VentSim DESIGN™

User Guide
 VentSim DESIGN™ User Guide

Version 5.4

The author and distributors have no liability to the licensee or any other person or entity for any damage
or loss, including special, incidental or consequential damages caused by this product directly or
indirectly.

The software is supplied as is without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Warranties of
merchantability or of fitness for any purpose are specifically disclaimed.

VentSim Design™ Software

By Howden

ventsim@howden.com

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Preface

This manual presents a guide to the effective use of VentSim DESIGN™ ventilation software for mine ventilation
simulation and design. It does not profess to be a ventilation engineering guide and as such should not be used as a
substitute for existing ventilation texts on underground ventilation and environmental engineering.

The manual may contain simplifications and does not attempt to explain many of the complex concepts and methods
used in mine environmental engineering. It is highly recommended that users of VentSim DESIGN™ have at least a
basic understanding of ventilation and simulation theory in order to correctly input and interpret the program functions and
results.

The solutions and methods presented in VentSim are based on the published work of many talented individuals and
research organisation over many decades. Many excellent texts and papers exist for mine ventilation, not the least which
is the late Malcolm J McPherson’s ‘Subsurface Ventilation and Environmental Engineering’, from which VentSim
DESIGN™ draws much of the methodology for thermodynamic and other simulation.

Finally, special thanks to Dr Rick Brake for his continued assistance in the development of VentSim™.

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Table of Contents
SECTION 1: PROGRAM FUNCTIONS

1 WHAT’S NEW ? ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

2 VENTSIM DESIGN™ – AN INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 4
3 VENTSIM CLASSIC™ TO VISUAL GUIDE ................................................................................................................ 7
4 THE VIEW WINDOW........................................................................................................................................... 10
5 THE MENU BAR .................................................................................................................................................. 19
6 THE VIEW TOOLBAR ........................................................................................................................................... 53
7 THE ACTION TOOLBAR ....................................................................................................................................... 55
8 THE DATA TOOLBAR........................................................................................................................................... 71
9 THE EDIT BOX ..................................................................................................................................................... 76
10 THE POPUP CONTEXT MENU ........................................................................................................................... 102
11 PRESETS ............................................................................................................................................................ 105
12 SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................................................... 110
13 HEAT ASSISTANT .............................................................................................................................................. 134
14 FANS ................................................................................................................................................................. 139
15 BUILDING A VENTILATION MODEL .................................................................................................................. 146
16 AUXILIARY VENTILATION AND DUCTS ............................................................................................................. 157
17 CONTAMINANT SIMULATION (STEADY STATE) ............................................................................................... 165
18 DYNAMIC SIMULATION (ADVANCED).............................................................................................................. 168
19 MULTI GAS SIMULATION (ADVANCED) ........................................................................................................... 174
20 THERMODYNAMIC SIMULATION (ADVANCED)............................................................................................... 179
21 DIESEL EMISSIONS SIMULATION...................................................................................................................... 188
22 STAGING – (ALL VERSIONS) .............................................................................................................................. 193
23 VENTFIRE™ –SCENARIO SIMULATION (PREMIUM)......................................................................................... 200
24 VENTSIM LIVEVIEW™ (PREMIUM) ................................................................................................................... 215
25 VENTSIM CONNECT™ ....................................................................................................................................... 224
26 RADON SIMULATION (PREMIUM) ................................................................................................................... 228
27 FINANCIAL OPTIMISATION (ADVANCED)......................................................................................................... 231
28 TEXTURED GRAPHICS (ALL VERSIONS) ............................................................................................................. 238
29 SHORTEST PATH ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................................. 240
30 HEAT AND RESISTANCE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 243
31 GOAL SEEKING.................................................................................................................................................. 245
32 ESCAPE ROUTES (PREMIUM VERSION) ........................................................................................................... 247
33 ACTIVITY TRACKS.............................................................................................................................................. 249
34 VENTLOG INTEGRATION .................................................................................................................................. 252
35 DUCT HEAT EXCHANGE .................................................................................................................................... 256
36 WATERWAY HEAT EXCHANGE ......................................................................................................................... 258
37 REGULATORS.................................................................................................................................................... 263
38 RECOMMEND FAN ........................................................................................................................................... 266
39 VENTSIM LICENSE MANAGER .......................................................................................................................... 268
40 TUTORIAL - MODEL EXAMPLES ........................................................................................................................ 272
41 APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................... 285
42 APPENDIX B – SUMMARY OF DATA TYPES ...................................................................................................... 288
43 APPENDIX C – ICON PICTURE GUIDE ................................................................................................................ 294
44 APPENDIX D – DISPLAY PROBLEMS ................................................................................................................. 300
45 APPENDIX E – SIMULATION ERRORS ............................................................................................................... 302
46 APPENDIX F – SHORTCUT KEYS ........................................................................................................................ 307
47 APPENDIX G – COMMAND LINE OPTIONS ....................................................................................................... 308
48 APPENDIX H – VENTSIM STATIC SCRIPTING..................................................................................................... 310

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 1
Chapter

1 What’s New ?

1.1. VentSim DESIGN™ – Version 5.4

VentSim DESIGN™ 5.4 is a major upgrade with many new features and improvements.

1.2. VentSim DESIGN 5.4 - Improvements

New simulation features  Dynamic Simulation Replay Option
 Heat from Conveyors and Waterways
 Improved Annual Thermal Flywheel
 Caving Air Blast Simulation
 Customisable Gas names
Modeling Escape Routes  Improved results interface, with graphing and spreadsheet
options
Modeling Equipment Paths  Improvements to Activity Track Editor
User Interface  Advanced Message Boxes, with dynamic data
 Unit options on the Fan Digitizer
 Undo/Redo listing
 Improved Model Audit Form
 Licensing Strict Mode


 Chapter

2
2 VentSim DESIGN™ – An Introduction

VentSim DESIGN™ is the successor to VentSim Classic which was first developed and released in 1993,
and was widely lauded for its simple interface and graphical Windows based 3D wireframe approach to
displaying ventilation models.

The relatively recent introduction of affordable 3D graphics hardware into everyday PC’s encouraged a
new approach with VentSim ventilation software.

It became clear soon after the introduction of VentSim

Classic that very sophisticated and complex models were
being developed with the program, however the application
and analysing of these models was restricted by the shear
amount of data being manipulated. In addition, in models of
many thousands of airway branches, serious mistakes could
often be made in the entry of data without being noticed.
Viewing and editing of large datasets was becoming
increasingly problematic, and use of these models by others
not familiar with the mine was becoming more difficult.

A key factor in the development of VentSim DESIGN™ was

the observation that many sophisticated ventilation models
were being developed in VentSim Classic by bright
engineers, but then simply gathered dust once these
engineers moved on, and new engineers abandoned trying
to decipher them.

Another key factor to the development of the next generation of VentSim was the increasing demand to
simulate and design underground environmental conditions, to ensure suitable conditions for mine
workers and equipment.

As a result, VentSim DESIGN™ Standard and Advanced were developed to address these requirements.
Primarily, it has been designed as a ventilation tool, which can operated independently of other mine
planning packages, but maintains a level a compatibility which ensures data from mine planning
packages and other ventilation software can be passed to the program.

VentSim DESIGN™ provides a full toolbox of tightly integrated utilities to analyse ventilation flows, heat,
contaminants and financial aspects of mine ventilation. Building on the success and experience of fifteen
years of VentSim implementation at over 800 sites, VentSim DESIGN™ goes a generation further in its
approach to ventilation simulation and analysis, and sets a new standard in ventilation software design
and implementation.
2.1. About VentSim™™
Ventilation has been a primary concern in underground mines for hundreds of years, but until the
introduction of computerized model analysis in the last 40 years, the planning and modelling of
ventilation was largely a black art, relying on experience, guesswork and extensive calculations.

Even when computer ventilation software allowed simulations of large models of underground airways,
the process of entering and interpreting results still remained a job for experts in the field. VentSim
DESIGN™ aims to make ventilation simulation and design accessible to any mine engineer or ventilation
officer, even those without substantial ventilation experience.

VentSim DESIGN™ Standard provides the user with the tools to;

 Simulate and provide a record of flows and pressures in an existing mine.

 Perform 'what if' simulations for planned new development.

 Help in short term and long term planning of ventilation requirements.

 Assist in selection of types of circuit fans for mine ventilation.

 Assist in financial analysis of ventilation options.

 Simulate paths and concentrations of smoke, dust, or gas for planning or emergency situations

VentSim DESIGN™ Advanced provides additional tools to;

 Undertake full thermodynamic analysis of heat, humidity and refrigeration in underground mines.

 Take into account air compressibility for deeper mines.

 Provide tools for analysing multiple different airways size options, both financially and for
establishing ventilation capacity.

 Show dynamic time based analysis of contaminant, gas, diesel fume or heat spreading through a
mine from different activities.

 Provide a tool to check for recirculation in mines.

 Simulate Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) concentrations through a mine.

VentSim DESIGN™ Premium provides additional tools to;

 Dynamically and simultaneously simulate multiple ventilation parameters (contaminant, gas, diesel
fume, heat and airflow), including the simulation of fire heat and fumes. Models can be programmed
to self-modify during simulation. This tool is called VentFIRE.

 Connect and load external data (from mine sensors for example) to display realtime data within a
VentSim model. This tool is called LiveView.

 Ventlog : A separate software program to record and store measured ventilation data from
underground areas. VentSim DESIGN™ can link to this data and show it within a 3D model. This
tool is called Ventlog.

 Duct Calculator: An advanced stand-alone feature to quickly carry out fan and ducting calculations.
It features various options to calculate outputs such as duct outlet quantity, fan power or duct
length, based on given inputs.

VentSim DESIGN™ has been written to make the process of ventilation model analysis as easy to use as
possible. Both versions utilise sophisticated 3D graphics, driven by a fully graphical mouse driven
interface. VentSim DESIGN™ is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, VISTA, WINDOWS 7 and
WINDOWS 8. The software can also be run on Apple Mac Computers with suitable graphics hardware,
running Microsoft Windows under dual boot or emulation.

VentSim DESIGN™ automatically installs as a 32 bit or 64 bit version. The 64 bit version has the ability
to utilise additional computer memory, and therefore much larger models can be used. Recommend
maximum model sizes are 30,000 airways for the 32 bit version, and up to 100,000 airways for 64 bit
versions. Increased amounts of DXF reference data can also to set to be displayed in the 64 bit version.

2.2. Computer Hardware Requirements

VentSim relies heavily on 3D graphics hardware to present detailed smooth graphics. While most
computers these days have this functionality built in, older computer may not and may struggle to produce
acceptable performance.

Even modern computers, particularly laptops may have substandard graphics hardware for displaying 3D
graphics and performance may not be as good as expected. The following guide is recommended for
computers

Minimum Configuration

 (AMD or Intel) processor 1 Ghz +

 Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 / 8 / 10

 Memory 2G or RAM, Hard Drive Space 100 Mb

 Direct X9 compatible graphics (minimum Intel integrated graphics)

 Two button mouse

Recommended Configuration

 i9 Intel processor (or equivalent AMD)

 Windows 10 64 bit

 Memory 32G of Ram. Hard Drive Space 2TB, Resolution 1920 x 1080

 High-end professional laptop / desktop graphics card based on the consumer GeForce RTX 2070
(TU106 chip) of with 2,304 shaders and 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM or comparable card

 Two button mouse with centre scroll / click wheel

 Note : VentSim DESIGN™ is not supported on Apple Mac computers, however it can run on newer
Macbooks under Windows dual boot or Parallels™ virtualisation software.
 Chapter

3
3 VENTSIM CLASSIC™ TO VISUAL GUIDE

VentSim Classic™ was released in 1994 and enjoyed many years as a simple but popular ventilation
software program to simulate airflows and pressures in mine. Despite limitations such as incompressible
flows and lack of heat simulation, many hundreds of mines adopted VentSim Classic for use. VentSim
Classic™ was improved to version 3.9, however all development on this program was stopped in 2007,
after which time VentSim DESIGN™ was developed.

VentSim DESIGN™ was completely rewritten from the ground up. It is a substantially different program
than VentSim Classic 3.9 and takes a new approach to ventilation display and simulation. This section
will give you a brief overview of the major changes if you are familiar with VentSim Classic 3.9, and may
also assist if you are familiar with other ventilation software packages. In most cases, VentSim Classic™
models can be imported directly into VentSim™™.

Every graphical aspect of the program has a necessary function to help make ventilation models easier
to understand and reduce the opportunity for error. The 3D graphics accurately represent the true size,
shape and location of underground airways. The colouring represents many different types of data (for
example temperature or pressure). The animated arrows show both the speed and direction of airflow.
By removing or reducing the need to comb through excessive amount of textual data, ventilation models
can be analysed and validated much faster than traditional means.

3.1. Display
VentSim DESIGN™ Three dimensional (3D) perspectives are rarely used in CAD or Mine Planning
default uses a 3D packages, except occasionally for final presentation purposes. The perspective
perspective view. view tends to distort distances and true directions and is therefore largely
unsuitable for detailed engineering drawing. An orthogonal non-perspective view however is not required
for The
ventilation
VentSimmodelling,
DESIGN™which relies more on effective data presentation.
Approach:
A 3D perspective view is the way we look at the world and when used to view computer models, it is
To create
natural a user friendly,
and easily understood, particularly to someone unfamiliar with your model.
graphically rich program
and interface, which
Airway solids shown with true dimensions and shapes allow quick appraisal to check whether dimensions
shows the maximum
areamount
as intended. Thedata,
of relevant author has found numerous examples of VentSim Classic 3.9 models loaded in
VentSim DESIGN™
in the most that
efficient andimmediately show inadvertent incorrectly sized or shaped airways which may
prevent the modelway.
understandable from simulating or balancing as expected.
A perspective view also permits closer visualisation of specific parts of a model, while other parts are
hidden or obscured by distance. In cluttered large models this can help clarify intended data
significantly.

3.2. Animation
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Animation may therefore be worth a thousand pictures.
VentSim DESIGN™ animation again demonstrates a key feature of the software’s presentation of
complex data. By animating flow arrows, fans and heating/cooling sources, VentSim DESIGN™ can
show a huge amount of data in a way that the human brain can quickly visualise and interpret.
Animated flows show the direction and relative speed of all airflows in a mine over potentially thousands
of airways. Animated fans show whether they are turned on or off, while dynamic colouring draws the
user’s attention to specific data ranges. Using only animation and colouring of data, VentSim DESIGN™
users can process and analyse complex models, without having to interpret a single line of textual data.
In addition, it makes presentation of data very effective to the layperson (who often control budgets and
have to make decisions regarding investing in costly ventilation infrastructure)

3.3. Elevation Database (Levels)

There no longer needs to be a defined surface level elevation. Any airway can be connected to the
surface at any place in the mine, by clicking on Connect to Surface in the airway Edit Box VentSim
DESIGN™ will calculate which end is connected to the surface, based on the free end available..

A level database, although still useful, is no longer mandatory for viewing different elevations of a model.
While an overarching single elevation level covering all elevation ranges is still recommended, any
elevation range can be viewed at any time by Right Clicking the screen, choosing Select Level select level
function can be used to quickly limit an elevation range, or multiple ranges, by drawing a box around the
intended airways., or multiple ranges, by drawing a box around the intended airways.

3.4. Airways
Airways no longer need to be connected to another and can be left open ended, as would be the case in
blind development headings. Because this may still cause unintentional problems (such as airways not
joined as the user intends), VentSim DESIGN™ will alert the user to these during simulation.

These warnings can be turned OFF in the settings menu, or disabled individually by clicking “Closed End”
in the edit box. No airflow will travel through closed ended airways, unless connected to surface.

No Entry / No Exit errors are largely abolished with VentSim™™. Providing the airways are connected to
a part of a model where a pressure can be derived, VentSim DESIGN™ will automatically reverse and
adjust airways into a node.

3.5. Data
The single biggest change to VentSim DESIGN™ is the visual management of data types. Around ninety
(90) different data types exist in the Advanced version, all of which may be displayed as text on the
screen, in a spreadsheet or as a colour range.

Colour and Data Manager

This creates a rich, but potentially confusing interface. To simplify things, VentSim DESIGN™ uses both
a Display Manager Control form to assist in rapid analysing and changing of on screen data and colour.
This control can be utilised via the view menu, or from the toolbar.

It is important to note that colours can be displayed independently of the text data which is shown on
screen (for example pressures can be showed at a colour range, while text data could show air flows.
Colour ranges can be adjusted in the Display Manager with the slider bars, or by manually entering new
ranges.

3.6. Coordinates
VentSim has switched to a more conventional Eastern / Northing / Elevation coordinate approach. The
relative directions on screen of these coordinates can be changed in the Settings menu.
VentSim DESIGN™ allows decimal point coordinates to be used allowing more accurate placement of
airways. While this will have little effect on ventilation flows, it removes the ‘saw tooth’ effect often seen
in the VentSim Classic 3.9 integer coordinate display

3.7. Editing and Information

Edit Box
The Edit Box now acts as a powerful editing and information tool for airways in a model. The Edit Box
may be left open permanently, and will update with information from the airway clicked on during
viewing, editing and adding modes. It will also automatically update after simulation, with the latest
airway results.

Information Tab
To view airway information for example, leave the Edit Box selected on the Information Tab, and airways
throughout a model can be quickly analysed by clicking on the airway. Likewise, the Fan Tab could be
left open, and operating fan curves can be analysed quickly at different point in the model in the same
way.

Modifying Data
To modify data in an airway, simply click on the cell you wish to modify and change the data. The airway
will automatically update when Edit Mode is changed, during editing multiple airways will be changed for
all the selected airways.

3.8. Referenced Graphics

VentSim DESIGN™ permits the use of referencing external 3D graphics into the program, such as
wireframes, surface terrains, orebodies, actual development and mine infrastructure.

While referenced graphics do not interact directly with ventilation circuits, they provide a useful visual
and construction aid to developing and presenting models. Mine ventilation model airways and sizes can
be directly compared to actual or design development, surface terrains can be used to ensure shafts are
set to the correct elevation, while orebodies and stope wireframes can be used to ensure ventilation
circuits are not developed in the wrong area, and have adequate ventilation designs to control airflow.

3.9. Experiment!
Finally, by all means experiment with the program. Load up and view some of the included demos. Most
features have a Tool Tip attached to them, which will provide further information. Ensure you save your
model files frequently and create backups where necessary.

Craig Stewart
Author VentSim™
© 2018 VentSim™ Software
 4
Chapter

4 THE VIEW WINDOW

VentSim DESIGN™ operates in a full three dimensional (3D) graphical environment. The main VentSim
DESIGN™ window contains all the functions you will require to create, edit, view and simulate airway
models. Note that some of these functions may differ between Premium, Advanced, Standard versions.

1
2
Menu Bar
Action Tool Bar
3 Data Tool Bar

4
Display Manager

View Tool Bar 5

9
3D Viewer

8 Status Bar
Figure 4-1 VentSim DESIGN™ Main Window

1 Main Menu. Consists of options required to load, save, view and manipulate the model, as well as
options to change settings and simulate ventilation models.

2 Action Toolbar. Consists of many of the construction tools required to build ventilation models. In
addition it contains a number of buttons for different types of ventilation simulations, as well as options
to save or load new model, change stages and alter animation speeds for arrows. This toolbar can be
hidden, but not moved to other locations.

3 Data Toolbar. Allows the text or colours of airways to be changed. Displays or hides the colour legend
control. This toolbar can be hidden or moved to the upper or lower part of the screen.

4 View Toolbar. Contains options to show or hide various graphics items such as arrows, text, nodes
and reference (DXF) graphics. This toolbar can be hidden or moved to the left or right of the screen.

5 Display Manager. Contains controls to alter the colour or transparency of airways on the screen. In
addition it can also change the display to show different layers, levels (elevations) or air types on
display.
6 Data Position Control: Selects the position along an airway from which data will be displayed as text
on screen or as colours. The condition of air will change along an airway (particularly long or deep
airway segments), therefore this option is available to select which position along an airway segment
display data is sourced from. The first and last button displays the conditions of air entering and
exiting an airway segment. The middle button displays an average of airway data through the
segment. The middle left and right button displays the airflow conditions entering and exiting any icon
(for example a fan) within the airway. If an icon is not present, then the middle conditions of an
airway segment are displayed.

7 Mouse cursor position coordinates in the 3D screen.

8 Simulation status. Green = successful simulation, Yellow = successful simulation with warnings, Red
= unsuccessful simulation.

9 Main 3D view display window. Up to seven (7) separate windows can be opened in VentSim. The first
four (4) windows can be docked within the main windows structure, while the remaining are ‘undocked’
or free floating.

The success on how to utilise some of the unique aspects of a 3D perspective view comes from an
understanding of how it works. VentSim DESIGN™ has a number of guides to assist in viewing and
construction in 3D.

4.1. Point of Focus

The view in the main 3D VentSim window is essentially a view seen from a ‘camera’ floating in space,
aimed at a point of focus. Your eye is the camera. The point of focus is always in the centre of the
screen, at a pre-determined distance away from the camera.

Moving the point of focus.

You can move closer or further away from the point of focus with the Mouse Scroll button, and rotate
around this point of focus with the Mouse Right button. To move the screen to a different location, the
point of focus needs to be moved.

