Mine ventilation management expert system.

Mine ventilation systems can consume 30-40% of the electricity used in underground mines. El-Equip and Canmet are developing an air management system based on ventilation-on-demand, air quality and energy management principles. The process is centred on the integration of a control and monitoring system, a mine ventilation modelling and simulation system and an expert system. Three approaches are available, based on the types of expert system categories: a non real-time, interactive system which obtains data from user input and databases; an on-line, advisory system which uses real-time data to make decisions; and an on-line controlling system which uses real-time data to make and implement decisions. With such an air-management system, the mine will have a simple-to-use simulator to test ventilation scenarios, remote control for fans and other system parts, real-time monitoring of airflow and pollutant concentrations, and ventilation-on-demand based on vehicle location and air quality.
Mine ventilation systems can consume 30-40% of the electricity used in underground mines. El-Equip and Canmet are developing an air management system based on ventilation-on-demand, air quality and energy management principles. The process is centred on the integration of a control and monitoring system, a mine ventilation modelling and simulation system and an expert system. Three approaches are available, based on the types of expert system categories: a non real-time, interactive system which obtains data from user input and databases; an on-line, advisory system which uses real-time data to make decisions; and an on-line controlling system which uses real-time data to make and implement decisions. With such an air-management system, the mine will have a simple-to-use simulator to test ventilation scenarios, remote control for fans and other system parts, real-time monitoring of airflow and pollutant concentrations, and ventilation-on-demand based on vehicle location and air quality.