1. 1 WWW.MINETEK.COM
What advantages does the Minetek ventilation axial fan offer?
What applications are the Minetek fans suited to?
• Operating Range: Minetek primary and secondary fans are capable of an air
volume change of 15-115%.
• Single Speed: Minetek fans are a single speed, with air output regulated
by the POD system. No VSD is required.
• VSD: There is no requirement for a Variable Speed Drive to increase
or decrease the air output of the system.
• Power Consumption: Savings are typically around 50% on power
consumption
• POD: Power, Performance, Pressure on Demand means the right
amount of air, where you need it.
• Robust: The Minetek fan is designed to withstand the rigorous
demands of the mining environment.
• Blade Wear: The high-pressure steel impulse bladed impeller is
at the forefront of technology and allows for operation at
pressures previously thought impractical for an axial fan.
• VOD Controls: There is no requirement for a Ventilation on
Demand system.
• No Fan Stall: The Minetek axial primary and secondary fans can start
on no load, with a gradual output increase regulated by the POD
system.
• No Loss of Air: The no stall capability in the Minetek fan means no loss of air.
• Reduction in Capital Costs: Less fans are required when using the Minetek
system, particularly in multiple heading ventilation applications.
• Secondary/Auxiliary Fans
• Main Primary Fans
• Booster/Intake Fans
• Development Fans
• Secondary/Auxiliary Fans
• Main Primary Fans
• Booster/Intake Fans
• Development Fans
Underground Air Ventilation
FAQ

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Why are Variable Speed Drive risky?
Current available axial fans have one duty curve at any given time. To change this would require
the use of a Variable Speed Drive (VSD). The issues associated with VSD include:
• Altering the speed of the impeller will lead to excitation of an impeller or fan blade natural
frequency which will result in a very premature failure of the fan.
• VSD systems generate heat. To mitigate the risk of heat in an underground environment, the
system must be mounted in a purpose built, stand-alone cabinet. To dissipate the heat build-
up in the cabinet, vents must be cut into the cabinet, which compromises the IP rating of the
cabinet.
• Once the cabinet has been compromised by the vent, dust ingress inevitably leads to the
failure of the VSD.
• The heat load of a VSD accounts for 3-5% of its total power.
• Harmonic imbalances on start up using a VSD system will result in premature failure.
How does the Minetek system perform as a DOL (Direct On Line) start up?
The Minetek system does not use a DOL start up process. The system starts on no load, closed
position, and ramps up to the required performance parameters as required by site.
What are the technical specifications on the Primary and Secondary fans?
SECONDARY/AUXILIARY FAN RANGE
Power Range 90kW – 375kW
Volume 10 – 100m3/s
Pressure 200Pa – 6,500Pa
Efficiency >85%
PRIMARY/BOOSTER/MAIN FAN RANGE
Power Range 150kW – 2,000kW
Volume 50 – 1,000m3/s
Pressure 500Pa – 12,000Pa
Efficiency >85%

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What cost savings/efficiencies does the Minetek system offer?
• No requirement for expensive, unreliable VSD controls: Constant Fan Speed.
• Faster re-entry times: Move over 65m3/s to evacuate gasses and increase production and
development times.
• No bump starts required. Fan starts on no-load POD setting: Therefore, massive start up
power saving, and also avoids duct damage from whip tearing on start up.
• Lower maintenance cost with a single fan when managing multiple headings.
What is MAC?
The Mine Air Control system in an option
offered by Minetek. The system consists of a
smart controller in each fan starter panel that
controls the output at each heading. To achieve
this, it receives signals from the flow meters
and uses regulators to later the flow in the
drive. The entire MAC system is designed to
default to a pre-set flow at any given drive.
The system can be programmed to manage
several working headings. Instrumentation can
monitor pressure increasing or decreasing,
regulating different headings. This system
provides greater flexibility of air delivery and
control which in turn maximises power savings.
What is POD?
POD stands for Performance, Power & Pressure on Demand. The POD unit is integrated within
the fan and allows the fan to be regulated from very low flow requirements through to more
than double the duty of a traditional vane axial fan.
The POD offers a new level of control over primary and secondary vent fans, only previously
partially available with expensive and high maintenance VSD’s.
The POD system allows the fan operation to be altered if the resistance is changed for any
reason. This will ensure all working areas still receive the required air flow.
The POD system can be over opened, (i.e. to 115%), for blasting and can increase the airflow by up
to an additional 30m3/s. This results in re-entry times being reduced offering increased production.
The POD controller is regulated on start-up for vent bag inflation, negating the need for soft
starters. No bump (jog) start is required.

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Do Minetek offer a complete
turn-key solution?
Yes. Minetek will attend site, assess the
requirements, and offer a full solution which
includes supply, install, commission and support.
A final scope of works can be presented once a
site evaluation has been completed.
Twin 1100 kW, 1000V motors with airflow capacity of 350m3/sec@4200Pa
“This is the first fan of this size and with this technology
to be installed in Australia and in record time!”
What options are available with
the Minetek system?
• Allen Bradley Panel View HML – MAC
Panel for POD and ventilation control
system.
• Integrated RFID Tag reader including
10 x RFID Tags (to suit single heading).
• 2 x Duct In-Flow Meters.
• 2 x Pressure Sensors
• Integration with existing mine feedback
comms such as WIFI, Leeky Feeder etc