Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
NIOSH

Mining Publication: Reverse Performance Characteristics of Main Mine Fans

NOTE: This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. Contact NIOSH Mining if you need an accessible version.

Original creation date: August 1983

Image of publication Reverse Performance Characteristics of Main Mine Fans

During a mine fire or other emergency, it may be desirable to reverse the airflow in order to provide an escapeway or to isolate a fire. Also, in colder areas, the airflow may be reversed to prevent ice buildup. When reversing main mine fans, the mine operator usually does not know what operating characteristics of flow and pressure to expect. Laboratory and field tests of vane axial main mine fans in the 7- to 9-ft diameter size range were conducted to establish forward and reverse performance characteristics under controlled conditions and at typical mine installations. The data obtained suggest that reverse performance characteristics are dependent upon the blade angle and the hub to tip ratio. There is also evidence that reverse performance can be predicted for a family of blade angles and a given hub to tip ratio. Generally, quantity of air is 30% to 65% less in reverse than when operating in the normal forward mode.

Authors: MF Dunn, S Bhattacharya, V Rajaram

Open File Report - August 1983

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10003480

Engineers International, Inc. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Contract No. J0308044. NTIS No. PB84-143726, 1983; :1-65

NIOSH Homepage

See Also

TOP