There are several ways to move the point of focus;

 Draw a window with the mouse around the area you wish to focus on. The focus will move to the
centre of the window, at the closest distance of an object or airway in the window.

 Drag (pan) the screen with the Centre mouse button. The point of focus will move along the current
horizontal plane with the mouse cursor An alternative to the centre mouse button is to hold both
LEFT and RIGHT mouse button, or hold down the keyboard SPACEBAR.

 Click on an airway while in the view mode, or when in any other mode with the Mouse Middle button
(or a Right/Left combination for those without a 3 button mouse). This will automatically put the
focus onto the clicked airway at the same viewing distance as was previously set. If the object being
clicked is a long way away, this has the effect of quickly flying through space towards that object in
order to maintain the same view distance as the previous point of focus.

 The Elevation of the point of focus can also be changed by selecting the ShiftMouse Scroll (if (if
the grid is turned on) will show the horizontal plane of the point of focus.

4.2. Multiple Windows

VentSim 3.0 and above can display multiple graphics windows (up to 8), each with its own independent
view of the ventilation model. Every window is fully 3D and is customisable in terms of data display
including colours, levels, layers, text and graphical items shown.


Docked Windows
By default, VentSim will tile the first four (4) windows within the main VentSim window. The direction of
tiling can be changed in the Window Menu bar in VentSim. These windows are called ‘Docked’ windows
because they are constrained and sized by the main VentSim window. Additional windows created after
the first four will be ‘undocked’ and can be independently sized and located around the computer screen(s).

Undocked Windows
A docked window can be ‘undocked’ simply by dragging the window outside of the main VentSim window.
An undocked window can be ‘re-docked’ by dragging the windows back inside of the main VentSim window
(providing there are less than four windows present). To disable the automatic docking behaviour, deselect
the Auto-Arrange function from the Window Menu Bar.

The Active Window

Shared VentSim functions (such as the Camera button or keyboard button inputs) are always directed to
the currently active window. The Active Windows is the most previous window clicked or interacted with
the mouse.

Drawing between windows.

It is possible to construct an airway between windows. While in the DRAW mode, simply start drawing in
one window (click at least one leg of the airway in the initial screen), then drag the mouse to the new
window and location.
4.3. User Control Summary
4.4. The Edit Plane
The Edit Plane is a horizontal plane at a set elevation. By default, any new airways are initially
constructed on the edit plane. The edit plane can be viewed by ensuring the grid function is turned on.
The plane will be crossed with grid coordinate lines. If Shift is selected the edit plane will be made semi-
transparent which will indicate where it intersects existing airways.

Figure 4-2 The Edit Plane, shown with the SHIFT key pressed

To move an edit plane, select a new point of focus by centering on an airway, or use the Shift-Mouse-
Scrollcombination to move the edit plane elevation. The coordinates in the status bar at the Bottom Left
corner will always show the elevation of the edit plane.edit plane.

Hint : The Edit Plane will also temporarily move automatically to the level of an airway being drawn from another airway.
Additionally, the edit plane and point of focus can be moved manually by the Set Edit Plane function in the View menu.

Figure 4-3 True Vertical Line showing top and bottom airways lining up
Figure 4-4 True Vertical Guide Line helps guide a shaft vertically into the airway below

4.5. Drawing in the Third Dimension

Drawing in three dimensions can be a challenge as the view is being displayed on a two dimensional
screen monitor. VentSim DESIGN™ alleviates this problem by only drawing on the horizontal plane
except when the shift key is pressed, or the screen is orientated to a vertical cross section orientation.

The True Vertical Guide

3D perspective views do not necessarily show a vertical object as pointing straight up. As objects move
further left and right of the point of focus, they ‘lean’ over away from the centre of the view. To assist
the user as to which direction is truly up while creating or editing airways, a true vertical line is displayed
while drawing, moving or copying. If the object being drawn aligns with the true vertical line, then it is
vertical. The true vertical line can also assist in locating airways directly under or over other airways at
different elevations by observing where the line ‘intersects’ airways above and below the current point
being edited.

Drawing Airways
To simplify construction of airways, initially all drawing, moving and copying of airways defaults to the
horizontal Edit Plane, regardless of the orientation of the view screen. To assist the user further, airways
being drawn or moved will automatically ‘click’ and join to airways under the mouse cursor, even if at
different elevations or distances away.

Hint: To quickly change the view from horizontal plan view to vertical section view, press the F2 button
If airways are drawn in isolation (not connected to other airways), they will use the default airway
settings specified in the Settings form. If airways are drawn connected from another airway, they will
inherit the settings from the airway from which they are drawn. Airways can be drawn from another
airway end (node) or from any other point along an airway. VentSim DESIGN™ will create a new node
(or junction) if none already exists.

Hint: VentSim DESIGN™ can detect whether an airway being constructed crosses the paths of other airways. For example, if a long
airway is drawn from one point to another, over which it crosses the paths of existing airways, VentSim DESIGN™ will join this airway
into the crossed airways with new nodes. This will only happen in the drawing mode. If airways are imported (from a DXF for
example), crossed airway junctions will not automatically be detected).

To draw in the third dimension (up or down in elevation) where there is not an airway above or below to
click to, first draw the airway to the desired horizontal (plan) location, then press the Shift key. The Edit
Plane will turn semi-transparent, and further movements of the mouse will occur in a Vertical plane
parallel to the computer screen. The Edit Plane will follow the vertical movement, assisting in showing
where the cursor is in relation to other airway elevations. In addition, the numbers in the lower left
status bar will show the elevation and coordinates of the point.
Figure 4-5 Picture showing inclined airway being drawn down
to the elevation of the level below

Manual Coordinate Entry

Airways can be manually added, moved or copied by selecting a manual coordinate entry system. To
activate this system while in draw mode, click on an airway end or somewhere in empty space. To
activate this system every time an airway is drawn (to allow manual adjustment or entry of airway ends)
select the pull down arrow on the ADD button and choose the ‘Coordinates’ sub-options from the button.

To activate the system, when moving or copying, simply click an existing airway end while in the Move
or Copy mode. A coordinate window will show and the coordinates (or offsets) of the airway can be
entered.

The coordinate entry allow airways ends to be adjusted manually, or by using a vector polar coordinate
or a physical offset of the easting’s, northings and elevation. End coordinate values are adjusted in real
time as offsets or polar coordinates are adjusted. To apply the change, simply click OK when completed.

Figure 4-6 Coordinate entry system

Moving Airways
Depending on where the airway is clicked with the mouse in Move mode, either end, or the entire airway
may be moved. If the ends (nodes) of the airway are connected to other airways, they will be stretched
to accommodate. An airway can be ‘broken’ away from a node by selecting it a small distance back from
the node, and ‘dragging’ it away with the mouse. Multiple airways can be copied or moved by Selecting
the airways (with the Select button, or by drawing a Fence around the airways while in Move or Copy
mode), and then dragging the selected airways or clicking one with the mouse coordinates.

ORIGINAL

Examples of Moving Airways

 Upper left : Airways are selected and then moved simultaneously

 Upper right : Airway junction is moved with all attached airways
 Lower left : Airway is ‘broken away from node and pulled away with mouse
 Lower right : Airway junction is moved vertically by pressing shift while using mouse.
Moving / Copying Icons
Icon placement is not normally critical, however for fans or heat sources it can have some effect due to
changes in air density and pressure along an airway. The simulation will calculate the parameters and
effects of an icon as the specific point it is located in the airway. To move an icon within an airway, simply
choose the Move mode, and select and drag the icon along the airway with the LEFT mouse button. To
move or copy an icon to another airway, simply drag the icon to the new location. Note that an icon can
only be copied or moved to an airway with no existing equivalent icon.

Hint: Icon location can cause significant changes to fan performance on very long airways with elevation changes. For example, a
fan place at the top of a 1000m deep shaft will perform very differently to a fan place at the bottom of the shaft due to different
density and pressure variations at each location. VentSim DESIGN™ Advanced will calculate the variations and simulate the fan at
the location at which the icon is placed. Ensure the icon is correctly located along the airway, or use a very short airway segment
(for example a short extension at the top of a shaft) to locate the icon where it is required to be simulated.

Copying Airways
Airways can be copied, much in the same way as the Move function. An airway can be ‘grabbed’ with
the mouse and ‘dropped’ in a new location, or the airway can be clicked and manually copied with new
coordinates. In addition, a group of airways can be selected with the Select button, or by drawing a
fence around the airways, and then clicking or dragging one of the selected airways.

Figure 4-7 Example of copying a selected group of airways

 5
Chapter

5 THE MENU BAR

The main menu bar accesses a host of functions including simulation options and settings, and viewing
options and settings. Many of the main menu bar function are duplicated in the toolbar buttons.

5.1. File Menu

 Open - Loads a pre-saved model.

You can also open VentSim DESIGN™ files by dragging file icons from your Windows folders onto the
VentSim DESIGN™ screen.

VentSim can open a number of different formats, including VentSim™, VentSim Classic, and provides
limited functionality to load VNET-PC files.

VentSim Classic files are slightly different in structure. While good compatibility should be retained when
loading these files, it is always important to check and validate the model to ensure no significant changes
have occurred during the transition from VentSim Classic to VentSim™.

VnetPC Files

VentSim can directly import VnetPC VDB files and construct a workable
Ventilation model from the file, however full compatibility is not guaranteed.
VentSim attempts to import all airway data, fan curves and environment data,
however because of some fundamental differences in files formats and data
used, there may be difference in simulation.

To maintain maximum compatibility, the resistance of all airways is fixed to the

same value as the VnetPC file, however if the file has correct airway dimensions,
the user is encouraged to remove this fixed value and utilise the AUTO
resistance in VentSim to calculate airway resistance from size and friction factor.
To do this, select the airway or airways, then choose the EDIT button, and
change the CUSTOM resistance to AUTO. Ensure the airway size and friction
factors are correctly set for each airway.

Warning. Full VnetPC compatibility is not guaranteed and every file should be thoroughly checked for accuracy and consistency after
import. VnetPC files are missing much of the information VentSim normally used to simulate models, and assumptions are sometimes
made which may not be correct.

Validating Imported Models

When loading VentSim Classic or VnetPC models, a simple validation check can
be done by comparing the model Summary before and after a simulation. For
example, immediately after loading the model, select RUN > SUMMARY from
the main menu, record the airflows and other data, then SIMULATE the model
and compare the new SUMMARY results. If the results are very similar it is
likely that there are no significant compatibility issues.
 Merge - Joins two models together instead of erasing the currently loaded model.

Similar to the Open command, this may be useful for joining separate modeled areas of the same mine.
Caution should be taken however, as duplicate branches are not immediately checked when the models
are merged (duplicate branches will be subsequently be deleted if an attempt is made to simulate the
model).

 Save - Saves changes made to the ventilation model.

If the VentSim title bar shows that the model is untitled, the user will be prompted to select a name
before the file can be saved.

 Save As - Saves the model, but gives the option of saving under a different name.

VentSim can be saved in one of two formats. The default format in the VSM file which is the standard
file format. This format is highly compressed and cannot be read by other programs.

VentSim DESIGN™ files can also be saved as a Text format. This format follows the standard TAB
separated values format and can be loaded by programs such as Microsoft EXCEL, WORD or ACCESS.
The internal contents of the file can be viewed, modified and resaved as a Text file. The Text file can be
reloaded into VentSim DESIGN™ providing the basic structure and the HEADER and FOOTER tabs remain
the same.

 Master Link

Enables a common settings file (Master File) to be linked and shared with multiple VentSim DESIGN™
files. Master Files replace the Template function used in Version 1 of VentSim™.

Master Files store a user definable selection of shared settings (for example resistance and friction factor
preset values or fans). When a VentSim file is linked to a Master File, and the file is saved, the settings
are also saved to the Master File and will be available to all other VentSim DESIGN™ files which have a
link to the Master File. The settings in linked VentSim DESIGN™ files are updated from the Master File
when loaded. If the Master File is not available, then a warning will show and the most previously saved
settings will the used.

Warning : Using linked Master Files can be dangerous if settings made in one file adversely affect another linked file. For example if a
fan is removed or replaced with another fan, and the file saved, then all other linked VentSim DESIGN™ files which used to use this
fan may no longer work correctly. If a linked Master File is used, it is normally better to add new settings, not remove or delete existing
settings which may be used by other files.
Create New : Creates a new Master file template, which can then be
linked to other VentSim DESIGN™ files. When creating the file, it is
automatically linked to the current file. Other VentSim DESIGN™
files can be linked to this same Master File by opening the files and
using the Link option below.

Hint : When creating a new file, there is an option to specify what common settings you
would like to make in the master file. For example if only the fan database, and the
common resistance, friction and shock factors are to be used, then click on the Fan
Database, and Preset options in the dialog box.

Save the Master File in an accessible file location. A descriptor can be

saved with the file to explain information about what components
have been saved.

Link : Opens a dialog form to search and link to a Master File. If the
current VentSim file has an existing linked Master file, the new Link
will replace the data in the VentSim file. An alternative method to
link a file is to simply drag and drop a Master File into the current
VentSim DESIGN™ window.
Figure 5-1 Master File Options
Unlink : Breaks a link to the Master file (but does not change the
Master File). Any changes to file settings made after the link is
removed will no longer update the Master File.

Update : Refreshes the current VentSim file with the data in the Master File. This may be necessary if
another file has modified the data in the Master File after the VentSim file has been opened. It is
normally not recommended to have multiple files open accessing the same Master File as only the most
recently saved VentSim File will have updated the master settings. If another file has updated the
Master File while the current file is open, then a WARNING will display indicating a possible conflict.

CAUTION – When selecting ‘REPLACE’ many components such as fan databases, levels and most presets may not correctly map to the
existing model’s fans, levels and presets, particularly if (for example) fans within the database are in a different order. These may need
to be manually corrected by checking and re-editing fan airways to ensure the correct fans have been placed.

 Defaults - The start up settings for VentSim™.

The defaults file is stored in the user’s personal Windows directory. The file is loaded when VentSim
DESIGN™ starts and specifies the settings, behaviour and fans when the program is first loaded. Each
user who logs on to the computer will have a different default file which is initially created when the
program is installed.

VentSim DESIGN™ files have a copy of defaults stored within the file which may have been modified
after the model file was started. This will override the standard start up defaults when the file is loaded.

Reload Startup - Reloads the original defaults file that is first loaded when VentSim is initiated.

This may be required if the default settings that are automatically loaded with a VentSim simulation file
are incorrect or out of date, or you wish to overwrite the current file settings.

CAUTION – This will reset all file parameters such as fan databases and graphics options. If you wish to only update selected
components, use the inherit function to load selected components from an existing file.

Save Defaults - Saves the settings currently loaded in memory to the defaults file. These will be loaded
automatically next time the program is run.

Restore Defaults - Restores the defaults file to the original file created when the VentSim DESIGN™
program was installed.
Inherit - Adopts selected attributes from another model.

VentSim DESIGN™ files contain many different

components such as fan databases, file and simulation
settings, level and layer database and many other
options. Instead of setting up new parameters for a
model, these components can be loaded from an
existing file without deleting the airway data in the
current file.

Hint : Fans from other VentSim DESIGN™ files can be used in your
existing files by inheriting and ‘combining’ the fan databases. The
simulation file fans inherited will only be added if no existing fans exist
with the same name. The ‘merge’ option will ensure all the current
model fans will be preserved, and new fans made available for
selection. The fan list can be edited from the fan database, or from the
Presets spreadsheet.

Once a suitable file is selected, an option panel is

displayed to allow the user to select various components they wish to inherit from the saved file. Once
loaded, these components will become part of the existing file. An option is provided to merged with
existing presets (for example, the friction factors may be added to a list of currently used friction
factors), or they can simply completely replace existing presets.

 Icons and Backgrounds

Offers tools to assist with applying custom pictures to fans,

resistance or heat preset items in VentSim. In fact, icon
pictures can be applied to any airway, even if no existing icons
exist. In addition, the background can be replaced with a
custom picture or logo that statically remains on screens at all
times (for company logos, consultant logos etc).

Custom icons allow individual fans, heat sources or resistances

to have pictures of (for example) real installations placed over
the default icons in the model.

To place a new icon picture in a model, simply ‘drag and drop’ a

picture file from any Windows folder, onto the icon or airway in your VentSim DESIGN™ model to be
changed. The default icon will automatically change to the new picture. If a picture is dragged onto an
icon, or similar icons of the same preset type will also be changed. If a picture is dragged onto a blank
airway, then a note description will be made that applies the picture to all airways with the same note
description.

To place a picture or logo in the background, simply drag and drop a picture into the VentSim
background. An options to shade the picture with the existing background blend, or place the picture in
the original format can be selected.

Other tools that may be of use in managing custom icons and backgrounds include:

Export: VentSim stores compressed copies of any icon pictures in the model onto a hard drive location
that can be accessed from a Windows folder.

View: Shows the Windows folder with currently stored VentSim Icon Pictures.

Refresh: Updates the VentSim display with any changed icons in the model. This should normally not be
required.

Clear Icons: Removes any icon pictures from the VentSim file. The pictures are still available in the
Windows folder if they are required again.
Clear Background: Clears the background pictures to the standard shading setup.

 File Tools

A series of tools to assist with securing, comparing or linking pictures to VentSim files. The tools are
described below.

 Compare : Compares the current loaded file with a saved file. Any obvious changes to airways such
as moving, deletion, new attributes, presets or sizes will be highlight on screen and in the error list
box.

HINT : This function may be useful where there may be multiple similar versions of the same file, and it is unknown what changes
may have been made between versions.
 Security : Sets the file security with a password to prevent unauthorised changes or access. In
addition, a password protected file cannot be merged with another. To activate security for a file,
simply select this option, enter a password and click what security option you wish to apply.

 View Only – Allows the model to be loaded and viewed, but

not changed in any way or re-saved.

 Read Only – Allows the model to be loaded and modified,

but not resaved or copied to a new model.

 Lock File – Prevents the file from being opened or viewed.

Figure 5-2 File Security Options

When a security enabled file is loaded a dialog form will request a password. If the password is not
entered or is incorrect, only the restricted security access option will be available.

CAUTION – Passwords are case sensitive. Ensure you can recall the password. A lost password means the file will not be able to be
opened or changed in the future.

 Save Picture

Saves the current screen to a file location as an image file.

This file can be later loaded into documents or presentations from other software packages.

 Import

Imports external data into VentSim DESIGN™ to build model model.

VentSim can import data from TXT (text) files, DXF (drawing exchange format Autocad) files, DWG
(Autocad native format), STR (Surpac string files), DM (Datamine Files – String or Wireframe Solid) and
VDP (VnetPCTM files).

Text Files

Imports model data from TXT format This format is widely available through
most spreadsheets and can be read into word processors. The standard format
for a TXT file can be saved from VentSim DESIGN™ under the save as
command. Most components (such as fan database and colour settings) can be
excluded from a TXT file, leaving only the main file component if desired. file,
leaving only the main file component if desired.

A VentSim text file must have at least the first row header line, which defines the text file as VentSim
compatible and a Completion line ‘END’ (the last line in a VentSim DESIGN™ saved TXT file).

Load any VentSim file saved as a TXT file to view the structure in a compatible editor (for example
Microsoft Excel™)

Figure 5-3 An example of a VentSim DESIGN™ Text File Loaded into Microsoft Excel

Import (DXF / DWG / DM Imports DXF , Autocad DWG, Microstation DGN , Datamine and Surpac
/ STR / DGN) formatted data (supported by many CAD and Mine Planning packages).

Importing graphics items can serve two functions. Importing line string graphics can allow VentSim
DESIGN™ to directly create new airways, using the line strings as centre lines for the development. The
centrelines can be converted to airways during the import function, or later on by selectively clicking or
fencing the centrelines with the Add > Convert function. Further utilities under the tools menu allows
users to quickly turn the new airways into viable models.

Formats DXF, DWG and DGN also allow text to be imported and displayed in VentSim.

HINT : Converting all imported centrelines to airways can be a problem if some model airways already exist and may be duplicated
by this function. Instead, loading centrelines as a reference graphic without converting to airways can allow the user to check where
extensions or changes to a mine model may be, particular if some of the centrelines may overlap existing airways. The reference
lines will extend from existing ventilation airways showing where extensions to the mine ventilation model may be required. The
referenced centreline can then be selectively clicked or fenced to convert to airways using the Add >Convert function.

A second option allows importing DWG, DGN or DXF files as ‘references’, which places the graphics
within the model, but does not affect or interact with the model airways. Examples may include mine
surface terrain, orebodies, actual development solids etc. This option allows the reference graphics to be
used as a guide to building new airways, or simply enhances the display with more information about the
mine environment. Any solids or wireframes that are present in the DXF will automatically be imported
as a ‘reference’ graphic, as VentSim DESIGN™ cannot build new airways from graphical solids (only
centrelines)

Figure 5-4 Import Option form showing DXF import options.

Import reference files can be merged with an existing model (for example a mine addition), and new
airways built with DXF centre lines can be set with default attributes (airway sizes etc) before importing.
Attributes can easily be changed later within the program.

HINT : File imports support drag’n’drop. Simple grab the file from a windows folder or directory and drop it on the VentSim
DESIGN™ screen. More than one file can be imported at a time by using the SHIFT or CTRL key to select and load the files.

