Clothing factor Moderate

Tunnels

• The tunnel connecting main and sub-shaft is 5 x 5 m and 200 m in length.

• All tunnels except the connecting haulage are 3 x 3 m.
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.01 for tunnels.
• Length of tunnels:
o Distance between loading drives: 75 m
o Distance from sub-shaft to first loading drive: 500 m
o Distance from last return vent pass to upcast shaft: 400 m
o Loading drive lengths: 75 m
• Tunnels have no surface covering.
• Average age of tunnels is 6 years.
• Wetness rating of tunnels is dry.
• Add a dry linear user heat in all intake tunnels of 5 kW per 100 m.
(Linear heat loads are added to calibrate a model to actual measured conditions
– and can also represent heat flow from pipes and cables strewn along the length
of the haulage)

Shafts

• Downcast shaft: Circular, 7 m Diameter

• Sub-shaft: Circular, 5 m Diameter
• Up-cast shaft & vent pass: Circular, 5 m Diameter

• Depth below surface:

o Bottom of main downcast: 1500 m
o Top intake level: 2000 m

131
 o Bottom intake level: 2100 m
o Return airway: 1900 m

• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.025 for downcast shafts, and
0.004 for unequipped shafts.
• Average age of shafts is 12 years.
• Wetness rating of downcast shaft is dry and for the upcast shaft is damp.
• Other Heat Load is a dry linear heat in all intake shafts of 5 kW per 100 m.

Development headings

• Development headings have zero inclination and are of the Drill and Blast type with
no network pressure drop effect, using 10 kg/s forced ventilation systems and 760
mm ducting.
• It is assumed that no in-system leakage takes place in development headings.
• The face advance in all development headings is 40 m/month and the length is 150
m.
• There is no fissure water and negligible service water is used.
• Assume and outlet wb/db difference of 2 °C.
• An 110kW electric loco is operating in the heading and its utilisation is typical.

Shaft station area

• Model the shaft station area using the default tunnel settings – with a total length
of 600 m.
• Wetness rating for the shaft station area is wet.
• Shaft stations tunnels have substations adding 50 kW of heat to the intake air.
• Shaft station tunnels are 7 years old on average.
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.012 for shaft station tunnels.
• Make Layer 1 – Shaft and services

Production zones

The mining method is Shrinkage stoping with Drill and Blast operation.

• Production rate: 100 t/day

• Vent option Service ret., face condition on drill level
• Average drift height: 3m
• Average drift width: 5m
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 • Drill drive length: 15m
• Loading drive length: 20 m
• No. of draw points: 2
• Draw drive length: 20 m
• Pressure drop: 1 Pa per 10 kg/s
• Production age: 36 months
• Establishment period: 12 months
• Status: Active
• Outlet DB/WB difference: Typical
• Clothing factor: Moderate
• Ave. proportion serving: 10%

• There is no fissure water and negligible service water is used.

• Each production zone includes a 60 kW diesel LHD, with a heavy utilization
factor.
• There is a 15 kW fan in each production zone.

Control managers

• The Transfer Level hoist is rated at 1000 kW.

• Type of Regulators: Tunnel reduced area (3 x 2 m).

133
Simple mine 4
Import the mechanised mine dxf of the Imaginary Platinum Mining Company Limited
mines, namely Simple Mine 4. You are asked to simulate the airflow and heat flow in
this mine and to specify the cooling, airflow regulation etc to comply with certain
requirements for this mine.

134
Use your experience to complete the following requirements and specifications as given:
Ventilation Design Criteria for Airways

Downcast shafts and intake airways 10.0m/s to 12.0m/s

Exhaust shafts 18.0m/s to 25.0m/s

Barrel decline (Conveyor Belt part of Intake) 5m/s

Return airways - Dedicated 10m/s to 12m/s

Return airways – Tramming and Travelling 8.0m/s

Strike Drives – Equipped with Conveyor Belts 5.0m/s

Requirements

• Reduce the maximum strike reject temperature to approximately 27°C using

ventilation only
• Total air requirements ensuring that a minimum of 0.06 m3/s/kW is achieved
• Determine upcast shaft diameter and the fan duty point
• Determine the total vehicle heat load
• Determine the total production of the mine per month

Specifications

• VRT gradient: 0.02 °C/m

• Rock type: Simple Mec
• Rock specific heat: 810 J/kg °C
• Rock conductivity: 6.74 W/m °C
• Rock density: 3300 kg/m3
• Surface altitude: 1400m asl (87 kPa)
• Surface VRT: 20.3 °C
• Average ambient conditions: 19 °C wet-bulb
28 °C dry-bulb
• Overall wetness rating: Wet
• Clothing factor: Moderate

135
 • The mining method is bord and pillar each strike section has the following
equipment operating in it
o 2x 200kw diesel LHD used typical (add this vehicle to the library and
name it Simple LHD)
o 1 x Bolter
o 1 x Drill rig
• Ore transport out of the strike sections is done via conveyor belts. There are
conveyor motors every 250m with a heat load of 55 kW operating at
intermediate in the strike sections. Each strike section has a conveyor transfer
motor of 250 kW located in the conveyor decline.
• Decline seals have a resistance factor of 500 Pa/m³/s
• Bottom 2 roadways are used for through ventilation

Tunnels

• Conveyor decline 2.8 x 6.0 m

• Dip & strike angle 8°
• Material decline 2.5 x 4.5 m
• Ledging decline 1.8 x 6.0 m
• All roadways are 1.8 x 12.0 m
• Use Atkinson method with a friction factor of 0.016 for roadways.
• Average age of roadways is 5 years.
• Wetness rating of roadways is wet.
• There is a dry linear heat in all intake tunnels of 5 kW per 100 m.

Mining method:

Strike Development headings

• Strike development headings have the same dimensions as the roadways at flat
inclination and are of the Drill and Blast type with no network pressure drop
effect, using 15 kg/s forced ventilation systems
• It is assumed that no in-system leakage takes place in development headings.
• The face advance in all development headings is 15 m/month.
• Fissure water is introduced at the VRT and at a rate of 0.1 ton/ton of rock
• Assume and outlet wb/db difference of 2 °C.

136
Decline Development headings

• Decline development headings have the same dimensions as the roadways at flat
inclination and are of the Drill and Blast type with no network pressure drop
effect, using 20 kg/s forced ventilation systems
• The inner two roadways are used for air intake and the outer two roadways are
used to return the air into the strike sections
• It is assumed that no in-system leakage takes place in development headings.
• The face advance in all development headings is 20 m/month.
• Fissure water is introduced at the VRT and at a rate of 0.1 ton/ton of rock
• Assume and outlet wb/db difference of 2 °C.

137