Development and testing of an underground remote refrigeration plant
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop, install, and test a small underground
mobile refrigeration plant (M.R.P.) to deal with some of the real problems associated
with mine cooling in an operating mine.
The requirement for cooling the underground environment is discussed with
particular emphasis on the need for this method of cooling, with the concomitant
benefits.
The research investigated current methods of cooling and reasons for previous
failures in (M.R.P.). Both static and dynamic simulations were conducted to increase
the confidence level under operating conditions.
Implementation and testing, resulted in "lessons learnt" requiring modifications,
which are documented. Actual results have been recorded. These results have
proved that significant cooling via (M.R.P) is feasible.
Main benefits include positional efficiency, cost per kilowatt of cooling and cooling
opportunities for remote areas of a mine.
Finally, a proven technology is now available for large-scale implementation into the
mining industry. Now the ventilation engineer has another system of cooling, which
can be utilized in the quest to create an occupational environment, which meets the
physical and mental health requirements of the worker.
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