Import Options

VentSim DESIGN™ will search a DXF file for both line strings and solids, as well as layers within the DXF
file. The import options indicate what action to take if these items are found.

Layers

The right hand column lists available layers in the DXF file which may be imported. Only select the layers
required to be imported into VentSim.

Centrelines

Centrelines (lines or polylines) can be either converted to ventilation airways, which will carry airflow within
a ventilation model, or simply as a reference graphical line string, which will not affect a mine ventilation
model, but which can be used to help guide and place manually constructed airways.

Import Centrelines Disabling this function will tell the program to ignore any line strings found.

Merge Data Adds the new imported data to the current model

Import Text Strings Imports text strings included in DXF, DWG and DGN files.

Import as reference only Tells the program NOT to build airways out of centrelines, but simply import
as a graphical reference. A centreline can be converted later to an airway
using the Add > Convert function.
 Surfaces (referenced) Surfaces or 3D solids cannot be directly converted into airways (unless a
‘convert all’ option is attempted), however 3D data can provide a useful
reference to manually developing VentSim Airways. In addition, it can
provide an important visual aid to viewing ventilation models within an actual
mine environment.

Import Solids Disabling this function tells the program to ignore and not load any solid
graphical data found in the reference file.

Import Hatching Disabling this function ignores importing of hatched graphics which can
consume excessive amounts of computer memory. It is recommend to turn
this function off where possible to conserve memory and improve display
speed.

Merge References Adds the imported data to any existing referenced solid graphical information
already within the model

Wireframes Only Adds the imported data as a wireframe line solids, instead of a polygon solid.

Metric or Imperial Most imported files do not have an internal specification of whether the units
Coordinates are Imperial or Metric. VentSim will assume the coordinates are the same as
currently used in the VentSim file, however if the coordinates system are
mismatched, then the imported data will be displaced to incorrect coordinates
(for example a metric DXF imported into an imperial VentSim model). This
setting allows you to override the default VentSim setting to ensure coordinates
will match up.

Offset X, Y, Z Allows a DXF file to be imported with an offset from the original file
coordinates. This may be useful to match existing coordinates used in
VentSim, or when a 2D file single elevation file needs to be moved to a new
elevation in VentSim.

Convert 2D Flattens the entire DXF file on to a single elevation or level. Occasionally, flat
2D CAD files may have different elevations set in the file. When these files
are used in a 2D CAD package, the elevations difference may not be noticed,
however when loaded into VentSim, the elevation differences may become
troublesome in a 3D working environment. If the OFFSET Z option is entered,
then the imported elevation will be at this number when this option is set.

Scale Allows the DXF import data to be scaled to a different size. This is
sometimes usefull if the original DXF data has been scanned or converted
from a PDF file at an arbitrary scale and no longer matches the true scale.

Rotate Rotates the DXF data around a zero based origin by a specified number of
degrees.

Default Colour Allows the user to select the colour of the reference data to import.

Use DXF Colours Colours the imported graphics to the original colour (if selected), or the user
selected colour (if not selected)

Split Layer Names Imports the reference graphics into VentSim with each layer as a different
reference name, instead of a single reference name encompassing all layers.
The reference names can then be individually managed in the Reference
Manager function under the File menu.

Filter Splines Imported splines (smooth curves) can have hundreds of data points to make
smooth curved lines. This can consume excessive memory in VentSim.
Select this function to reduce the imported data requirements, and
approximate the curves with a series of straight lines.
 Curve Segments Simplifies curved solid shapes. Curved shapes can consume a lot of
graphical memory and reduce display speeds. Higher numbers simplify
graphics further. A higher number will simplify display and reduced memory
requirements.

Triangle Tessellation Simplifies triangles imports and join them together where possible. Excess
triangles consume a lot of graphical memory and reduce display speeds. A
higher number will simplify display and reduced memory requirements.

 Import STR (Surpac Strings)

Similar to DXF functionality, VentSim will attempt to import line strings and offer to directly convert to
airways, or import them as a reference for later use.

 Import DM (Datamine Strings and Wireframe Solids)

Similar to DXF functionality, VentSim will attempt to import line strings and wireframe solids from
Datamine compatible files.

 Export DXF/DWG

Provides a utility to export VentSim centrelines, text and solid

graphics to a DXF, DWG or DGN file for importing into other CAD
software. The colours and text exported will be set to the current
screen colours and text. Different items can be selected for
exporting. They will be placed on different DXF layers so they can
be turned on or off independently in the CAD program.

Figure 5-5 Export to DXF Options

Note that any airway ventilation attributes will be lost during the export process, and DXF files cannot be
re-imported back in to VentSim as ventilation models. A variety of formats are available to save. Older
formats are normally recommended to improve compatibility and reduce file size.
 Manage References

Provides a utility to separately manage any imported graphics reference. Each

imported object can be separately coloured, made transparent or hidden from
the main view through the form options.

Select one or more graphics objects from the list with the mouse (hold the
shift key down to select multiple items). A check box activated against the
name indicates it is currently being shown. A clear check box indicates it is
currently hidden.

RIGHT CLICK the mouse to view additional options;

Colour Changes the colour of the items. The second

colour shows the transparency effect on the
colour. Clicking the multi-coloured box will
colour the reference graphics object with a full
spectrum of colours based on elevation.

Transparency Changes the transparency of the item.

Hide Hides the object from the screen view

Show Shows the object in the screen view

Merge Joins together two or more selected files from

the reference graphic list.

Delete Removes the reference object from the file

Duplicates Search all reference graphics for duplicate Figure 5-6 Reference Graphics Manager
graphics and removes any duplicates to
reduce memory requirements. This
function does not remove duplicates on different reference layers.

Clear Textures Clears textures (pictures) that may have be dropped over a reference
graphics surface.

Memory Shows the current internal VentSim memory reserved for storing reference
graphics. If this approaches 100%, consider removing some reference
graphics objects, or alternatively if the computer has sufficient memory
increase the Reference Graphics memory from the Settings >Settings menu.

 Title Note

Allows the user to specify a unique file comment which appears in the top title bar.

This comment can help identify the date, name and purpose of the model.

 File Memo

Allows users to write an extensive descriptor regarding the function or description of the current model.

This is saved with the file for future reference.

 Page Setup / Print / Print Preview

Prints a graphic picture of the model in the View Window to an installed printer.

Only printers with Windows supported graphics capabilities will be capable of printing the model. As
VentSim DESIGN™ uses a perspective view, no particular scale is applied to the image. The image is
sized to the maximum size of the page and orientation. To reduce colour output, the VentSim screen
colours can be changed under the Settings > Settings > Graphics > Colours menu. For detailed
engineering accuracy output, it is recommended to export the model to a DXF file for loading into a
suitable CAD program for later output to a printer.

 Previous File Listing

Quickly loads files recently loaded or saved.

 Load Demonstration

Loads a generic model of a typical mine.

This is for demonstration purposes only, and contains a number of simple mine examples to view. Note
that while these items can be modified, they cannot be resaved in the same folder.

 License Manager

Opens the License Manager form.

The license manager is a multi-type license activation and release tools. VentSim licenses are created with specific
options when purchase and may include

1. Single or Multi User mode

2. Single computer or transferrable between computer options

3. Automatic release, manual release and limited borrow time options

4. Internet activate or USB activated options

5. Local Network License Server or Internet License Server options.

More information about the License Server is available in the License Manager Chapter.

 Exit

This command closes VentSim. VentSim will prompt if your model file, fan database or defaults have not
been saved since last modified.Edit Menu

 Undo

Reverses the previous action

Undo is a fully functional undo facility that will undo a number of previous changes made to a model (up
to the buffer size of the undo function). Opening the menu under the Undo will show a list of up to ten of
the latest actions, which can be undone altogether. Actions on Airways and Message Boxes are all
include in the Undo. Note, that while it will not directly undo a simulation, by pressing UNDO until your
previously model is in place and then re-simulating, this will produce the same results.

 Redo

Redo will reverse the result of the undo function.

 Copy and Paste Airways

Copy airways from one VentSim DESIGN™ program to another.

Copy and Paste Airways creates an exact replica of selected existing airways in a model and pastes them
into the same location into the existing or new model. The function is primarily designed to copy and
paste airways between VentSim files or between different Stages in a mine ventilation design; for
example to update airways from a model that has been modified.

To use this function to copy and paste between models, ideally have two copies of VentSim DESIGN™
open with different model files. Select the Copy Airways menu item, and click on, or fence the airways
you wish to copy.

To paste the airways, move to the new model (or load it up) and select the Paste Airways TRUE menu
item. The copied airways will be pasted into the new model at the same coordinates as the original
airways.

To paste duplicate airways between STAGES, use the same technique, but simply copy the airways in
one stage, switch to the desired stage name or number, then Paste Airways TRUE. A copy of the
airways will be set in the new stage.

If airways become duplicated in the process, VentSim DESIGN™ will delete one of the duplicate copies.

To paste airways in a different location, use the Paste Airways LOCAL menu option. This will paste the
airways around the current local screen location set in the view window, effectively copying the airways
from the original location to a new location.

Clone and Apply Attributes

Clones selected attributes from one airway and applies the attributes to another.

Attributes are physical airway parameters such as size, resistances, friction factors and shock losses, as
well as identifying other settings such as layers. You can decide which attributes to apply to an existing
airway by selecting the Clone Options function from the menu or Select Manager Form from the toolbar.

To clone attributes, select the Clone Attribute menu item, and click on an existing airway. The airway
properties will be copied to memory and the program will automatically enter the Apply Attribute mode.

To apply attributes, make sure you are in the Apply Attribute mode if it has not already been selected
and either click on an existing airway, OR fence a selection of airways to apply the attributes to that
group. Cloned Attributes can be applied at anytime (even after other editing has been done) and will
apply the most recently cloned values.
 Example : An existing airway has been set to
copy size, friction factor and resistance
attributes. To copy these attributes on to other
airways,

 Select then clone options

 Ensure the Apply Attributes options is
chosen
 Select Edit > Copy Attributes
 Click the airway you wish to copy the
attributes from.
 Select Edit > Paste Attributes
 Click or Fence the airways you wish to
copy the attributes to.

Figure 5-7 Clone Attributes

New Airways
Control which attributes are applied to new airways.

Use Inherited New airways drawn from existing airways will inherit the settings from the
airways they are attached to (such as size, shape, friction factors etc).
Airways which do not originate from another airway will use the default
setting values.

Use Defaults To force the program to use the Default Values (from the Settings Menu),
choose Default. All new airways drawn (regardless of whether they connect
from existing airways) will use the default settings.

Use Cloned Forces the program to use the Cloned Settings from a previously cloned
airway. For example if a shaft is to be drawn from a horizontal airway,
cloning a similar shaft and then drawing the new airway with this function
set, will result in a new shaft with the same size, parameters and layer settings
as the cloned shaft.

Find Text & Select

Automatically locates specific airways and moves the screen to selected parts of a model.
Figure 5-8 Find Airway Data

Selecting one of the options will find and highlight the airway searched for. The option may be repeated
for further branches by pressing the Next,.

HINT – Pressing <F3> will rapidly allow you to search through a model, by repeatedly jumping to the next item.

Select All
Highlights or select all airways matching the previous find criteria. To find All instances of an airway (for
example to find all airways with the name ‘shaft’ in the airway name, or to find all fans, click on an initial
find type and then click on Select All. All items with these parameters will Highlight and Flash.

5.2. View Menu

Fit All
Fits all the display data into the view window.

CAUTION : If display data is from two regions a long way apart (for example data may have been imported into VentSim DESIGN™
from a different coordinate system). The Fit All may not be able to accommodate the range of data attempted to be shown, or the
camera may be too far away to view the data effectively. Ensure all data is in the same coordinate region before it is loaded or merged.

Show All
Resets all hidden levels, layers and airway data and displays the entire model. Occasionally a model may
have hidden or semi-transparent airways set from a previous action. Show all will quickly bring the entire
model back to full view. Show All will force VentSim DESIGN™ to show all elevations of airway data in
your model, even if they are outside of the ranges specified in the Level Database.

Reset Display
Resets the graphics display adaptor and re-establishes the graphics on the screen. Some types of
hardware graphics display adaptors may occasionally corrupt or fail to show the screen graphics,
particularly if the computer has been brought out of hibernation, sleep or screen saver. This option in
most cases should recover the graphics.

Quick View
Quick Views can quickly be saved and recalled sequentially outside of the normal Saved View system.
Quick views are not added to the Save View menu selection. The views can be quickly recalled at any
time using the arrow keys. The function primarily assists with navigation of large models, where
different areas can be quickly returned to for viewing simulation results.
 Save Quick View Creates a temporary view position for a model. The view is added
sequentially to previous stored Quick Views. The sequence of stored quick
view can be recalled or returned to using the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys.

Clear Current Clears and removed the currently recalled quick view. The view is removed
from the sequence of other stored Quick Views, and can no longer be
recalled.

Clear ALL Clears all Quick Views from memory.

Previous Quick View Recall the previous Quick View from the sequence of saved Quick Views.

Next Quick View Recalls the next Quick View in the sequence of saved Quick Views.

Flight Path
Stores a flight path activated during the FLIGHT mode. Flight paths can be played back after completion,
or they can be stored for later playback from the SAVED VIEW menu.

Copy to clipboard

Copies the screen to the Windows clipboard for direct pasting into an external documents (such as a Power Point
presentation). Static Views are primarily for referencing areas before and after simulation.

Copy to clipboard (all)

Similar to above, but copies any overlying windows (such as legends and graphs).

Copy to clipboard HI-RES

Similar to above, but copies an ultra-high resolution picture to the clipboard. This picture has more detail
than the screen graphics, but may fail to work on slower or older computers. Hi-Res pictures will show
more clearly in large format printing or reports, but are of less use in screen or projector presentations
where the screen cannot show the higher resolutions.

Snapshot
Creates a picture copy of the current window in a new form window. Static Views are primarily for
referencing areas before and after simulation. It may be useful in showing a sequence of changing
ventilation simulation results by storing previous results for comparison with new results.

The form window defaults to 25% of the size of the normal view window, but can be resized or maximised
at any time to show full detail. The static view forms can be renamed for reference or saved to a picture
JPG file for future use in other software.

Static views are simply picture copies of the original model graphics and remain the same regardless what
happens to a model after the static view is created. They cannot be edited, moved or rotated. The
number of static views created is only limited by the memory capacity of the computer.

HINT : Both the EDIT box and the FAN DATABASE form can also be reproduced as a STATIC view. This is useful to provide a quick
comparison between airways or model results before and after simulation changes. To use this function, simply RIGHT click the EDIT
box or FAN form, and select Static View

Set Edit Centre

Sets the edit grid and point of focus to a specified coordinate or elevation.

New airways will be drawn on the specified elevation

Show All Elevations

Shows all elevation ranges for the model.
Turns on all level elevations views, and includes airways and references outside of the defined elevation
ranges.

Show All Layers

Shows all layers (primary and secondary) in the model.

Turns on all layers so all airways graphics will be visible.

Hide Zero Flow

Hides airways with no flow. This function is useful for hiding disused or unventilated parts of a mine so
they do not clutter the display. Airways with no flow (or airflow below the level set as zero flow value in
the Settings menu) will be shown as transparent or hidden, depending on the transparency settings
described above, and the transparency amount set in the Display Manager.

Hide Excluded
Hides airways which have been set as EXCLUDED from the model. This function is useful for hiding parts
of a mine which are not required to be simulated, or are not set to be part of the current simulation
model. The exclude options for airways are available from the EDIT box.

Hint: Old sealed off development, or future development yet to be mined can be excluded from the model to speed up simulation
and display of models. Excluded airway can be hidden to simplify the display, but can be shown and converted back to normal
airways at any time if required.

5.3. Saved View Menu

Save View
Saves the current view and stores the save name in menu for future recall. Save view will save all
attributes in a view including RL levels, layers and display options. Saved views can be pulled back into
any current window by selecting the saved name from the pull down view list.

Delete View
Deletes the saved view stored in the CURRENT pull down menu list (and hence removes this name from
the list).

Saved Views

Four view orientations are set as defaults -

PLAN EW SECTION NS SECTION ISO

These standard views will display the model at various orientations (although the model can still be
orientated to the same orientations by using the RIGHT mouse button. These views cannot be deleted
or changed

Caution: The Perspective view will distort some aspect of the views. For example, the plan view will show the airways at the EDIT grid
level to plan, but airways above and below this elevation will appear larger and smaller respectively.

Any further saved views will be placed below these items. Saved views save the position, orientation,
colour scheme, data types and attributes of the screen at the time at which they were saved.

Hint: Saved views are not only useful for recalling the location and orientation of a model. Because they recall selected levels, layers,
data types and colours, they can be a quick way to establish a template to edit and view different data aspects of your model. For
example, you may have an AIRFLOW view, custom set to highlight a certain range of airflows in different colours, while a ‘HEAT’
view may be saved to highlight a range of temperatures.

5.4. Run Menu

The RUN menu allows menu access to the main simulation functions of VentSim™. Note that these can also be
accessed from the main toolbar buttons.
Standard Functions

 Airflows
 Steady State Contaminants
VentSim DESIGN™ Advanced Functions

 Thermodynamic
 Diesel Particulates
 Dynamic Contaminants, Gas, Heat and DPM
 Recirculation
 Financial
VentSim DESIGN™ Premium / VentFIRE™ Functions

 VentFIRE™ Fire Simulation

 Multi type dynamic simulations

Airflows [ALL]
Undertakes a steady state airflow simulation of the model. The Standard version will only perform an
incompressible flow simulation, whereas the Advanced and Premium versions will optionally perform
compressible flow mass balanced simulation if selected in the settings.

Thermo-dynamics [ADVANCED]
Undertakes a steady state thermodynamic simulation, which derives initial airflow (and mass flows) from
an airflow simulation. Thermodynamic simulation is complex and endeavours to simulate numerous
parameters encountered in a mining environment. The simulation process follows well documented
methods described in books such as Subsurface Ventilation and Environmental Engineering by Malcolm J. McPherson.
Heat parameters that VentSim DESIGN™ Advanced considers includes

 Heat and moisture derived from rock strata and ground water.
 Thermal properties of different rock types.
 Heat from point sources (such as electric motors), linear sources (such as conveyors), diesel
engines and oxidisation of ores.
 Heat from auto-compression of air.
 Refrigeration and spot cooling of air.
 Changing densities throughout the mine, due to depth and temperature effects, as well as pressure
from ventilation flows.
 Natural ventilation changes from changing densities.
 Moisture from sources such as dust suppression sprays.
 Condensation from over saturated air
To accurately model a mine, all of these factors must be considered. If data for a parameter is not
entered, VentSim DESIGN™ will assume a default value specified in the Settings and in most cases will
simulate a result anyway. The accuracy of this result will largely depend on the accuracy of the entered
data, and the default values used. More information regarding thermodynamic simulation can be found
later in the manual.

Diesel particulates [ADVANCED]

Simulates the spread of diesel particulates throughout a mine model, derived from diesel heat sources
placed throughout the model. The simulation process assumes a steady state emission of diesel
particulate sources and a uniform mixing process throughout the model and its junctions. Note that this
may not always be the case in a real mine, where incomplete mixing and dynamic changing of exhaust
emissions through the day can change concentrations of diesel particulates at different times, however it
provides a useful baseline to examine the effects of changing ventilation circuits and flow in a mine.

For more information see Diesel Particulate Simulation

Dynamic Simulations [ADVANCED]

Simulates the time based spread of contaminants, gases, heat and DPM contaminants. Time based
dynamic simulation show the results of a simulation on the screen at increasing time increments that can
be paused and resumed. Only one of these dynamic simulation parameters can be simulated at a time
(although the PREMIUM VentFIRE™ module can simulate multiple parameters simultaneously) To
record a history of time base simulation results, ‘monitors’ can be placed at defined locations to record
changes to ventilation flow.

For more information see Dynamic Simulation

VentFIRE™ [PREMIUM]
VentFIRE™ as the name suggests allows for complex simulation of fire heat and contaminants. In
addition, it allows for simultaneous dynamic simulation of multiple ventilation parameters such as airflow,
gases, contaminants, DPM’s and heat. VentFIRE™ allows models to be automatically modified during
simulation to enable scenarios such as altering fans, opening or closing doors, or moving machines to be
modelled dynamically over time.

For more information see the VentFIRE™ Simulation section.

Recirculation [ADVANCED]
Examines a model for paths which may recirculate airflow in a mine and reports the % or recirculated air
in each airway.

The definition of recirculation is the passage of airflow or a

portion of airflow through the same point in a mine more than
once. VentSim DESIGN™ uses a custom algorithm to track the
paths and recirculated portion of every airflow throughout a
mine, and report where airflow may recirculate. To prevent
trivial reporting of recirculating air (such as minor leakage of air
through a high resistance stopping) a default tolerance of
1m3/s recirculation is used. These limits can be changed in the
Settings form. Recirculating airflows are shown as a portion or
% of air which has recirculated through the same airway.

Note that this is not necessarily the total amount of recirculated air travel
through a location, only the portion of air travelling through the current location
and returning to the same location. Air in some cases may have recirculated
upstream in a different part of the mine, and will not be reported as recirculated
in downstream headings that do no recirculate. To view the downstream effect
of recirculated air, click on the ‘Recirculated Stream’ data or colour option,
instead of the Recirculation % option. Figure 5-9 Example showing a ventilation fan recirculating
air
Financial Simulation [ADVANCED]

Provides a number of methods for optimising airway sizes, including defining set airway sizes and costs
for consideration or by defined mining costs as variable and fixed factors so that an unlimited number of
different sizes can be considered.

See the financial optimisation section for further information.

Contaminant Simulations
Simulates the downstream spread or the upstream source of contaminants in the air. These routines are
generally used to identify the path and spread concentration of fumes, gases, dust and smoke from a
contaminant source, or to predict where the airflow for a particular location comes from. The routines
are not generally recommended for large fires, due to the dynamic and changing nature of fires, and the
dynamic heat effects on natural ventilation pressures.

To clear any contaminants or gases from a ventilation model, select the Clear Contaminants option from
this menu, or the toolbar menu.

See the Contaminant Simulation section or the Gas Simulation section for further information.

Summary

Displays a summary of the current model collectively, or grouped under different TABS. The data may be
copied to the clipboard, for pasting into another package such as Microsoft Word, or an email.

Note that if Staging is used, then only the currently viewed stage is summarised.
An example output is listed below from the Advanced version with explanations.

MODEL AIRWAYS 2772 Total number of discrete airways in a model

Total length 66196.0 m Total summed length of all airways

Total airflow intake 1025.5 m3/s Total airflow entering the mine from the surface

Total airflow 1040.2 m3/s Total airflow exhausting from the mine to the surface. Because of air
exhaust density changes due to heat an elevation, this may not match the
intake value on models with compressible flow.

Mine resistance 0.00164 Ns2/m8 Cumulative resistance of moving the total airflow through the mine.
This includes the resistance of ventilation ducts and recirculated air,
so caution should be taken in adopting this value for primary airflows.

Total mass flow 1260 kg/s Total mass of air flowing through the mine. Note that this is ‘dry’
mass flow which excludes moisture content.

POWER SUMMARY

AIR (loss) Power 1772.2 kW Total theoretical power required to move air through all airways

INPUT Power 3609.2 kW Total installed electrical power required to move airflow

Consisting of ..

9 fans @ 3607.6 kW

0 fixed press @ 0.0 kW

2 fixed flows @ 1.6 kW

Model Efficiency 49.1 % Ratio of theoretical friction loss to versus installed input electrical
power. Model efficiency may decrease when fans are operated
inefficiently, or when excessive surface velocity pressure losses occur.

MODEL FAN
SUMMARY

Fan Installations 7 Total fan installation in model

Fan Numbers 9 Total number of fans in model

Fan Sites Switched 0 Fans turned off
Off

Fan Sites Stalled 0 Fans operating at their maximum pressure

Fan Sites Low 1 Fans operating at a pressure beneath the lowest fan curve pressure,
Pressure but still above zero

Fan Sites Negated 0 Fans running with no or negative pressure added

Fans running 0 Fans running in reverse (user selected)

reversed

Total fan power 3607.6 kW Total of all fan electrical power. This calculated from fan shaft
efficiencies, and motor efficiencies. The fan power is calculate from
the fan power curve. If the curve is unavailable, it is estimated from
the fan total efficiency curve. If this is unavailable, the default fan
efficiency is used.

HEAT & MOISTURE

INPUT SUMMARY

Diesel Sources 0.0 kW from 0 Sources of diesel heat and contaminants

sources

Sensible Heat 0.0 kW from 0 Sources of sensible (dry) heat

Sources sources

Linear (S) Heat 0.0 kW from 0 Sources of heat distributed along multiple airways
Sources sources

Latent Heat 0.0 kW from 0 Sources of latent (vapour) heat

Sources sources

Oxidisation Heat 0.0 kW from 0 Sources of oxidising heat

Sources sources

Electrical Heat 3609.2 kW Sources of electrical heat

Sources

Total Input Heat 3609.2 kW Total heat input from man-made influences

Total Strata Heat 2885.1 kW Total heat input from heat dissipated from rock

Broken Rock Heat 1450 kW Total heat from broken rock, which is calculated when an advance
rate is entered for airways or stopes.

TOTAL HEAT 6494.3 kW Summation of all heat

SUMMARY

Total Refrigeration 0.0 kWR from 0 Refrigeration installations

sources

HEAT BALANCE 6494.3 kW Summation of heat minus refrigeration

TOTAL

Moisture Point 0 Number of point moisture sources (such as conveyor dust

Sources suppression spray)

Moisture Linear 0 Number of liner moisture sources (man-made, such as decline dust
Sources sprays)
 Moisture Input as 0 ml/sec Summary of moisture added from latent heat sources (such as diesel
Latent engines and latent point sources)

Moisture Airway 4404 ml/sec Summary of moisture evaporated from rock strata
Surfaces

Model condensation 0 ml/sec Summary of moisture condensed as water (normally in upcast

exhaust shafts). It can also indicate formation of fog in a mine.

MOISTURE 4403 ml/sec Total moisture exhausted from mine.

EXHAUSTED

HEAT AUDIT

Input heat below 6454.5 kW Check to make sure heat exhausted from mine, is accounted for from
surface summation of underground heat sources.

Elevation 29.5 kW Adjustment due to inlet / exhaust elevation differences (auto

adjustment compression)

Differential inlet to 6469.9 kW Different between inlet from surface heat, and exhaust to surface
outlet heat

Potential heat 14.1 kW (0.2 %) Error between the underground inputs and the surface recordings
imbalance

Potential temp 0.01 C degrees Potential error in temperature as a result.

imbalance

Figure 5-10 Example of Summary Output with Description

Heat Audit errors occur due to simulation approximations made in calculating heat and airflow in a mine.
Airflow simulation approximates flow in each airway to an acceptable error, while heat simulation
approximates temperature to an acceptable margin. These errors and margins are adjustable in the
settings. The summation of these approximations can cause minor variances between heat entered or
removed from each airway, and the heat difference between the air entering and exiting the mine. The
heat audit function is designed to highlight these potential differences and show the potential effect on
simulation accuracy.

How much Heat Audit Error is too much?

It depends on the model and tolerance for temperature margins, however up to

5% is generally acceptable, and will only give a slight imbalance in
temperatures. Errors beyond 5% are likely due to large allowable error settings
in the main settings, or excessive airways in the model with little or no flow,
which have a relatively high degree of approximation error. In most cases, the
error can be reduced by EXCLUDING unused parts of the model with little
airflow, reducing the mass flow limit in the heat simulation settings or reducing
the temperature and allowable airflow errors in the airflow and heat simulation
settings.

Graphs A selection of graphs derived from model parameters.

The energy losses show the loss of input electrical energy into various ventilation losses such as wall
friction, shock loss and exit losses. Exit losses represent power lost due to the velocity of ejection of
exhaust air into the atmosphere. Note that some of this energy can be recovered and converted to
useful fan static pressure by increasing diffuser size and reducing exit velocities.
Heat Gain / Losses show the addition and
removal of heat into the mine atmosphere. Note
that while autocompression is a significant heat
addition to deeper mine, the heat is removed
when air travels back to the surface. Also note
exhaust fan heat on surface fans has been
deliberately excluded from this summary as the
heat does not directly affect underground
atmosphere. Figure 5-11 Mine Summary Graphs

Moisture Gain shows the addition of moisture to

the underground atmosphere. Note that in
most cases, moisture is due to either
evaporation from rock strata or from diesel
engine latent heat.

Resistance and power curves show a graph of

how much pressure and power will be required
for a global increase or decrease in mine airflow. Mine resistance is calculated based on the established
airflow pathways set by resistances and fans. If airflow distribution or resistance is changed with
alternatively placed fans or resistances, then model resistance will also change.

To utilise the graph, any airflow change must be assume to universally and equally change across the
entire model. Increasing the airflow only through one part of the mine (with resistance or fans) and not
another will change the total mine resistance, and therefore pressure and power changes will no longer
follow the curve. The mine resistance graph shows two (2) curves – the lower red curve without
auxiliary ventilation duct included, and the green curves including auxiliary ventilation duct.
5.5. Connect Menu
A selection of tools to connect to external data sources. Some tools may not be available unless
purchased as an added extra.

LiveVIEW™
LiveVIEW™ is a VentSim Design™ module designed to connect to external data sources such as SQL
databases, Excel or Access data files, or text files. It is commonly used to connect to data coming from
live underground sensors. The data can be mapped and displayed within a 3D VentSim Design™ model,
and can even be used to simulate new results based on the connected data.

Further information is available from the LiveVIEW™ section of this manual.

Ventlog™
Ventlog™ is a software program designed to record and collate underground surveyed ventilation data.
The Ventlog™ database can be interfaced with VentSim Design™ to provide the ability to show actual
Ventlog™ data results, overlayed with VentSim Design™ simulation results. This provides a useful tool
to compare actual and simulated values when trying to validate a model.

Further information is available from the Ventlog™ Integration section of this manual.

VentSim CONNECT™
VentSim CONNECT™ is a new version of VentSim for connecting directly with devices on a site. VentSim
CONNECT™ is aimed at connecting and monitoring Fans, Sensors, Regulators and any other devices at
site.

Further information is available in the “VENTSIM CONNECT™” chapter of this manual.

5.6. Tools Menu

A selection of tools and settings to check, modify and fine tune the model

Fans
Displays a windows form that allows editing, adding and deleting of all fans in the model fan database.
Up to one thousand (1000) fans and the associated fan curves may be entered into the fan database. A
display for each fan curve and data will be presented when a fan is selected from the display list.

For further information on entering and using fans, see the Fan Section in this manual.

Levels
A list of elevation ranges on which airway data can be individually viewed.

This form allows editing or creating of a list of levels (elevations) between which airway data is located.
The level list can contain up to 1000 levels on which your model will be created.

Elevation data can be edited in any order, as well as added at a later date - VentSim will sort the data
from highest to lowest when next displayed.

To select which levels are displayed, use the Data Display manager to select what levels to display.
Alternatively, levels can also be independently set by using the mouse context pop-up menu (right
mouse button on the screen) to Select Levels.

To view ALL levels at any time, simply use the Right Click pop-up menu to select All Levels. Levels can
be sorted by clicking the column header for the desired item.
Stages
Opens the stage form, where stage names can be entered or modified. In addition, detailed descriptions
for each stage can be entered, and simulation events for air and heat can be enabled when the user
switches between stages in the models.

For further information on staging, see the Stage Section in this manual.

Spreadsheet
Displays a READ-ONLY list of currently viewed or selected airways in a spreadsheet form.

The spreadsheet of airway data is displayed can be copied and pasted to other applications such as
Microsoft Excel or Word.

Up to 100 different types of data can be displayed on the spreadsheet. To display different data types,
use the SELECT > DATA OPTIONS menu to select which data you wish to display.

Data can also be removed from the spreadsheet, by selecting EDIT > REMOVE or using the right mouse
button.

Data columns can be reordered by selecting the column title and dragging to a new location. In addition
columns can be resized and resorted by using the appropriate menu commands.

Hint : While the spreadsheet function is not designed for editing data, extensive data characteristics for each airway can be
displayed, and copied to external programs such as Microsoft Excel ™. VentSim DESIGN™ provides an Index number and a Unique
number reference for each airway. The Index number is referenced internally and during simulations by VentSim™, but may change
for each airway as airways are added or removed. The Unique number will not change, and should be used as a permanent
reference number to each airway if other identifiers such as names are not used.
Figure 5-12 Spreadsheet view of model with selected data

Filter
Filtering tools consist of a selection of airway utilities to help filter and correct complex, disconnected or
overlapping raw model data. The tools can be run simultaneously as a group, or individually.

The All Tools tab in the form, allows simultaneous filtering using the various selected tools. Alternatively,
each tool can be selected and run individually from the other tabs.

Figure 5-13 Filtering Tools Combined

Simplify allows the user to reduce the number of airways in a model to a more efficient number without
affecting the overall model analysis.

It is particularly useful where a model has been imported via a DXF file and contains a large number of
very detailed but unnecessary small connected airways.

Simplify will search a model for sequences of airways that may be reduced to single straight airways. In
doing so, much of the overhead and effort required to set parameters to every airway can be reduced.
Note that the simplify function will only combine airways that have a single entry and exit. Airways at
junctions and split branches will remain untouched.
Figure 5-14 The simplify dialog box

Maximum Joined Angle The Max Angle option specifies the maximum angle between two airways
being considered for merging. For example, if the original model contains a
number of airways that form a curve and Max Angle is set to 20 degrees
Simplify will keep on merging airways until the airways being considered have
directions changed by 20 degrees or more.

Maximum Joined The Max Length option restricts simplification to airways less than the
Length specified length. For example if set to 30m, only airways with lengths of less
than 30m will be considered for merging and simplifying.

In general, the higher the values of the Max Angle and Max Length settings, the
more aggressively VentSim DESIGN™ will simplify and combine airways.

Use combined lengths: Ensure the new length of a combined airway is fixed to remain exactly the
same as the original combined lengths even if the original airways formed a
curve. If not set, the new lengths will be recalculated as the true length of
the new straight line. In most cases the difference is minor, and it is
recommended to leave this option unchecked.

Ensure no resistance Ensures that airways with a preset resistance (such as a bulk headed airway)
presets filtered: are not simplified and merged with other airways.

Ensure airways Check to see if airways that are considered for merging and simplifying are
dimensions are the only joined if they are exactly the same size.
same:
Ensure wall types are Similar to dimensions, only airways with similar wall (friction factor) types
the same: are joined.

Selected airways only: Only simplify selected airways and ignore all others.

HINT : Short irregular airway segments are best simplified with high joined angle settings (+45 degrees) or smaller joined length
settings (<20m). Long smooth airway segments are best simplified with low joined angle settings (<20 degrees) and high joined
length settings (>50m). Note that airways can be individually selected for simplification.
Binding
Binding connects disconnected airways ends or intersections. Many imported DXF files do not have
correctly connected centre lines or ends. This function will search for unconnected ends or crossed
airways and join them together if they are close enough. Airways must always be correctly joined to
allow air to flow
Warning : These functions are intended for preliminary clean-up of new models, not for existing balanced models. It can permanently
change the characteristics of your model and may delete some preset items or values. Ensure only the required airways are first
SELECTED before binding or simplification.

Figure 5-15 Binding Tools

Bind loose airway ends

Defines the distance to join airway ends in a model which are close together but do not join. Imported
DXF file commonly have lines which don’t exactly join due to editing or drawing methods used in the
original file. Airways which do not exactly join in VentSim DESIGN™ will not flow air, and will result in a
No Exit / Entry warning.

The search radius can be entered in the preset box. For example a search radius of 4 will join any loose
end (airway end without another connection) to any airways within 4m of the end.

Bind adjacent nodes

Defines the distance to join adjacent connected nodes in a model which are close together but do not
join. This function is a little like simplify, in that small airways between the joined nodes will be
removed.

Warning : Selecting this option with too greater distance can seriously distort the model. Use with caution or not at all.

Bind airway ends to Junction

Defines the distance to join airway ends to other airway mid sections. It effectively splits and joins into
the new airway. Imported DXF files commonly have lines which cross the path of airway ends, but do
not have a joining node. This function will create a joining node along the line.

Bind Crossed Airways at Intersection

Defines the distance for joining airways that intersect or come close to intersecting, but do not have a
joining node. It effectively splits and joins both airways into new airways. Imported DXF file commonly
have lines which cross the path of another airway, but do not have a joining node.

Duplicates
Searches for airways which have duplicates in the same or similar position. Duplicate airways can cause
problems with air simulation due to poorly defined or hidden flow paths that the user cannot see.
Figure 5-16 Duplicate Finding Tools

Adjacent Angle is the maximum angle difference between adjacent airways that may be considered as a
duplicate. Airways next to each other with greater angles between them will not be considered as a
duplicate. The smaller the angle in degrees, the more ‘parallel’ and airway must be to be considered a
duplicate.

Adjacent Distance is the maximum distance two adjacent airways can be apart over which they will no
longer be considered as duplicates.

Exact selects only an exact matching airway as a duplicate

Reversed selects airway the same, but facing opposite directions.

Similar selects airways similar but not identical. The adjacent angle and distance will be used as a
criterion for selection.

Action defines what action will be taken when the duplicate airways are found.

Divide
Divides longer airways into shorter sections. This is normally not required, however may provide
improved simulation and tracking of dynamic simulation data. Note that dividing a model into excessive
shorter sections may slow simulation and display.
Convert To 3D
Moves the model airways on to a 3D surface or contour plan, effectively converting the model from a 2D
plan to a 3D model. Note that if only parts of a model need to be converted, they should first be selected
with the Select tool

Figure 5-17 Filter Airways

Use Reference 3D Lines :Uses lines (such as contours) loaded in from a DXF as a reference to convert the
model to 3D.

Use Reference 3D Solids : Uses solids (such a terrain polygons) loaded in as a referenced DXF object, to
convert the airways to 3D,

HINT : To convert a multi seam or level model to 3D using this function, individually group select the airways required, and ensure
only the relevant 3D DXF object for that level is turned on before conversion.
Calculate VRT Models beneath steeply sloping or mountainous terrain may not be able to
correctly apply virgin rock temperatures from a single elevation datum (this
is the normal way VentSim calculates VRT temperatures of airways
underground). This function sets and fixes the VRT temperatures based on the
proximity of a 3D contour or surface plan above the airways.

Fuse Joins airways with small gaps between the joining ends. This may be
required if the airway is imported or pasted from another model, or created
from an autocad centre lines conversion. Note that the FILTER tool can
perform a similar function with the BINDING option.

Find Path Finds the pathway between one or two selected airways. If one airway is
selected, a pathway from one end to the other is calculated and selected. If
two airways are selected, a pathway between the two selected airways is
calculate and selected. A variety of different path methods are offered,
including shortest distance, least airways, lowest resistance. See the ‘Shortest
Path’ section for more details.

Note that selected airways can be shown in more details with the SPREADSHEET option once the pathway
is calculated.

Utilities
The utilities sub menu provides many functions to assist with manipulation of airway data, particular raw
data which may have been input from a DXF import or similar.

Swap Axis Swaps the Easting and Northing (X and Y) coordinates of all airways in the
model. This may be useful where the coordinate system in VentSim
DESIGN™ does not match the directions used on the Mine Plan Grid. Where
the direction of the coordinates needs to be reversed, use the Settings >
COORDINATES settings to change direction of the axis coordinates.

Rotate Coordinates A utility which rotates all (if none are selected) or just the selected airways
by a number of degree around the point of focus. The point of focus is
 always at the centre of the screen. It can be set by middle clicking the mouse
button on a point, or by entering the centre coordinates in the View > Set Edit
Centre option.

Mirror Axis Allows all airway coordinates to be mirrored around the centre location of the
screen. Note that the centre location must be accurately set before this
function is used.

Reverse Coordinates Changes the sign of airway coordinates from positive to negative or visa-
versa. Not that this is similar to mirroring coordinates around a zero centre.

Scale Coordinates A utility which scales all airway or reference coordinates by an input factor.
This effectively reduces or increases the size of the model without changing
the airway size. An airway length will not be changed if it has been fixed.

Warning this function should only be used to scale schematic ventilation model with predefined fixed airway lengths. Scale a model
without fixed length will change the airway length and resistance, making it invalid for true scale model simulation.

Scale Airway Size A utility which scales all airway dimensions by an input factor. This
effectively reduces or increases the size of the airways in the model.

Warning this function will rarely find a practical use. One possible use is to incorporate an ‘over break’ factor into mine design airway
dimensions, as mined airways are often slightly largely than design. Scaling model airway sizes will change the airway resistances,
making it invalid for true scale model simulation.

Airways
Modify a selection of airway specific parameters

Lengths Fixes or un-fixes airway lengths, so that models may be manipulated without
changing the calculated airway lengths.

Fix All Lengths This will fix and protect all airways in the model from changes in length when
moving airways. This may be useful if airways are required to be moved for
clarity, but lengths must remain the same.

Unfix All Lengths This will un-fix and recalculate all true airway lengths in a model.

This function will recalculate airways lengths and hence change any previously fixed lengths. If there are any doubts, use the EDIT
function to individually fix/unfix lengths of only the airways that need to be changed.

Auto Name
Automatically places a code number on every airway without a current airway name. A letter may be
specified to head the number if desired (e.g. B157).
Resequence
Index/Unique Numbers Sequences the order of airway numbers in a VentSim DESIGN™ model.

Index numbers

VentSim™. The numbers may change as airways are deleted or added. VentSim DESIGN™ uses Index
numbers to refer to airways during simulation and when identifying problems. All index numbers are
sequential and the highest index number will be the sum of all airways. Resequencing index numbers
renumbers all airways from higher elevation to lowest elevation, easting to northing. problems. All index
numbers are sequential and the highest index number will be the sum of all airways. Resequencing
index numbers renumbers all airways from higher elevation to lowest elevation, easting to northing.

Unique numbersmodel is developed. Resequencing the unique numbers renumbers all airways from
number 1, sequentially top to bottom to the last airway.to the last airway.
HINT Resequencing numbers is not a requirement in VentSim™, but may simplify tracking airways, as the resequence function
tends to group airways in similar locations with similar numbers. This is particular handy in the SPREADSHEET function which initially
lists airways in sequential index order.

Troubleshoot
This option allows detailed checking of models, and will identify areas of your model that may cause
problems during the simulation process. A model with too many redundant bulkheads (bulkheads in the
same airway path as other bulkheads), or fans that are in the same airway path as other fans, may
result in a model that will not converge.

Restrictive Fans: Finds and alerts the user to fans that are directly competing against other
fans.

Unnecessary Finds and if desired remove bulkheads that are not necessary (usually
Bulkheads: because another bulkhead in the same airway has already stopped the
airflow).

Reset Model
Removes all airflow and temperatures from a model. The simulation processes is restarted with fresh
data. VentSim DESIGN™ utilises flows, densities and temperatures from previous simulation to help it to
recalculate new simulations faster and more accurately. If data has been corrupted during a bad
simulation (which may have produced errors, excessive airflows, heat or densities), this may hinder
subsequent simulations from finding an acceptable solution, or may simply produce further errors.

Resetting the model will remove all calculation flows, pressures, densities and heat. It will NOT remove
any values fixed by the user, such as fixed flows, pressures or heat sources.

5.7. Settings
Presets
A list of preset factors and characteristic used for placing in airways.

Presets include

 Resistances
 Friction Factors
 Shock Factors and Equivalent Length
 Heat, Refrigeration and Moisture Sources
 Layers
 Air Types
 Combustible materials
 Fans (limited to header information only)
 Airway Types
 Airway Profiles
 And more

Values entered into the preset spreadsheet will be made available for applying to airways in the EDIT
box. Updating existing values in the preset spreadsheet will automatically change all airways with that
preset on the next simulation. Sorting the order of preset values in the preset sheet, will maintain the
same sort order in the EDIT box.

See the PRESETS section for further information.

Warning : Be careful when removing existing settings from the preset spreadsheet. Settings removed which already belong to an
existing airway, will force the airway to ‘set’ the values permanently.

Units
Sets the metric and imperial conversion units and factors used for VentSim™, as well as the number of
decimal points to show on the display.
The conversion table displays the metric and corresponding imperial units for each type of data used in
VentSim™. The table is saved with every model, and can be individually modified for each model file.
The conversion settings can be inherited by other models or saved in a template file.

Additional unit settings can be added to each type of data. The imperial unit names and factors may be
freely changed to suit the region or preference of the mine. The imperial column in the table may even
contain metric units if required, by setting the imperial unit name to a metric text value and a conversion
factor to convert between metric types (eg ‘1000’ could be used to convert metres to millimetres).

Figure 5-18 Unit Table

Figure 5-19 Conversion Table

Clicking on the unit name in the unit table which show the conversion table, where units can be changed
or additional units added. Note that the default metric value cannot be changed.
The name can be set to any text description, but is normally recommended to display either metric or
imperial.

Decimal Points Sets the number of decimal units to display on the screen and in text
displays.

Example A decimal value of three (3) for example will display a value of 123.123 on the graphics display, or in the spreadsheet view.

Caution While the metric unit text name can be changed, the underlying metric value cannot be changed. For this reason, the units
must remain the same as preset in VentSim. For example, the Velocity cannot be changed to km/hr as this would represent a different
value scales, and the underlying VentSim equations are hard corded to use m/s.

Imperial Unit A text name describing the imperial units.

Multiplier The factor used to convert from metric to imperial. VentSim DESIGN™
performs all internal calculation using metric formula and methods,
converting displayed data back to imperial (if set in SETTINGS). The factor
is used to convert to and from metric to imperial, and will result in errors if not
properly set.

Addition This factor is only used in converting degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit,
and added to the metric value before multiplied in imperial.

Natural Ventilation
Apply natural ventilation pressures to the simulation model, based on the air density in every airway.
Natural ventilation is applied based on the differential of density between air at an equivalent elevation
outside of the mine and the air within the airway. Therefore, for accurate analysis it is essential that
heat first be correctly modelled, and correct outside temperatures added. Unless heat is modelled
accurately, it is recommended that Natural Ventilation be turned off, and fixed pressure applied to
surface connected airways instead.

Caution : Natural Ventilation may result in fluctuating airflow and temperatures between simulations. This is because the natural
ventilation effects may cause airflows to change, which in turn changes heat build-up in airways, which again can change the natural
ventilation pressure. This endless cycle of change cannot always be resolved, and can lead to variable (normally only small changes)
simulation results.

Compressible Flows
Applies compressible flow effects to airflow based on elevation and fan pressures. As a result, airflow
volume will change depending on depth and temperature, although mass flow will remain the same
(ignoring any moisture content changes to the air). Compressible flow effects become significant over a
few hundred metres in depth, and it is recommended for Advanced Version users to turn it on for more
accurate simulate results.

Simulation Accuracy
Automatically optimises simulation settings to preset recommended values to achieve faster simulation
speeds, or slower but more accurate simulation. The function automatically adjusts the airflow
simulation allowable error, the heat simulation temperature margin, the minimum mass flow heat
balance setting, and also a number of other simulation factors such as convergence iterations.

All of these settings can also be individually adjusted in the Settings section below. Where individual
settings vary from the preset recommendations, the simulation accuracy menu will show the setting as
‘CUSTOM’.

In most cases, the simulation accuracy will have little effect on the final simulation results, however if
maximum accuracy is critical (and the range of assumptions entered into VentSim is accurate), then the
high/slow simulation accuracy setting is recommended.

Settings
An extensive list of settings used by VentSim DESIGN™ that control the behaviour, simulation parameters
and visual appearance of the program.
Settings are divided into a number of categories, including.

Main Category Description

Costing Parameters for ventilation and mining costs required for

accurate optimisation of airways and sizes

Basic program settings to establish default airway sizes, factors

and file settings.

Settings that control the display of VentSim graphics and text on

the screen.

A wide range of factors and settings controlling the performance

of different simulation methods in VentSim.

Technical settings controlling the memory requirements in

VentSim, language and the type of units used (eg Metric or
Imperial)

General Airway defaults, file settings and behaviour and license proxy
information.

Graphics Options to modify displayed graphics, including icons, text, sizes

and more.

Simulation Settings to control simulation parameters and behaviours

System Settings Settings to control computer reserved memory, language and

type of units for simulation data.

For further information on settings, go to the settings sections

5.8. Windows Menu

Fit All
Fits all display data on the screen.

New Window
Adds a new window form to the display. The new window is based initially on the view position and
contents of the most recently used open window.

Zoom Out
Increase the distance away from the window point of focus. This may be of use if the mouse used does
not have a scroll wheel.

Tile
Enables windows to automatically arrange to fill the master window form. Note that only docked
(windows within the master window) will be affected.

Vertical Tiles all open windows in a vertical direction with equal spacing

Horizontal Tiles all open windows in a horizontal direction with equaly spacing

Tiled Tiles all open windows in square or tiles to fill the master window display.

Auto Arrange
Enables windows to automatically dock and arrange the window position within the master window.
Windows that are dragged into the master window will be automatically arranged when this function is
activated.
 Chapter

6
6 THE VIEW TOOLBAR

The VIEW toolbar adjusts the display of items shown on the screen.

Fit All
Fits available graphics centrally on the screen. If graphics are spread over a huge area, then
VentSim may elect to only show the airways in the most prominent area.

Solid / Wireframe
Switches the model between wireframe and solid display mode. The wireframe mode is
sometimes useful for fine editing of models, particular when airways are large or very close
together.

Grid
Displays or hides the main grid. Note that in a section (vertical) view, the grid
automatically changes to show elevations.

Nodes
Displays or hides nodes (junctions) of airways. This option can also show or hide individual types of
icons by clicking the sub option drop down arrow to the right of the button

Arrows
Display or hides arrows showing airflows.

References
Displays or hides reference graphics (for example DXF graphics or data imported into VentSim.

Visibility
Provides options for limiting the amount of data displayed in a model. For complex models, displaying
data for every single airway segment this can lead to a cluttered display, and is often unnecessary,
particularly if the data shown is largely the same (for example airflows). For other items however (such
a heat flows) this large amount of text data can still be useful.

Figure 6-1 Visibility Options

 Hint : For data which may vary from one end of an airway to another (such as temperature), VentSim DESIGN™ will
always show the ENTRY data on the airway unless otherwise specified.

Limit All Items Only displays text, nodes and/or arrows on airways which specifically have
‘Show Data’ option set in the EDIT box. For example a loop in a decline
consisting of 10 airway segments, will normally show data for every
segment. To only show one text data for all the segments, ensure only one
airway is set to ‘Show Data”. To force an airway segment to show data, use the
EDIT box and click ‘Always Show Data’.

Icons Display or hides icons.

All Text Controls how much text information is displayed on the screen.

Transparency
By default, all data which is non-active (for example levels or layers which are
turned off, data which is outside of the Display Manager, or zero flows if set) are
shown as a transparency, with the transparency amount set in the Display
Manager.

To specifically hide some items (for example layers which are not visible), but still show transparencies
for other items (for example Zero Flows or Coloured Data), data types can be individually set to show
transparency or be hidden.

Data : coloured data which is outside of the selection range in the Display Manager, and is selected to be
hidden can be made transparent, or removed from the display.

Levels : level elevations outside of the selected ranges can be made transparent or hidden

Layers (primary and secondary) layers that are not selected can be made transparent or hidden.

Zero Flows : Airways carrying no flow can be made transparent or hidden.

 Chapter

7
7 THE ACTION TOOLBAR

The toolbar allows quick access to commonly used VentSim DESIGN™ functions.

The toolbar will be slightly different between VentSim Viewer, Standard and Advanced versions.

7.1. File Input and Output Functions

New File
Creates a new file. The current file will be cleared.

Open File
Open the file dialog to load a new file

Save File
Saves the existing file. If no name has yet been set, a Save File dialog will be displayed.

7.2. Utility Functions

Undo

Reverses the last action performed in VentSim™

Redo

Cancels the previous Undo, restoring any changes made.

Create New Window

Adds a new window to the display for multi windows viewing of the model. Up to seven (7)
windows may be opened.

Snapshot

Takes a static image of the screen in a form which may be saved, copied or remain on the screen
for further comparison with other windows. Snapshot are static only and do not change. Right click on
the snapshot window for more options.
Video Camera
Activates a screen video capture function to record current activity on the computer screen as a video.
When activated, the video camera will flash active. When turned off, the video will be automatically
created and played back. The video file can be viewed in the stored computer folder which can be
opened from the sub settings of this control button. A wide variety of video formats, sizes and
compression rates can be selected from the sub settings. A time lapse video mode is also available to
allow recording of long simulations, and subsequent high speed playback.

Find

Searches for specific items within a ventilation model. Pressing the ‘searchlight’ icon directly, repeats the
previous find action. Pressing the submenu arrow next to the icon, activates the find submenu as shown
below.

Find the name of an airway name or node. Entering any part of the name will find airways containing
the name part.

Some examples include ;

Number Find an airway with the specified index or unique number

Fans Find airways with operating fans, fans that are turned off, or fans that are
performing outside of their rated fan curves.

Fixed Find airways with fixed flows or pressures.

Heat sources Find airways with artificially heat, cooling, diesel or moisture sources.

Contaminants Find airways with contaminant sources set.

Errors Find model errors defined during the previous simulation.

Show All

Automatically turns on all hidden airways to ensure all airways in the model can be seen.

Lock
The lock function controls how the VentSim cursor attaches to other airways or graphics objects. When
editing, this is often desirable to ensure airways attach correctly to other airways or reference graphics
while drawing or editing, however it may become problematic particularly in graphically crowded
environments.

Individual graphical locks can be turned off using the function below. Note that ALL LOCKS CAN BE
TURNED OFF temporarily by pressing the CTRL key while editing (moving or drawing) airways.
Hint : You may wish to carefully move airway ends or joins, however the move keeps
connecting the ends to other nearby (or far away) airways in the same view direction. To
disable this behaviour and allow fine control over moves, simply hold the CTRL key down
while moving to prevent the airways locking on to other objects.
Lock Target Locks on to the closest airway when
adding, moving or copying new airways.
Deselecting this option will allow airways
and nodes to be finely moved without locking
on to a nearby node or airway, or to travel
through each other without connecting.

Hint : The lock target can be deselected when arranging airways which are closer together. The lock function when selected will
normally lock on to the closest available airway, ensuring a positive join between the airway.

Warning. If the lock target function is turned off, airways may not join into each other precisely (even if they appear close or overlap),
resulting in no exit or entry errors. The ‘lock target’ function should always be selected when you intend to join into other airways or
nodes. You can check whether airways truly join into each other by turn on the NODE display.

Lock Transparency Allows transparent (non-active) airways to be locked on to, selected or

edited. Transparent airways are normally treated as invisible by the
program and by default cannot be selected or changed. Enabling this
function will allow the airways to be selected or edited the same as any other
airway.

Lock Vertical Forces new airways, or moved or copied airways to be drawn exactly
vertically when the vertical movement function is chosen (with the SHIFT
key or the RIGHT MOUSE button) while drawing. When this function is not
selected, airways can be moved both vertically and parallel to the plane of the
viewing screen while being drawn.

Hint: Airway drawn or moved with the Lock Vertical function activated can still be angled. Simply release the SHIFT key or
RIGHT mouse button while drawing and moving when you are at the desired elevation and the airway end can continue to be
moved horizontally at the new elevation.

Lock On References Locks the mouse cursor onto a referenced graphic surface or wireframe.
VentSim DESIGN™ will preferentially search for airways when moving the
mouse cursor to new locations. If no airway is found, if this option is
enabled the program will search for a reference graphic (imported graphics) to
lock on to.

Hint: This function is very useful for tracing or moving airways on to imported referenced graphic locations. By using the
referenced graphics as a guide, airways can be accurately placed within a model. To force the program to use the referenced
graphics only, and not lock on to other airways, turn the Lock Target options OFF.

Check Intercept Checks whether new airways intercept existing airways, and inserts a node if
they do. The function works by searching surrounding airways for
intersections or crossing paths that are close. Turn this function OFF if you
require an airway to cross another without joining (for example an overcast
airway) or airways are required to be drawn very close together without being
joined.

Hint: When drawing Vent Duct within or close to an airway, ensure this function is turned OFF. The Vent Duct airway may
inadvertently join into the adjacent airway, creating shortcuts or duplicate airways.

Perspective View
Sets the viewing system to orthogonal or perspective. Orthogonal removes the effect of perspective,
making objects in the distance appear the same size as close objects. This mode may be of assistance
when viewing sections or plan views, where the perspective appearance would otherwise distort the true
scale of objects at different distances. The mode has the disadvantage of a more cluttered and complex
display.
Perspective view is more suited to general editing and viewing, where objects in the distance are obscured
by perspective scale, creating a less cluttered display.

Figure 7-1 Orthogonal Display

Figure 7-2 Perspective Display

Hint : When performing true PLAN or SECTION views, ensure that ORTHOGONAL mode is chosen to prevent perspective errors in
these views. In plan or section view, airways at a different plan or section depth will be shown at a different scale in perspective
view. You can quickly change between views by pressing the ‘P’ key on the keyboard.
Flow Animation
The animation ‘play’ button animates the airflow arrows in the model. The airflow animation is
performed at true scale speeds, with airflow arrows travelling at the simulated air velocities in the model.
Providing the model is designed true to scale, the progress of airflow can be tracked at the same speed
as expected airflow in the underground mine when set to X1 speed.
 The animate toolbar button has a number of sub menu items

X1 Animate flows in true real time. Arrows travel at the same scale speed as
calculated air velocity.

X5 Arrows travel at five (5) times the scale speed of calculated air velocity.

X10 Arrows travel at ten (10) times the scale speed of calculated air velocity.

STOP Stops flow animation. Flow animation in large model can consume
significant processing power and slow model response and rotation. It is
recommended flow animation be turned off when not needed on larger models.

Hint: Clicking the main flow animation icon will cycle the airflow speeds through all available ranges.

Figure 7-3 Animation Speed Control

Path Find and Measure Tool

This is a powerful tool to select and analyse paths through a ventilation circuit. Path options include

 Direct – ignore the airway and measure the distance between 2 or more
points.

 Minimum Resistance – selects the path of least resistance between two

points.

 Minimum Distance – select the shortest path (vertical and horizontal)

between two points.

 Minimum Horizontal Distance – selects the shortest path between two

points, but does not consider vertical shafts and airways.

 Free Split – selects the path of minimum pressure loss between two points. This feature is
commonly used to analysis whether any high resistance obstructions are located in a primary
ventilation paths through a circuit (which would be an inefficient arrangement).

 To select a path, choose the path method option, and then click or drag between two or more points
in the ventilation model. The path tool will attempt to SELECT all airways between the two or more
selected points.

 Once the airways are selected, a distance window will show the selected distances. The selected
airways can also be used the same as normal selected airways for other purposes (eg EDITing).

Figure 7-4 Measure Distance Information Form

 The Graph Tool can then be clicked to draw a graph of ventilation conditions along the pathway.
Different ventilation options can be chosen to graph and exported to the clipboard if required.
Figure 7-5 Path Graphing Tool

Stage
Sets the stage number or name of the model. Only airways on the currently selected stage will be
shown. The name of the stage and many other options can be changed by RIGHT CLICKING the drop
down list box. The GREEN lock button lock any changes to the model to the current stage only.

For more information on staging, see the Staging Section.

7.3. Editing Functions

View
Places the program in view mode

Left Mouse Drag Draw a window to zoom into part of a model. The front most airway in the
view window will define the point of focus for the zoomed in area. To zoom
into area behind other airways, ensure the zoom window does not contain
any portion of the front airways.

Left Mouse Single Click Centre the view on the airway. Centres the view on an airway so the screen
can be rotated around the point clicked.

Left Mouse Double Click Edit the airway. Left clicking the mouse on top of an airway will show the
Edit Box for that airway.

Middle Mouse Drag Press and hold to pan the screen horizontal around the current Edit
PlaneClick to centre the Edit Plane and rotation point about a specific airway
or point on the Edit Plane.

Right Mouse Click IN ALL MODES, right mouse click will rotate the model graphics about the
point of focus. Hold and move the mouse vertically to tilt the model. Hold
and move the mouse horizontally to spin the model.
Add

Places the program into draw (add) mode to allow creation of new airways or measure between airways.
The function has several sub-functions available by clicking the small arrow at the right.

In normal (free draw) mode, airways that are constructed from other airways will adopt the attributes of
the joined airway (such as size and wall friction factors types).

Airways that are NOT constructed starting from other airways will adopt the default set in the Settings
menu.

Left Mouse Click Edit the airway. Left clicking the mouse on top of an airway will show the
Edit Box for that airway.

Left Mouse Drag Constructs a new airway from where the mouse is initially pressed, to the
point where the mouse button is released.

To manually control the coordinates of the airway being constructed,

select the sub-menu functions of the add button as shown below.

Draw Single

Allows the mouse to draw both ends of a single airway. Airways

can be drawn vertically by hold the SHIFT key down.

Draw Continuous

Allows the mouse to continuously draw joined airways until either

the ESCAPE button is pressed, or the airway joins into another
airway. Airways can be drawn vertically by hold the SHIFT key
down.

Draw Gradient

Allows the mouse to continuously draw joined airways at a

predefined gradient until either the ESCAPE button is pressed, or
the airway joins into another airway. The defined gradient is Figure 7-6 Manual airway drawing
request when activating the function and can be entered as a options
percentage (eg 10%), degrees (eg 12.5) or a ratio of horizontal to
vertical distance (eg 1:10).

Draw Coordinates

Shows the coordinate entry box after the airway is drawn to allow
manual entry of airway end coordinates.

Construct Duct

a tool for quickly building ventilation ducting which follows existing

airways. Select the airways you wish to construct ducting along
with the SELECT button.
Figure 7-7 The Vent Duct Builder Dialog Box
See the Auxiliary Fan and Ducts section for further information.

Construct Ramp

A tool for quickly building spiral ramps. After selecting the tool, draw the initial
direction of the ramp, and the ramp builder toolbox will show, allowing
gradients, ramp bends, straights and heights to be established. A ramp can be
previewed to try different factors before clicking BUILD to commit the ramp
design to the model.

Figure 7-8: Ramp Build Function

Construct Rollback A tool for building pathways to allow rollback of smoke and fumes during fire
simulation. This function is highly specialised and should not be used unless
required specifically for this function.

Clear Rollback Clears rollback pathways and restores the original airway shapes and
configurations.

Warning – modification made to the airways connecting to the rollback airways may result in disconnected ends when the rollback is
cleared.

Convert Centreline Allows the selective direct conversion of DXF reference lines to airways. If
imported DXF centrelines are shown as a reference layer on screen (instead
of automatically being converted to airways on import), then this function
can be used to select or fence the reference lines that are to be converted to
airways.
Note that each reference line can only be selected once, as the program will not duplicate multiple selected lines.
Convert Any If centre lines are not available, this is an experimental feature which
agglomerates groups of reference graphics to try and establish an airway
path which could be constructed. Examples may include survey string data
showing wall, floors and backs, or 3D solids of actual mine development or
shafts. Note that the results from this function are very approximate and will
likely require significant manipulation with the MOVE and DELETE tool function
after being done, to create a workable model.

Measure Allows the mouse to measure distances between two points. Click on the
start point of where the measurement will start, and drag the mouse to the
end point. The measurement will display in the bottom left Status Bar area
of the screen.

Edit

Place the program into Edit mode

Left Mouse Click Edit the airway. Left clicking the mouse on top of an airway will show the
Edit Box for that airway.

Left Mouse Drag Selects the airways within the fence box being drawn. Selected airways can
then be edited by clicking on any of the selected airways.

Hint : Selecting Multiple airways permits attributes for a large number of airways to be changed simultaneously. This can greatly
speed up creating a model.

Select

Selects a group of airways. Selected airways are considered

as a group by a number of other VentSim DESIGN™ functions
including Edit, Delete, Move, Copy and Filter. These options
will apply changes to all selected airways simultaneously.

Left Mouse Click Selects or de-selects the airway

under the current mouse cursor.

Left Mouse Drag Fences a number of airways for

Figure 7-9 Multi Selection Options
multiple selection.

<Escape> De-selects all currently selected airways

<SHIFT> Deselects fenced airways

<CTRL> Individually selects or deselects airways, ignoring the group setting or other
group selection options.

Multi Select Options

Permits groups of airway to be automatically selected, based on either an initial airway selection, or
subsequent selections with the mouse. The selection mode will remain set, until it is reverted back to
the single airway select option, or the <escape> key is pressed twice.

For example, to select all airways of the same size, either select a single initial airway with the select
button, and then select the mult-select option “Same Size”. OR select the “Same Size” option first, and
then click on an airway. All airways of the same size as the initial selection will be selected. Once
selected, the airways can be edited, deleted, move etc.

Delete
Deletes an airway or airways from a model
 Left Mouse Click Delete the airway. Left clicking the mouse on top of an airway will delete the
airway beneath the mouse cursor. If multiple airways have been selected, it
will delete all selected airways.

Left Mouse Drag Selects the airways within the fence box being drawn. Selected airways can
then be deleted by clicking on any of the selected airways.

Deletion Options

Presents a number of deletion options.

Delete airways outside fence will delete all airways not

inside the fenced area. This can be useful to remove
errant airways which may be located a long way away
from the main model.

Delete references removes DXF graphics within the fence

area. Delete references outside fence remove DXF
graphics not within the fenced area.

Figure 7-10 Deletion options

Block

Blocks or unblocks an airway with the highest resistance available (as defined in
the Settings menu). This will restrict nearly all airflow through the airway.

Warning: Ensure that fans or fixed flows are not present in blocked airways, or in airways leading to or from
blocked airways. This will create a simulation error, as airflow will be unable to travel through the blocked
airway without unreasonable pressure or heat build-up.

Figure 7-11 An airway

Move stopping

Moves the selected airway, airways, airway ends or icons to a new location by
clicking and dragging the LEFT MOUSE BUTTON. Unless the SHIFT key is held, the move will always be
done at the same horizontal elevation. A ‘true vertical’ line is displayed showing where the move point is
in relation to other airways.

 To move an airway end (and all other attached airway ends), click on of close to the end node of
an airway
 To move an airway end away from other airways, click slightly back from the airway end node.
The airway should ‘break’ away from other connected airways.
 To move an entire airway (both ends), first select the airway with the select button, or fence the
airway to be moved, and then drag the selected airway(s) to the new location.
 Multiple airways can be moved by first selecting the airways and the dragging any one of the
selected airways to the new location.
 To move an icon (such as a fan, heat source or resistance) along an airway, simply grab the icon
with the left mouse button and drag the icon along the airway to the new location. Icons can also
be dragged to other airways.
Left Mouse Click Opens the coordinate entry dialog box to allow the move to be specified as a
coordinate or offset from the current position.

Left Mouse Drag + Shift Drags the airway or node to a new location in the vertical plane, adjacent to
the viewing screen. The Edit Plane is moved with the dragged airway to
indicate where the elevation is in relation to other airways.
Move References / Textures

The Move button has sub options that can move entire reference layer
graphics to new locations, or move the texture picture located within the
reference.

Reference MOVE allows the graphic layer to be ‘dragged’ to a new

location, or can more accurately be CLICKed once and the exact
coordinates or offset entered instead.

Reference ROTATE and SCALING allows numeric entry of the rotation angle or scaling factor. Note that
rotation and scaling are performed around the centred position of the screen in the horizontal plane only.
To centre the screen first on a location, simply click the middle mouse button once at that spot. The
screen will move and centre on that location,

Texture MOVE allows any picture applied as a texture to a reference graphics, to be moved and positions
around the texture.

Texture SCALE / ROTATE allows the picture to be rotated and scaled to the correct location. It is
recommended to first move a known point on the picture/texture to the correct location on the reference
graphics. Then centre the screen on that location using the middle mouse button. Finally, use the
texture scale / rotate to drag another known point to the correct location. The texture will automatically
rotate and scale during this process.

Copy

Copies the selected airway, airways or icons to a different location. The original airways or icons remain
in place.

Left Mouse Click Opens the coordinate entry dialog box to allow the copy to be specified as a
coordinate or offset from the current position.

Left Mouse Drag Drags the copied airways or icons to a new location. If the ICON is being
copied, it will show on airways under the mouse cursor. When moving
airways, a ‘true vertical’ line is displayed showing where the move point is in
relation to other airways.

To copy an icon (such as a fan, heat source or resistance) along an airway,

simply grab the icon with the left mouse button and drag the icon to another
airway.

Left Mouse Drag + Shift Drags the copied airways to a new location in the vertical plane, adjacent to
the viewing screen. The Edit Plane is moved with the dragged airway(s) to
indicate where the elevation is in relation to other airways.

Insert Node

Inserts a node or junction within an existing airway. The airway is split into two airways as a result.
This node can then be moved or joined into by other airways.

Hint : Drawing an airway into the middle of another airway will automatically create a new node or junction into the joined airway.
Reverse
Reverses the direction of the selected airway. The direction of the airway, and the airflow within the
airway is reversed. Fan, fixed flows and pressures are also reversed.

Message Boxes
Message boxes allow text and messages to be placed in the display, with the option of being independent
of airways. The message boxes can be coloured and sized individually, and can be locked at a specific
screen location, onto an airway, or positioned in 3D coordinates so that it moves and rotates with the
rest of the model.

To create a text message box, select the toolbar button

and click on the location on the screen where the box
will be located. The message box dialog box will show
allows colour, sizes and position to be adjusted.
Message boxes can also be assigned to belong to one
or more stages.

If you place the message box on an airway, then the

message box will be linked to that airway. That means
that if the airway is not visible for any reason, then
neither will the message box be visible. To avoid this
behaviour, simply move the message box off of the
airway.

Advanced Message Boxes

The message box edit window has a second tab, which is for building advanced message boxes. These
are for creating dynamic messages, that update with simulation information. For example, you could set
up a message that reports the maximum air velocity in a decline, or another which reports airflows from
a range of exhausts, individually and as a group.

To create a dynamic message, you need to first

assign an airway, or a group of airways, to the
message box. Make a selection of airways using the
Select Tool and then click Add on the message box
form. If you want to see which airways are attached
to a message box, then click on the Highlight in 3D
View option, which will hide the rest of the model.

Once you have airways assigned, then you can select

one of your Favourites from the drop-down menu at
the top (or create new ones). You can show a Sum,
an Average, a Minimum or a Maximum. There is also
the option to ‘Show All’ which will print the value on
each of the attached airways.

Once you have selected your variables, switch back to the first tab.
You will see the variables you selected in the message text. You can
delete any unwanted variables, as well as enter in any extra text
you want to appear around the variables. These variables will
update with each new simulation.

The visibility of the message box, as well as following the visibility of

an airway that the message box is on, will follow the visibility of the
airways attached to it. If any airway in the selection is visible, then
the message will be visible. If needed, airways from multiple stages
can be added the message box, so that it will update its dynamic
variables after each simulation and after a change of stage.
Contaminant

Places a contaminant type within an airway. A number of different contaminant types can be chosen..

Figure 7-12 Contaminant placing options

Contaminant
Places a standard contaminant value (defined in the Settings > Contaminants) in an airway. Standard
contaminants are considered unit less, however different units can be specified in the settings. All
downstream simulation values will be related to the initial concentration of a contaminant in the airway’s
airflow. Downstream contaminants are diluted proportionally to this value. See the contaminant section
for further detail.

Report Smoke

Used in the contaminant source tracking routines, this will place a smoke report within an airway. After
a contaminant tracking simulation, all airways below this point will be considered as contaminated. All
airways upstream from this point will be considered as a potential source of the contamination.

Report Fresh

Again, used in the contaminant source tracking routines, this will place a fresh air report within an
airway. After a contaminant tracking finding simulation, all airways above this point will be considered
as fresh air.

Left Mouse Click Places or removes one of the above types of contaminants.

Monitor
Records ventilation conditions at this airway location during dynamic simulation.

See the Dynamic Simulation section for more detail.

Filter
Applies a filter to selected airways to simplify or bind together airways. See the TOOLS > FILTER section
for more detail, or more control is required on how the filtering is applied.

7.4. Simulation Functions

The simulation functions control the major simulation capabilities of VentSim™. The buttons assume
that a valid model has been created and all required data has been entered in preparation for simulation.

Airflow Simulation
Performs an airflow simulation on the model data.

Ventsim DESIGN™ has two options for running Airflow Simulations: the Matrix solver and the Sequential
solver. Each solver can be run by choosing it from the dropdown list of the Airflow simulation button.
Ventsim will remember the selection and use the chosen solver in subsequent Airflow, Heat,
Contaminant and Dynamic simulations.

Sequential solver The Sequential solver uses the Hardy-Cross method to calculate the mine
network airflows. This solver is the same solver used in previous versions of
Ventsim.

Matrix solver The Matrix solver is a new solver option in Ventsim DESIGN™. In contrast to
the Sequential solver, it uses a matrix equation to solve the equations for
airflow simultaneously.

In the majority of mine networks - particularly large models - the new Matrix solver should solve
noticably faster than the Sequential solver.

The two solvers will solve for the same network and design inputs, but since they use different numerical
methods, some small differences in results between the two solvers are to be expected, particularly
where compressible flows are enabled.

Heat Simulation [ADVANCED]

Performs a thermodynamic simulation on the model data

For more information, see Thermodynamic Simulation

Contaminant Simulation
Performs a steady state contaminant simulation on the model data. Contaminant sources or flag must
be present in the model to work. Three different types of contaminant simulations are available from the
sub menu pull down (arrow to the right of the icon). See the Contaminant Menu bar for more
information.

Contaminant

Spreads contaminant sources through the

model as a never ending continuous stream
(steady state). The display and colour legend
automatically switch to a contaminated
concentration display, showing the simulated
spread and contamination of the contaminants.
See Contaminant Spread from the menu bar
section for further information.

Figure 7-13 Contaminant Options

Hint : A number of additional contaminant data types are available including the ‘spread time’ of data.
Diesel DPM [Advanced]

Performs a diesel particulate matter spread simulation based on diesel heat

sources in a mine model. The result is displayed as a concentration per unit
volume of airflow. The diesel heat sources are defined under the
thermodynamic Heat Tab from the Edit Box form. Diesel heat sources are
converted to a diesel particulate emission rate per unit of engine power, based
on either a default setting, a preset heat source setting, or entered directly in
the Edit Box or Preset form. Diesel emissions are spread throughout the model
using a steady state, complete mixing algorithm that assumes perfect mixing
and no settling or deposition of particles. Diesel sources are assumed
 cumulative, and downstream sources or recirculation may increase
concentration higher that the initial source.

The simulated air concentrations are given in the same emission type as
specified in the exhaust emissions. For example if Total Carbon (TC) matter
emission rate is given for a diesel engine (which includes elemental and organic
carbon), then the air concentration rates will also be based on Total Carbon.
Most air quality standards will quote either an Elemental Carbon exposure limit
or a Total Carbon exposure limit.

To convert to an Elemental or Total Carbon concentration, a factor will need to

be applied either to the original emission rate, or to the simulated air
concentrations.

See DPM emissions for further information.

Gas

Performs a steady state gas simulation based on gas settings edited into an airway. See the gas
simulation section for further information.

Reverse Contaminant

Performs a reverse contaminant simulation, where the sources of airflow

through the contaminant point are tracked back to the surface. The
contaminant markers are used to define the point(s) at which the simulation
searches upstream for paths. The display and colour legend automatically
switch to a source concentration display, which shows the relative amounts (%)
of airflow along different airway paths which eventually flow through the
contaminant marker. See Contaminant Source from the menu bar section for
further information.

Find Source

Performs a contaminant search simulation which tracks the likely paths of fresh
and contaminated air. See Location Tool from the menu bar section for further
information. Recirculation Simulation [ADVANCED]
Recirculation [ADVANCED]

Performs a recirculation search simulation which attempts to find any paths and portions of airflow that
recirculate in the model. Any recirculation paths are highlighted after simulation and the portion of each
airflow recirculating through each airway will be shown on the screen as colour and text. For further
information, see Recirculation Simulation under the Menu Bar Chapter.

Financial Simulation [ADVANCED]

Performs a financial and airflow simulation for multiple airway sizes, to assist in determining the
optimum airway size for mine ventilation flows. For further information, see Financial Simulation under
the Menu Bar Chapter.
 Chapter

8
8 THE DATA TOOLBAR

The DATA TOOLBAR control the colours and text displayed on the screen.

Data Category
Limits the data types shown in the adjacent pull down menu, to the category type specified.

Airflow
Show data types such as air flow volume, velocity, mass flow and
density

Pressure
Shows pressure related data such as relative to surface,
barometric and friction loss.

Attributes
Shows airway resistances, friction factors and shock loss
numbers

Energy
Shows power and cost calculations for airflow, fan and fix inputs

Heat
Shows heat related data, such a temperatures, internal heat
content, humidity.

Identifiers
Show airway specific identifying traits, such as index or unique
numbers and primary and secondary layers numbers

Contaminants
Shows airway contaminant factors, source values, simulated
values, spread times and diesel particulate levels.

Rock
Show airway rock conditions, such as wetness fractions, specific
heat and other rock parameters.

Measured
Not currently used.

Figure 8-1 Select a data category, followed by a data type

Data Type
Displays screen data related to the Data Category specified in the left hand pull down menu. Each data
category will have a unique selection of data types that are made available when the category is
changed.

Warning: some data types (such a pressures) may not be correctly set until after a successfully simulation. While VentSim DESIGN™
saves previous simulated values in a file, these values may not be valid if further changes and modifications have been made to the
model. Another simulation may be

Dynamic Text Size

Dynamically rescale the text on the screen so that it can be easily adjusted for clarity or presentation. The
button will toggle between zoom scaled text (which grows larger or smaller the closer to the object
graphics) or constant size text (which remains the same size regardless of zoom level)

Favourites
Shows the Favourites Manager. Favourites are names for groups of data that can be simultaneously displayed on
the screen. For example, airflow volume, velocity and massflow could be displayed on each airway from a favourite. If
favourites are used for colours, only the first favourites item in the list will be used.

To create favourites, press the button, and add, remove or edit the favourites in the left hand column. The favourite
name, and the type of data under each selected favourite can be defined in the right handle panel. The “Text” and
“Colour” options define whether the favourite will appear in the text and / or colour selection boxes.

Favourites can be displayed on the screen by selecting the favourite options from the drop down list.

Because the display can become cluttered with too much data, favourites can also be displayed only on
individual airways with a text box panel. To show a selected favourite on an individual airway, EDIT the
airway, switch to the INFORMATION panel, and select the desired favourite from the list.
 Scaling
Dynamically resizes text, data and graphics on the screen.

Each sliding control quickly rescales different items on the screen. For example the data
text can be made larger or smaller to improve display clarity. Use the mouse to move the
slider up and down. For finer control of sizing, click the slider once then use the mouse
scroll wheel to move the slider up and down.

Display Manager
Shows the Display Manager dialog box, which floats on top of the VentSim DESIGN™
windows, and can be kept open at all times if desired.

The Display Manager control provides options as to what graphics details and colours to
display. The display manager contain five (5) tabs which change the colour display
between data types, and air, layer and elevation types.

The Display manager can be displayed or hidden by clicking this icon

The Manager controls many of VentSim DESIGN™ advanced display functions. At the core of the
manager is the ability to display any type of ventilation data as a colour range, including the ability to
hide or make transparent data outside of a set range.

Ranged Data. The data which creates the colour legend is automatically ‘ranged’ to fit the model data
values. It may occasionally require resetting if new or changed values are present in a model (after a
simulation for example), or the values do not divide the colours as you would like. The data can be re-
ranged by either manual typing in new values, or allowing VentSim to automatically choose new values
by selecting the median or linear range RESET Range buttons.

Transparency level slider,

for data outside of data
range values

Data range of airway data,

equally divided by airway Upper and lower range
numbers. To manually change, limiters
simply enter a new value in the
box.

Hide or make transparent

data outside of range. At full
extent, no data will be made
Adjustable colours for each transparent even if outside of
range. To change a colour, click range
the colour square and select a
new colour from palette. Recalculated colour range
derived from the top data
Click the reset colour scale range and the range limit
buttons to re-colour airways sliders
automatically from available
data

Unit type of displayed

data type.
OPTIONS (Right Click Mouse Button)

Reverse Spectrum Reverses the colour range direction

Restore Colours Restores the colours to the default VentSim DESIGN™ palette.

Auto Range Restores the range to the full spectrum of available airway data values.

Hint: The Display Manager will initially default to automatically range and set colours for the displayed data. If the range values are
manually adjusted, or the colours are changed, the Display Manager will no longer automatically range and adjust colours for the
data displayed. To restore or recalculate the range and colours, simply click the ‘Auto Range’ or ‘Restore Colours’ buttons.

Hint: VentSim DESIGN™ will store a custom colour and data value range for each type of data type. This setting is saved with the
VentSim DESIGN™ file

Levels
Selects which levels (elevation ranges) are displayed on screen. To
select or de-select all levels, choose the check box adjacent to the
Level Name.

To change a level name, right mouse click on the existing level name
and type in the new name.

Air Types

Selects and colours the air types to be shown on screen. Air types are designed to allow the user to colour
airways according to air quality or purposed (for example fresh or exhaust air). Air Types behave in much
the same way as primary or secondary layers.

To change an air type name, right mouse click on the existing air type name and type in the new name.

Note that Version 4 or greater has a facility to alter the Atkinson flow coefficient for the pressure loss
equation for each type of air. This coefficient defaults to ‘2’ for P=RQ2, and is normally sufficient for the
vast majority of mine models where flow is assumed to be turbulent. However for special cases where
extremely low velocity airflows causes the Reynolds number to decrease to the laminar flow range, the
air type can be defined with another coefficient (for example 1) to force the simulation to model airways
assigned with this air type with the alternative coefficient.

Note that VentSim currently makes no attempt to automatically define the coefficient based on the
airflow behaviour. It us up to the user to define an air flow type with a different coefficient, and assign
airways in the low flow regions with the air type. Examples of regions that may need to be considered
for lower flow coefficients, include extensive room and pillar mines with open circuits and low flows, and
sealed area like coal mine gobs where slow gas movements may need to be modelled.

To determine whether laminar flow ranges need to be considered for these zones, calculate the Reynolds
number and the laminar or turbulent range for the flow velocities.

Primary / Secondary
Layers
Selects which primary or secondary layers are displayed on screen. Layers are
a way to show selected airways (such as a decline system or a shaft system) on
screen while hiding other airways. Primary and Secondary layers can be set to
individual airways in the Edit Box

To change a Layer name, right mouse click on the name and type in the new
name. Names can also be changed directly from the airway Edit Box, or in the
Preset Box available from the Settings menu.
 Reference Manager
Selects which imported graphics files
(references) are displayed on the screen.
References can be modified by right clicking the
context menu. The transparency level of the
reference can be change by first clicking on the
reference item, then adjusting the transparency
slider at the top of the display manager.

Figure 8-2 Reference Manager Context Menu options

Scaling Option

Allows the user to adjust the scale of text and graphics on the screen. Move the
sliders right and left to achieve the desired size. Sliders are available for text
size, icon size, graphics size, text item number, data and message box size.

Figure 8-3 Text and Graphic Scale Options

 Chapter

9
9 THE EDIT BOX

The edit box is a powerful tool required to manipulate and display

airway attributes. In summary, the Edit Box can perform the following
functions

 Set airway attributes for airflows and pressure simulation.

 Set airway attributes for heat simulation.
 Set contaminant, radon and gas attributes for airways
 Allow custom comments and information (such as survey results)
to be set for each airway
 Select and display working fan duty curves
 Display airway information derived from simulation
 Enter a PQ (Pressure Quantity Survey) to automatically calculate
and apply resistance.

The Edit Box can be activated by clicking on an airway while in the

View, Edit or Add modes selected from the main toolbar. The Edit Box
is divided into a number of TABS to allow quick access to each function.

Figure 9-1 Edit Box Tabs

9.1. Edit Box

SNAPSHOT
Creates a picture of the current airway information. This picture can be saved (by right clicking the
form) or used to compare results with an updated simulation.

9.2. Edit Box – Select Menu

Select Airways
Allows the selection of multiple airways based on a selection criteria. Multiple selected airways can be
edited simultaneously from the Edit Box. The number of airways selected will be displayed in the form
Caption Box (at the top of the form).

Select Joined Airways Selects all airways directly joined to the initial airway (for example a decline
loop). The selection will stop when the airways reach a junction.
Select Same Primary Selects all airways with the same primary layer
Layer

Select Same Secondary Selects all airways with the same secondary layer
Layer

Select Same Size Selects all airways of the same size

Select Same Resistance Selects all airways with the same resistance type (eg bulkhead). This may
Type be useful for group changing and testing different regulator types on model
performance.

Select Same Friction Selects all airways with the same friction type (eg ‘rough blasted’ walls).
Factor Type

Select Same Shock Selects all airways with the same shock type.
Type
Select Same Fan Selects all airways with the same fan. Note that while fan types cannot be
changed in multiple headings, however fans can be turned on or off over
multiple headings.

Select Same Air Type Selects all airways with the same air type (for example ‘exhaust’)

Select Same Heat Type Selects all airways with the same heat type (eg trucks). This may be useful
for example to rapidly change all similar heat sources in a model to a
different heat source (for example change all Truck Models from ABC500’s
to ABC750’s)

Select Loose Ends Selects all airways with one end that are not connected to others, and which
are not flagged as connected to surface or marked as ‘allow closed end’.
This function is useful for quickly editing new model creations (from a DXF
file for example) which may have lots of dead ends and development stubs (eg
truck bays) that need to be flagged or deleted to prevent no entry / exit errors
in the simulation. Note that this function should only be used when all valid
connections have been accounted for.

Select Both Loose Ends Similar to the loose end selection, but only selected airways with no
connection on both sides.

Select Same Select airways with the same sourcing contaminant type. This selection was
Contaminant Type included to allow rapid definition of different air types in a mine by using the
contaminant finding function. For example is a ‘smoke’ sourcing pin was
placed, all airways downstream will be turned ‘red’ for contaminated air. If a
‘fresh air’ sourcing pin is placed, all airways upstream will be turned ‘blue’ for
fresh air. Once all entries and exhaust pathways to the mine are marked,
similar airways can be selected and the air type for those airways could be
changed to ‘Fresh’ or ‘Exhaust or ‘Intermediate’ etc.
9.3. Edit Box – TOOLS Menu
Tools – Set Fix Flow Resistance / Orifice
Where a fixed flow has been used to retard or resist normal airflow, the resulting resistance can be used
instead of the fixed flow. Select this option to convert the fixed flow into a custom resistance or an orifice
size that will give a similar flow based on current model pressures. If multiple airways are selected, then
all selected fixed flows will be converted to resistances or orifices. The fixed flow is removed once this
action is done.

Pressure Survey Tools

Pressure surveys of airways or shafts allow more accurate resistances to be calculated and used in
VentSim. These options provide tools to convert differential or barometric pressure survey information
into resistances or friction factors. Select the airways along which the pressure survey was performed
and select the menu option. A dialog form will show which allows the survey information to be entered
and the resistance or friction factor to be calculated. Select the desired resistance method (fixed
resistance, linear resistance or friction factor) and select OK to update the model airways.

Note that if Friction Factor is chosen, then an accurate survey of the airway dimensions is required if the factor is to be used
elsewhere.
Apply Gradient Slope
Applies a gradient or slope to the selected airways. The gradient will start from the end selected first in
the EDIT box. This tool assist in creating ramps between levels, particularly if survey data has been
entered in 2D and requires to be converted into 3D.

Distribute Rock Age

Distributes rock opening ages evenly along a series of connected airway segments. The rock age
distribution will start at the end selected first in the EDIT box. Ensure that the airways selected do not
have split airways into other areas otherwise the function will fail to distribute the ages properly.

Convert Fixed Resistance to Friction Factors

Convert any custom resistance in the edited airways to friction factors, and resets the resistance to AUTO.

Convert Linear Resistance to Friction Factors

Converts any custom linear resistance in the edited airways to friction factors and reset the resistance to
AUTO.

9.4. Airway Tab

Changes made to the airways in the Edit Box are highlighted in BLUE. The changes are applied to the
airway when;

 Apply is pressed.
If another airway is selected, the changes will be applied, and the next airway data will be displayed.
Multiple airways can be selected and simultaneously edited from the Edit Box. Note that not all Edit
Functions are available for multiple editing and some function may be hidden. To utilise multiple airway
editing, simply Select the required airways before the Edit Box is opened. Only attributes that are
changed (and therefore highlighted in BLUE) are applied to the selected airway(s)

The Airway Tab Page defines most of the airway attributes associated with airflow and pressure
simulation, as well as basic airway information such as names and airway coordinates.
Figure 9-2 Airway Edit Box Form
Airway Names, Coordinates and Stages

Sets the airway and node names, data box display and airway stages. To set new names or coordinates,
simply type the information into the relevant text boxes. Names are optional and are not required for
the simulation.

The data box display shows a selection of simulation data in a special text box that floats above the
airway. Data boxes are an alternative to highlight special data on a selected number of airways. The
data types display in the data box can be defined by pressing the to create a ‘favourites’ group of
data.

Airway Size
Sets the physical size and shape characteristics of the airway

Figure 9-3 Set airway physical characteristics

Airway Size & Shape Allows a preset type of airway to be specified, which will automatically set
the airway profile, dimensions and friction factors. Pressing the TYPE ‘T’
button will open the PRESET form where airway preset types can be entered
or modified. If an airway type is modified, all airways set to that type will be
automatically modified during subsequent simulations.

Shape Sets the profile of the airway. If the shape chosen is ‘irregular’, the Width
box will be changed to Perimeter, the Height box will be hidden and the Area
box will become editable.

Square, Round

Arched – an airway with arched upper corners.

Shanty – an airway with one side higher than the other.

Irregular – an undefined shape characterised by area and perimeter

 If the shape chosen is ‘round; the Width input box will be changed to Diameter.
 If the shape chosen is ‘irregular’ the Width input will be changed to Perimeter and the
Area box will allow data entry.
 Further profiles can be created in the Presets form.
Recommends an airway size based on the current simulated or fixed flow. Note that this is a
recommendation based exclusively on the current flow, airway attributes and cost data entered into the
Settings. If these values have not been established yet, do not use this feature to estimate the most
efficient airway size. Also note that if the airway size is accepted, this may actually change simulation
results, and other adjustments elsewhere in the model to fans or regulators may be required to return the
airway to original flow rates.

Warning – do not use this feature unless the required airflow rate has currently been simulated or fixed in the airway, and the default
COST settings have been set in the Settings > Settings > Costing.

Number of Airways

The number of parallel airways defined by the single airway. This allows
multiple airways in parallel to be represented and simulated by a single
displayed airway.

Width The width of the airway

Height The height of the airway. For vertical airways, the width and height are
interchangeable. For ‘Arched’ or ‘Shanty’ airways, the height is assumed to
be at the centre of an airway.

Area The calculated area of the airway, derived from the width, height and shape.
If the shape chosen is ‘irregular’ then the ‘Area’ box can be edited, otherwise
it will remain as Read Only and display the calculated size based on the
width, height and shape.

Obstruction Assumes a continuous area obstruction along the airway (for example a
duct, services or compartment) and removes this value from the available
area of the airway. Note that this should not generally be used for short
fixed objects (such as a vehicle); in this case the orifice function may provide a
better simulation result.

Backfill Assumes a continuous % obstruction of backfill along the length of the

airway and removes this value from the available area of the airway. In
addition, it removes the area of covered airway that transmits heat into the
airway, to represent the insulating effects in heat transfer calculations for
backfilled stopes.

Length The calculated length of the airway. The calculated length is automatically
derived from the airway coordinates. To change the length, click on the
Check Box, and type in the new length. This may be required if the model is
drawn as schematic if an airway is moved to allow easier viewing, but the true
original airway length still needs to simulated in the model.

Quantity The calculated flow in the airway. This number can be modified to provide a
resistance based on the frictional pressure loss entered below. The
calculated resistance will be entered in the resistance box as a custom
resistance. The airway WILL NOT be fixed to this flow rate and will
automatically recalculate next after the next simulation. Use the Edit Box > FAN
Tab > Fix Flow function if this is required.

Friction P
The calculated pressure drop in the airway. This number can be modified and will be used to calculate a
resistance for the airway if an equivalent flow is entered in the above box.

Velocity The calculated velocity of air in the airway. This is the average velocity of air
across the airway area, and is ‘Read Only’ and cannot be changed.

Airway Options

Controls various attributes relating to the airway behaviour and identification within a model

Figure 9-4 Further Airway Options

Surface Connects the airway to the surface, allowing it to freely exhaust and intake
air from the surface atmosphere. The airway end which is not connected to
any other airway is assumed to be the end connected to the surface. If both
airway ends are connected, this item is ignored by the simulation. The exit to
the surface is assumed to be at the elevation of the airway end. Barometric
pressures at this point will be adjusted for any difference in height between the
airway elevation and the defined surface elevation in the settings.

Close End Allows VentSim DESIGN™ to assume the airway is a ‘dead end’ without
connecting to other airways or to the surface. Examples of this may include
a dead end. The simulation process will assume this path is blocked, and
allow no airflow along the airway. will report a ‘no entry’ or ‘no exit’ error. a ‘no
entry’ or ‘no exit’ error.

Group Groups any selected airways into a single selectable group that can be
selected with a single Select click. Individual airways can still be individually
edited by clicking on them directly with the EDIT button instead of using
SELECT first, or by holding the <CTRL> key down while selecting. Grouped
airways are a convenient way to collect airway systems together (for example
shafts or decline sections), so they are easier to select and edit simultaneously.
It has no effect on simulation.

Exclude Excludes the airway from the simulation process. Any errors or problems
with the airways are ignored during simulation and no flow is allowed
through the excluded airways. Any non-excluded airway which joins with an
excluded airway will be assumed to be blocked. This function is handy for
 excluding sections of a model design which have yet to be mined, or perhaps
removing old sealed of filled sections of a mine which no longer carry
ventilation. Excluding airways will speed up simulation for the remaining
airways.

Fix Direction Prevents VentSim DESIGN™ from changing the airway’s airflow direction
during simulation. An error is displayed after simulation if an attempt to
reverse is made. This function is useful to ensure critical airflow locations
underground are not arbitrarily changed without first warning the user.

Show Data Always shows text data for this airway when the LIMIT view option is set.

Gradient Specifies the gradient of the airway as a percentage. For example a gradient
of 10% results in an airway increasing 1m in height for every 10m in
horizontal length. If a group of selected airways needs to be change
simultaneously, use the TOOL > APPLY GRADIENT option in the EDIT form
menu. Note that the first selected airway clicked with the EDIT button will be
the airway from which the gradient is applied.

Diffuser Specifies an evasé or diffuser for the airway outlet. This function will only be
simulated on a surface connected airway, and will only have an influence on
an exhaust airway. An evasé or diffuser reduces exit velocity pressure losses
to the mine, lowering overall total system pressure requirements to produce the
same airflow. Where fans are present, an improvement in the performance of
the fan will be noted with increasing evasé sizes. Note that the simulated evasé
effect is theoretical only, and will ultimately depend on the efficiency and
placement of the design to produce the simulated effects in a real mine. As with
all ventilation structures, there will be some efficiency and shock loss factors
that will reduce performance from the theoretical calculation. These should be
considered when observing the effects of simulated evasé.

VentSim simulation assumes diffusers are 100% efficient, however typically

diffusers may only be 70-75% efficient. Therefore it is recommended simulating
a diffuser at less than design area of the actual diffuser size to account for this
inefficiency.

Note that only the Total Pressure simulation method calculates lost velocity pressures. This additional lost velocity pressure is added
to the Fan Total Pressure requirements for the mine. If Static or Mixed pressure simulation is used (which will happen if fans with
only Static Pressure curves are used), then any calculated primary fixed or fan pressures will exclude velocity pressure and therefore
be more representative of Fan Static pressures only.
Orifice Places a sudden restriction in the airway, with an open hole equivalent to the
specified area. The resulting shock loss and resistance of the orifice will be
added to the resistance of the airway. Orifice settings are normally used to
simulate the effect of regulators, holes in wall, partly open doors or other
sudden restrictions which may occur in underground headings.

It can also be used to simulate the effect of large equipment blocking an airway
by entering the ‘remaining’ area around the equipment as the ‘orifice’ size.

Air Type Sets the type of air the airway is carrying, for example fresh, exhaust, mixed
etc. The air type can be shown as a separate colour on screen by selecting
air type under the favourites menu on the Display Manager.
Figure 9-5 Example of use of fresh / exhaust airway type colouring

Hint : Most mines have designated fresh and exhaust airways, and may also have airways which may be designated as potentially
either, depending on production activities. VentSim Classic 3.9 defaulted to a blue / red / green colour scheme for these three types
of airways. VentSim DESIGN™ uses these three air types, but also has up to potentially 25 other types (and colours) which can be
specified under the Edit Box. Other air types could be set by the user as ‘emergency access’, flooded’, ‘vent duct’ etc.

Primary Layer Sets the primary layer type of the airway. Once set, primary layers can be
independently displayed using the Display Manager. The name of the
primary layer can be changed by clicking the Primary Layer button, and
entering a new name or colour in the Preset spreadsheet.

Secondary Layer Sets the secondary layer type of the airway. Once set, secondary layers can
be independently displayed using the Display Manager. The name of the
secondary layer can be changed by clicking the Secondary Layer button, and
entering a new name or colour in the Preset spreadsheet.

Airway Attributes

Sets resistance, friction factors and shock loss factors for an airway.

The sort order of the attribute items in the list boxes can be specified in the Preset Spreadsheet

Figure 9-6 Resistance, Friction and Shock Factors

Resistance Sets the resistance for an airway. Resistance can be set to automatic, preset
or fixed.

‘Auto’matic allows VentSim DESIGN™ to calculate the resistance automatically from the airways size,
length and wall friction factors.
‘Preset values’, can be selected from the resistance list. Preset values are added to the underlying
automatic resistance value. To create a new Preset Resistance or change an existing one, select the
Button to enter the Preset Spreadsheet and enter or change any existing resistance values from the
Preset Spreadsheet. When the Preset Spreadsheet is closed, the new preset resistances will be available
in the pull down menu for all airways.

‘Custom’ values are fixed resistances that override the automatic resistance calculation, and therefore
ignore any pre-existing airway shape, size or friction factor. Values can be typed directly into the
resistance value text box.

One way Resistances Resistances are normally set to apply equal resistance to airflow in either
direction, however resistances can be specified to apply a different resistance
when airflow is reversed. To enable this function, create a Preset Resistance
and enter both a primary and a secondary ‘reversing’ resistance in the preset
spreadsheet. This will force the simulation to consider an alternative resistance
if the airflow is reversed from the direction that the resistance was originally
placed. If a reversing resistance is not required, simply leave the reversing
resistance value at ‘0’

To swap the direction of a one-way resistance, use the “REVERSE” button on the
ICON toolbar. One-way resistance that currently are applying the secondary
reversing resistance will be shown in a RED colour on the screen. Example of
use for this function include resistances such as hanging flaps or swinging doors
which may either seal better, or alternatively swing open if airflow is reversed.

Resistance Density Preset Resistances are assumed to be entered at standardized density

Adjustment (normally a sea-level air density), therefore can change according to the air
density at which they are applied. VentSim DESIGN™ will internally
automatically adjust resistances during simulation according to the local air
density. This behaviour can be overridden from the global settings, or with the
resistance Check Box on the edit form.

If this box is not checked, the resistance entered is assumed to be derived from
a reference air density as specified in the PRESETS for each type of resistance
(which is normally 1.2kg/m3 unless set otherwise). In most cases, resistances
are likely to have been derived from preset values and standard air densities,
and this option should remain unchecked.

If the box is checked, VentSim DESIGN™ will assume an adjustment has

already been included and will not attempt to adjust the resistance from density
changes further. Examples of this may be if the resistance has been measured
at a specific site underground at a density similar to that simulated by the
program.

Friction F Sets the friction factor for the airway. Friction factors describe the
unevenness of wall profiles, which produces airflow turbulence and hence
pressure loss. The value can either be entered directly in the Friction F text
box, or can be selected from the pull down menu. As with resistance, new
preset values can be entered by clicking the Friction button, and entering new
preset values in the Preset Spreadsheet. The new Preset Friction Factors will be
available for all airways.

Friction F Density Similar to the resistance density adjustment, friction factors are also
Adjustment normally standardised to sea-level air density, and will be adjusted for
different air densities. VentSim DESIGN™ will internally adjust friction
factors during simulation according to the local air density. If this box is not
checked, the friction factor entered is assumed to be derived from a reference
air density as specified in the PRESETS for each type of friction factor (which is
normally 1.2kg/m3 unless set otherwise). In most cases, friction factors are
 likely to have been derived from preset values at standard air densities, and this
option should remain unchecked.

If the box is checked, VentSim DESIGN™ will assume an adjustment has

already been included and will not attempt to adjust the friction factor further.
Examples of this may be if the friction has been measured along a specific
airway underground at a density similar to that simulated by the program.

Shock Loss Factors Sets a shock loss factor for the airway. Shock losses can be set as an
equivalent length, or as a shock loss factor (X). The method used is defined
in the Settings.

Only one method can be used for all airways. Ensure shock values are
consistent with the method chosen in the settings throughout the model.

Shock values can be manually entered in the text box, set to a Preset Value or
set to an Automatic value from the pull down menu at the right. To change or
establish new preset values, press the Shock button, and enter or change the
values in the Preset Spreadsheet.

Preset values can be added or changed by clicking the Shock button next to the
value box.

If AUTO is chosen, VentSim DESIGN™ will attempt to recalculate a new value

during simulation, by observing airflow direction, airway geometries and airway
size changes. VentSim will only calculate the Automatic Shock Value once, to
prevent oscillations in simulation results. If the model geometry or air direction
changes it is recommended to RESET the shock value to zero (0) and let the
AUTO shock loss recalculate the value during the next simulation.

AUTO HIGH assume a rapid or sharp edge change of airway direction. AUTO
MID arbitrarily assume a smooth corner and is rated at 50% of AUTO HIGH.
AUTO LOW assume an even smooth corner and is rated at 25% of AUTO HIGH.

Note that this is a rough estimation only and may change slightly with every simulation due to changing airflow and directions. The
AUTO HIGH option assumes sharp corners on all direction changes and size changes, and is therefore considered to be a ‘worst’ case
value.

DO NOT use AUTO shock losses everywhere through a model. AUTO shock loss should only be used on known areas of high airflow
and sharp direction change or size change, Using SHOCK loss throughout a model will over predict total model pressure requirements
by up to 20% because for AUTO HIGH every corner and bend will be considered as a ‘worst case’ geometry. This is not the case for
most mines as corners and bends are often smoothed or rounded. Auto MID or LOW may be a more conservative approach if the
auto option is to be used extensively.

In critical areas which are subject to high airflows and large shock losses, a
more thorough examination of airways should be performed, and the shock
factor settings manually calculated and used. Guides in setting Shock Value are
available in most quality ventilation texts.

PQ Surveys
PQ (Pressure Quantity Surveys) allow the direct entry of a measured flow and pressure to automatically
calculate the resistance of single or multiple connected airways.

The PQ entry mode can be established by selecting the PQ Survey item in the Preset Resistance drop list.
Once selected, the PQ entry boxes will be shown.

PQ measured resistance is recognised as the most accurate way to create accurate ventilation models as
it bypasses many of the variables (such as size, shock losses and friction factors) that would otherwise
be required to calculate resistance. If a PQ method is used, other airway definitions such as size and
friction factors are ignored in the resistance calculation.
PQ surveys can be entered as a fixed survey or linear length method. A fixed survey is intended to be
applied on specific single airways in VentSim (for example a shaft section between levels). The
resistance calculated from the PQ entry variables is applied directly to the airway. Ensure the linear
length option is not selected in this case. Only a single airway should be edited when applying this
method.

The linear method allows the length of the PQ survey to be also entered across a series of connected
airways. This allows the resistance per 100m or 100ft to be calculated and applied to underlying airways
of any lengths. This method is intended for use where the PQ survey may have been performed
covering multiple VentSim airway segments (for example around the bends in a ramp), or when a
sample portion of PQ survey is intended to be applied to additional lengths of VentSim similar airways.
To apply this method, one or more airways can be selected and edited simultaneously.

Hint : To select and edit an existing linear PQ survey in VentSim, use the SELECTION > SAME PQ survey option on the toolbar to
ensure all airways that were used in the original linear PQ survey are first selected before EDITing.
Regulators

A regulator creates a shock loss in an airway, leading to a loss in pressure and reducing the flow rate.
The regulator can be adjusted to give the desired airflow. In contrast to the Orifice option – which has a
predetermined shock loss curve - the Regulator option in Ventsim allows the user to define a specific
shock or resistance curve.

To add a regulator to an airway, select the Regulator option under the Resistance Type List. The type of
regulator and the opening of
the regulator can now be set.

To examine or edit the shock

curve for an existing regulator,
open the Reguator edit form by
clicking on the Button. A
new regulator type can also be
added.

9.5. Fans
Displays a form allowing fan and fixed airflows and pressures to be applied to an airway. If a fan is
present, a fan curve graph and duty will be displayed after simulation showing fan performance in a
simulated model airway. The operating duty point and system resistance curve will be shown on the fan
curve graph. If no fan is present in the airway being edited, a blank window will be displayed.
 Fan Settings

Sets fans, fixed flows or fixed pressures within the airway.

This setting allows the user to include a pressure or flow to
move air around a model. Without at least one airway
within a model containing a fan or a fix flow, pressure or
power, there will be no airflow within a model (unless
natural ventilation pressures are present).

ON

Turns on the fan or fix during simulation enabling the item

to influence airflow within the model

OFF

Turns off the influence of the fan or fix during simulation.

The airway and model will behave as if the fan or fix is not
present.

Figure 9-7 Edit Box Fan Information

Auto Close

Closes the airway when a fan or fix is turned off.

Many actual fan installations have a mechanical

device which shuts off airflow when a fan is
turned off or loses power. The self-closing option
allows the simulation to reflect this. If this option
is unchecked, airflow will be allowed to flow freely
back through the airway, as if the fan is not
present. Activating this option will close the
airway; preventing airflow when the fan is
switched off.

Fix Flow Forces the simulation to produce an airflow equivalent to the value entered
in the box. A fixed flow cannot be set when a fan is present, and a fan will
be removed if the fixed flow is checked. To remove the influence of the fixed
flow, simply uncheck the fix check box. When a fixed flow is simulated, the
program will calculate a required pressure and power to produce the fixed flow.
 Where the fixed flow is less than what would normally be simulated, the fixed
flow acts as a ‘resistance’ or negative pressure influence, and restrict flow. In
both cases, the results of fixing a flow will be displayed in the INFO box.

Select one of the Recommend fan options if a fixed flow is present and has been
simulated. The program will examine the pressure and flow required to achieve
the flow, and then search the fans in the program database for a suitable
match. The program will consider up to 4 parallel fans as being a viable match,
and display them in descending match order. To swap the fixed flow for a
recommended fan, select the desired fan from the list.

Restrict Restrict is similar to a fixed flow in that a certain air flow rate is targeted
during simulation. The main difference however is the ‘restrict’ is designed
to resist flow and provide an equivalent resistance. If the restrict value is
greater than what would normally be required to restrict airflow (ie it boosts the
airflow) a warning will be displayed during the model simulation.

Fix Press Forces the airway to produce a constant positive pressure equivalent to the
entered value in the box. A fixed pressure cannot be set when a fan is
present, and a fan will be removed if the fixed pressure is checked. To
remove the influence of a fixed pressure, simply uncheck the fix check box.
When a fixed pressure is simulated, the program will calculate the required
airflow and power to produce the fixed pressure. The results of fixing a
pressure will be displayed in the INFO box.

Fix Power Applies a pressure and flow equivalent to a perfect fan with the specified
fixed power, at the assumed default fan efficiency (normally 80%)

Fan Name, Number and Selects a fan for the airway. The upper pull down menu allows a fan to be
Configuration selected from the fan database. Fans are sorted in the order established in
the Preset form. Adjacent to the fan name, is the number of fans to be
included in the model, and below this is the configuration of the fans (parallel or
series). Fans installed in series will increase available fan installation pressure
according to the number of fans available, while fans installed in parallel will
increase available airflow.

Selecting EDIT will jump straight to the fan curve database edit screen.

Fan Pressure Curve Displays the fan curve pressure type used for the simulation. TOTAL is a Fan
TOTAL / STATIC Total Pressure (FTP) curve while STATIC is a Fan Static Pressure (FSP) curve.
This is selected automatically if one or the other curve is unavailable.
VentSim will preferentially use an TOTAL PRESSURE fan curve if available,
except for auxiliary fans connected to ventilation duct, which will use STATIC
curves.

If a combination of FAN STATIC and FAN TOTAL curves are used in a model,
then (with the exception of auxiliary fans) a mixed pressure simulation solution
method is used, which ignores exhaust velocity pressure from a mine. It is
recommended that FTP (TOTAL PRESSURE) fan curves be used throughout an
entire model if possible, however if this is not possible then the entire model
should use FSP (STATIC PRESSURE) fan curves instead. Both types should not
be mixed throughout a model as a mixed pressure solution may overestimate
the performance of any fan using an FTP curve, as the surface velocity pressure
loss is ignored.

Counter Rotate Reverse the fan blade direction during simulation. This item is useful for
emergency simulation where fans are available in the model to reverse
airflow at specific locations. The fan curve is adjusted by the reverse factors
set in the fan database, to reflect the poorer performance of fans with blades
run in reverse. The reverse function is only available for fans, not fixed flows or
pressures.
Warning : This is not the same as reversing a fan installation direction where the maximum fan performance would be applied in the
opposite direction – the reverse toolbar button should be used for this purpose instead.

%RPM Adjusts the fan blade rotation speed from the default setting defined by the
fan curve in the Fan Database. Note that this is a theoretical pressure and
flow adjustment which may not exactly meet true fan performance at
different speeds.

Hint: While the simulated speed adjustment to a standard fan curve should be reasonably accurate, if an exact fan pressure and flow
curve is required for fan performance at different revolutions, it is suggested a separate manufacturer guaranteed fan curve be
entered for the adjusted variation.

Fan Duty Point

The fan duty point defines the pressure and airflow that a fan operates at, and is shown by blue lines on
the fan curve. Note that either an individual fan duty can be selected, or if multiple fans are present at
the installation in parallel or series configuration, the entire combined installation duty can be displayed.
Due to local air density adjustments, the fan curve may have been adjusted to the one defined in the
Fan Database.

The efficiency returned reflects the efficiency curve entered with the fan. The efficiency curve is the shaft
efficiency of the fan. It does not include electric motor or drive inefficiencies, which are considered
separately in the Settings menu under Motor Efficiency.

Enters the fan database screen to view or adjust fan data. Note that any fan
changes will not be reflected in the EDIT box until after a simulation. Also note
that modifying the fan database will change ALL fans of the same name in other
locations in the model. To create a custom change only for the fan at one
location, you will need to create a duplicate of the fan in the database, and only
modify the duplicate.

Hint : Fan operating density is an important specification for designing fan types and installations. Higher air densities will increase
the available operating pressure curve (and power draw) for the fan, while lower air densities will have the reverse effect. This can
be an important consideration when selecting or designing a fan for a particular area in a mine. Note that for VentSim DESIGN™
Standard, air densities are assumed fixed at all locations in a mine.

Fans Stalled, Low Pressure or Negated

If fans are forced by other model conditions to run beyond the limits of the fan curve, a warning showing
stalled, low pressure or negated will be shown during model simulation.

Stalled fans occur when the fan pressure build-up is greater than the capacity of the fan curve to
accommodate. VentSim DESIGN™ reduces the airflow quantity to a point where the fan pressure is no
more than the maximum pressure specified in the fan curve.

Low Pressure fans occur when a fan pressure falls below the lowest pressure point of the fan curve, but
is still operating above a zero pressure. This may occur when a fan is run with too little resistance or the
fan is a high pressure type, being used in a low pressure application. The fan pressure curve in this case
may not extend down to the point the fan is operating at. This is undesirable as the program must make
assumptions as to what duty point the fan is actually running at. In addition the fan is unlikely to be
running efficiently at this duty point. To prevent this warning, simply extend the fan curve to a lower
pressure point.

Negative Pressure (Negated) fans occur when the fan offers no useful pressure to the system, and may
even retard airflow that would otherwise flow more freely without the fan. This may be a result of other
model factors or fans forcing or drawing air through the fan.

When VentSim DESIGN™ encounters a low pressure or negated fan situation, it applies a resistance for
airflow through the fan above the highest curve quantity. This mimics real life performance of fans and
effectively restricts airflow moving through a fan above its limit. The induced resistance results in an
additional pressure drop and in negated situations, the fan may apply a nominal negative or ‘resisting’
pressure, effectively acting as a ‘brake’ or orifice for the airflow.
Any of these situations are not desirable, as fans are not designed to run beyond their fan curves.
Without a fan curve VentSim DESIGN™ is forced to approximate fan performance and power
consumption. While stalled, low pressure and negated warnings can be ignored, every effort should be
made to reduce or eliminate these occurrences within a model.

Fan Pressure Curve

The fan pressure curve associated with the fan (or fans if combined is selected) in the airway. Note that
the fan curve may have been adjusted by the simulation from the curve entered in the fan database to
reflect the change in air density at the fan location. The fan operating duty point is shown at the
intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines.

Fan Efficiency Curve

The efficiency curve and the airflow volume intersection point define the efficiency the fan is operating at.
The efficiency value is used to calculate the estimated fan shaft power. If fan shaft power is entered in
the database directly, a fan power curve will be shown and the program will derive shaft power from this
curve instead.

Fan Power Curve

If a power curve has been entered for the fan, the power curve and the airflow volume intersection point
will define the shaft or absorbed fan blade power the fan(s) are operating at. VentSim will preferentially
use this curve to calculate power if present. If the power curve has not been entered for the fan, the
efficiency curve will be used to calculate power. If this is not present, the default efficiency in the
settings menu will be used.

Fan Data
Fan Data is shown describing the operation and perform of the fan. Most items are self-explanatory.
Shaft power is power drawn by the fan impeller, and excludes inefficiencies in electrical motors or
gearboxes. Peak capacity it the fraction of the operating point away from the peak fan pressure. Peak
capacity approaching 100% for either resistance or flow indicates the fan may be prone to stalling.

9.6. Heat Tab (Advanced Version)

[ADVANCED] The heat Tab Page controls most of the airway attributes associated with
heat and moisture simulation.
Heat and Cooling
Sets the heating, cooling and moisture inputs for the
airway.

Heat Assistant
Calculator
The Heat Assistant
helps calculate or estimate
heat and moisture values to
place within airways. The
heat assistant calculator is
described further in the next
Chapter.

On or Off The toggle allows heat

and cooling preset sources
to be turned on or off,
while leaving the preset in the
airway. If the box is
unchecked, the preset will
have no effect on the model
thermodynamics. Presets
which are turned off will show
in the model as a grey colour.
Note that custom heat values
which are not presets cannot
be turned on or off, and must
be removed if no
thermodynamic effect is
desired.

Point Sources
Point Sources of heat and moisture are applied to one
specific location within an airway. The thermodynamic
Figure 9-8 The Edit Box Heat Tab (Advanced Version Only)
change occurs immediately at that point.

Heat Sensible Adds (+ve) or removes (-ve) sensible heat from the airflow. The number will
be coloured RED (+ve) or BLUE (-ve) according to the heating or cooling
effect of the value. Sensible heat is added or removed without changing
moisture content. If sensible heat is removed, and the air temperature dips
below the dew point, moisture will condense and will be removed from the air
by the simulation.

Heat Latent Adds (+ve) or removes (-ve) latent heat from the airflow. Latent heat is
sometimes describe as a ‘moisture’ heat and does not directly change the air
temperature, but rather increases (+ve) or reduces (-ve) water vapour in
the air. Sigma Heat and Enthalpy increases with latent heat addition.

Refrigeration Removes sensible heat from the airflow. If heat is removed, and the air
temperature dips below the dew point, moisture will condense and be
removed from the air by the simulation. Refrigeration is essentially the
same as placing a negative Sensible Heat, and is included as a separate item to
clarify its intended function within the model analysis.

Moisture Adds (or removes) moisture in an airflow. Moisture addition has a neutral
effect on airway heat content, and is therefore added without changing the
Sigma Heat content of the airway. The effect of adding moisture is therefore
an ‘evaporative’ effect which reduces dry bulb temperature and sensible heat,
and increases latent heat. Removing moisture will produce the opposite effect.
Example of adding moisture to the air may include an evaporative cooling
 chamber or a dust suppression scrubber. Directly removing moisture from air
(without cooling) although technically possible, is not a common mine process,
and this option in VentSim DESIGN™ would only normally be used to ‘condition’
air to a certain temperatures and humidity for simulation purposes.

Diesel Engine Adds a combination of sensible and latent heat to the air to simulate a diesel
heat source. The result is generally a warmer moister air flow after
application. The ratio of sensible and latent heat added is controlled by the
diesel to water ratio set in the heat settings menu.

Linear Sources
Linear sources of heat and moisture are thermodynamic changes applied evenly over the length of an
airway or airways.

Oxidisation The amount of heat per linear length generated by oxidising material in
airway walls. While oxidisation is not a significant factor in most mines,
exceptionally reactive sulphide or carbonaceous materials may have a
significant effect where airflows are low or airway drives travel an exceptional
length through high oxidisation rock.

Sensible / Latent Heat Adds heat per unit length of the airway. The value is intended to define heat
sources which emit heat over a long length (such as conveyor belts).
Setting a single equivalent point sensible heat to each airway will produce
the same heat result.

Moisture Linear Adds (or removes) moisture per unit length of airway. Similar to the
moisture point addition, this less commonly used function may be of value is
simulating a long length of airway water addition, such as decline dust
suppression sprays.

Hint : How much moisture as being added to your airways from sprays? To practically assess the amount, take a wet and dry bulb
temperature above and below the sprays, and use the VentSim DESIGN™ Heat and Moisture Calculator to estimate the change in
moisture content.

Diesel Engine Adds a combination of sensible and latent heat to the air over the length of
the airway. A linear diesel source is sometimes used in preference to a
number of individual diesel point sources to represent a fleet of diesel
equipment travelling along a selected route of airways. To establish this type of
collective heat addition, the average diesel motor output of the equipment fleet
needs to be summed, and divided by the length of airway the fleet would travel.
The resulting heat per length value can then be applied at a linear source to all
the airways the equipment fleet would follow. This method is considered to
provide a slightly more accurate way to apply a moving heat source, but has the
disadvantage of being harder to visualise as independent machines.

Fuel Burn
Fuel sources can be burnt directly into airways. Fuels are defined in the combustible preset menu.
Typically fuel burn is applied to airways with heaters for cold climates (propane or diesel for example in
winter). Alternatively, fuel burn can be applied as a linear application over a number of airways to define
diesel machine activity over a particular route.

Fixed Data
Provides methods for forcing ventilation conditions along an airway to be a required value.
 Fix Temp WB, DB

Allows wet and / or dry bulb temperature of the outlet air from the airway to be
fixed to a value. This forces the heat simulation to adjust the air temperature
from any previous simulated heat temperature upstream, to the fixed values.
The corresponding heat and moisture values required for the transition will be
calculated and reported after simulation. This function may have several useful
functions:

 To adjust air temperature to a known value at a certain location, without having to modify
simulated results above this location

 To predict the heat or cooling required to condition the airflow to the fixed temperatures. The
INFO tab will provide this information after simulation.

The pull down menu for Fixed \ Threshold allows the user to specify a
temperature threshold instead of a fixed temperature. Setting the fixed
temperature as a Lower Limit or an Upper Limit means that rather than fixing
the temperature, VentSim Heat Simulation will not allow the temperature to go
past the limit set. For example, to model a heating unit configured to maintain
the temperature in an airway above 3 degrees Celsius, the user would set a
temperature of 3 degrees and then select the Lower Limit option. The
temperature in this airway will not go below 3 degrees Celsius, but – depending
on the rest of the model – the temperature can be any value above 3 degrees.
This feature can be helpful when used with the Annual Thermal Flywheel Tool
(Chapter 21.5), to model the variying usage of heating and cooling at different
times throughout the year.

Hint : Fixing the air temperature requires an adjustment to both sensible and latent heat content of the air. Entering the wet and
dry fixed values as the same temperature forces the simulation to assume a pure ‘refrigerative’ condition which is converted to
sensible heat and condensation, instead of the normal sensible and latent heat calculation. This is useful for determining
refrigerative loads required for producing particular airway conditions. Note that there still may be some residual latent heat
reported for the airway due to strata heat and moisture transfer.

Diesel Emission
An optional value used for Diesel Particulate Matter simulation which defines the
total amount of diesel particulates emitted by an engine over a period of time
for each unit of engine power. This can be derived from manufacturer’s
specifications or by practical testing of exhaust emissions.

Note that EPA measured values are likely to include all particulate matter
including elemental carbon, organic carbon and other trace matter.
Atmospheric DPM exposure limits are normally limited to elemental or total
(elemental + organic) carbon levels, therefore either emission rates or final
simulated results will need to be scaled accordingly.

Advance Rate

The rate of advance or progression of the airway per month. The area size of
the airway dictates the number of tonnes entered into the simulation, and this
figure is included in the Simulation Summary. Heat from broken rock entering
the mine atmosphere is highly dependent on the geometry of the muck pile, the
 length of time the rock is exposed to air and the airflow and moisture over the
muck pile.

To simplify the process, heat from broken rock is added to the atmosphere at a
rate defined in the settings as a percentage of heat contained in the broken rock
that is between the mine atmosphere temperature wet bulb, and the virgin rock
temperature. The exposed rock surface of the advancing airway is
automatically assumed to be freshly mined for simulation purposes.

Rock Conditions
Sets specific rock conditions for the airway. Airways will normally source these values from the default
values in the Settings menu, however they can be individually overridden for each airway. Using these
functions, it is possible to set parts of the mine with different rock parameters types or wetness fractions.

Figure 9-9 Rock Condition entry for airways

Rock Type

Specifies a rock type that has been pre-defined in the Preset menu (click on Rock Type) to enter the
menu. Selecting a preset value overwrites any manually defined rock parameters.

Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of rock surrounding the airway.

Thermal Diffusivity

The thermal diffusivity of rock surrounding the airway. This value is optional and can be derived by entering
the rock density instead.

Specific Heat

The specific heat value of rock surrounding the airway.

Rock Density

The density of rock surrounding the airway. This value is optional and can be derived by entering the thermal
diffusivity instead.
Wetness Fraction

The fraction of the airway surface which is wet. A value of 0.01 would describe a nearly dry surface,
while 1.0 would describe a fully wet surface. The Wetness Fraction button can be clicked to enter the
preset spreadsheet and create names for defined wetness fraction values.

Age or Year Entry

The age in years since the start of the airway was mined (in decimal years, for example 4.5), or the
calendar year of mining (in decimal format, for example 2006.5 would represent end of June in the year
2006)

Age or Year Exit

The age in years since the end of the airway was mined

Airway ages can be a mixture of calendar years and age in years. VentSim DESIGN™ determines which age type has been entered
by the number of digits in the date field. Four (4) digits indicate a calendar year age. Where calendar year ages are entered, airway
ages are calculated from the Current Calendar Year age set in the Settings Menu.

VRTemp Entry / Exit

Manually sets the Virgin Rock Temperature at the start and end of an airway. This function is unlikely to
be used often. It forces the heat simulation to use preset rock temperature values, instead of calculating
the rock temperature from the geothermal gradient. This function may be of assistance if the rock does
not conform to the geothermal gradient parameters (for example mining through backfill) or the rock
temperature is being modified by other factors such as local geothermal sources or reactions.

Note that the values normally reported in these cells are calculated from the simulation and will change
with depth and time. To FIX the values to permanent temperatures, simply overwrite the pre-existing
calculated values.

Exposed Surface

Read-only field showing the simulate rock surface temperature after cooling for the specified rock
exposure age.

Contaminant

The contaminant tab display options and settings required for contaminant simulation in a model.

Figure 9-10 Edit Box Contaminant Input

 Contaminant Places an initial average contamination value into the airway. The value can
Concentration either be unit less or represent a volume concentration value of a particular
type. It is proportional to the airflow in which it is entered, and could be
considered as a percentage, part per million (ppm) unit or any other unit which is representative of a
value per unit volume of air. Clicking on the check box adjacent the value box, will automatically set or
remove a value specified in the Setting defaults.

This value is ignored if ‘Explosive Simulation’ is selected as in this case the initial concentration is
automatically calculated from the explosive yield rate (established in the settings) and the airflow.

Contaminant Options (Dynamic)

Specifies dynamic contaminant simulation options which can be modified for the airway.

Fixed Release Specifies a constant concentration release of contaminant into the airstream
for a specified number of seconds.

Linear Decay Specifies a reducing concentration release of contaminant into the airstream
for a specified number of seconds. The concentration initially starts at the
specified amount, and decreases at a linear rate over the specified number
of seconds.

Logarithmic Decay Specifies a logarithmically decreasing concentration release of contaminant

into the airstream for a specified number of seconds. This means the
concentration of contaminant will start at the initial concentration and rapidly
decrease over the initial time frame, with a longer lower concentration period
after that.

Explosive The type of explosive to use for dynamic contaminant simulation. The
default option is to simulate Contaminant Only. Users can select an explosive
type from the Explosives Preset, meaning concentrations of different
explosion emmission products can be simulated.

Explosive Amount The amount of explosive to place for dynamic contaminant simulation. The
higher the amount placed, the more contaminant that must be dispersed
into the model during simulation.

Dispersion Rate The logarithmic factor rate at which contaminant will be dispersed. This does
not impact the mass volume of contaminant entering the model, but rather
the rate at which it escapes into the model airflow. Higher values will simulate
more rapid dispersion of contaminant from the initial contaminant source. It does not affect dispersal rates
once the contaminant has entered the main model airstreams.

Sourcing Location Tools

Provides options for setting contaminant reports and simulating possible location sources of
contaminants underground.

Report Smoke Places a smoke report in the airway.

Report Fresh Places a fresh report in the airway.

See Location Tool menu item for further information.

9.7. Information
The information tab provides a list of detailed information of settings and simulated values for an airway.
The list may be copied to the Windows clipboard for pasting in another application such as Word or Excel.
This can provide a valuable tool for comparing changes in specific airways before and after simulation.

In addition, a thermodynamic summary is provided showing conditions at the start and end of the
airway.