VME-5, VME-6, VME-8, VME-10, VME-12 Fan Replacement

BOFENG provides replacement solutions for VME-5 / ВМЭ-5, VME-6 / ВМЭ-6, VME-8 / ВМЭ-8, VME-10 / ВМЭ-10 and VME-12 / ВМЭ-12 mine ventilation fans used in underground mines, metal and non-metal mines, tunnel projects, and other underground works. Selection is based on airflow, total pressure, motor power, ventilation duct conditions, power supply, and actual site requirements.

For typical VME / ВМЭ replacement requests, BOFENG has prepared working parameter ranges that can be used for preliminary technical comparison. This page shows the original parameters of old VME / ВМЭ fans and the corresponding working ranges of BOFENG replacement solutions.

The execution code, dimensional drawings, installation dimensions, technical documents, and commercial offer are prepared after the site conditions are reviewed. This helps purchasing teams, engineers, and project companies confirm the replacement not only by model name, but also by the actual working point of the ventilation system.

For other local ventilation applications, you can also visit the mine auxiliary fans section.

Original Parameters of VME / ВМЭ Fans

Before selecting a replacement, it is important to record the nameplate parameters of the old fan: airflow, total pressure, motor power, rotation speed, and weight. These data help determine what performance level the new fan should provide in the local mine ventilation system.

Selected Working Parameters of BOFENG Solutions

The following working ranges can be used for preliminary comparison with VME-5 / ВМЭ-5, VME-6 / ВМЭ-6, VME-8 / ВМЭ-8, VME-10 / ВМЭ-10 and VME-12 / ВМЭ-12. The table shows airflow range, total pressure range, motor power, and rotation speed. The exact execution code and installation drawings are provided in the technical sheet after the site conditions are reviewed.

Note: The above parameters are intended for preliminary comparison and request preparation. For final confirmation, the actual working point, duct resistance, installation dimensions, power supply, explosion-proof requirements, and configuration must be reviewed.

What Should Be Checked When Comparing the Working Point?

When comparing a VME / ВМЭ fan with a new solution, it is not enough to look only at nominal airflow and motor power. In a real ventilation network, the working point depends on duct resistance, duct length, duct diameter, number of bends, air leakage, and installation conditions.

For preliminary comparison, the original fan parameters and the working range of the new solution are used. For final engineering confirmation, BOFENG checks whether the required duty point is within a stable operating range, whether there is enough pressure margin for the duct line, and whether the selected configuration matches the power supply, installation, and safety requirements.

Structure and Operating Principle of FB/FBD Solutions

To make it easier for engineers and purchasing teams to compare the old VME / ВМЭ fan with a new solution, the typical structural diagrams of FB and FBD fans are shown below. These diagrams help explain the airflow direction, motor position, impeller, inlet collector, and diffuser.

The diagrams are provided for general structural understanding. Dimensional materials, installation dimensions, and drawing packages are prepared during the technical review stage according to the specific site, duct system, and installation requirements.

Single-Stage FB Structure

The FB fan is a flameproof axial auxiliary fan for local mine ventilation. Air enters through the inlet collector, passes through the main section with the motor and impeller, and is then directed into the diffuser and connected ducting.

Fig. 1. FB structural diagram: 1 — inlet collector; 2 — main section; 3 — electric motor; 4 — impeller; 5 — diffuser.

This structure may be used when a compact axial forcing solution is required for local ventilation. Selection should consider airflow, total pressure, duct diameter, duct length, power supply, and explosion-proof requirements.

Two-Stage FBD Structure

The FBD fan has a two-stage axial structure. It uses first-stage and second-stage impellers, so it can be considered for applications requiring higher pressure, longer ducts, or higher resistance in the ventilation network.

Fig. 2. FBD structural diagram: 1 — inlet collector; 2 — first-stage impeller; 3 — main section; 4 — electric motor; 5 — second-stage impeller; 6 — diffuser.

For projects that need to compare an old VME / ВМЭ fan with a new solution by airflow, pressure, and power, BOFENG can prepare a technical sheet, specification, and commercial offer after the project data are reviewed.

For general product information, you can visit the FB Series Flameproof Auxiliary Forcing Fan page and the FBD Series Flameproof Counter-Rotating Auxiliary Fan page.

What Does the Customer Receive During Technical Review?

After receiving the initial project data, BOFENG can prepare a review package for engineering and purchasing confirmation. The package may include:

• comparison between the old VME / ВМЭ fan and the new solution by airflow, pressure, and power;

• working range of the selected fan for the required duty;

• project-specific specification based on site conditions;

• motor, voltage, and execution details;

• dimensional and installation materials for review;

• recommendations for ducting, transition pieces, silencers, and installation;

• commercial offer for purchasing review;

• cost estimate based on configuration and delivery conditions;

• production lead time and delivery terms.

This format is suitable for mines, tunnels, dealers, EPC contractors, project companies, and purchasing departments. Instead of receiving only general information, the customer receives a prepared solution based on real operating conditions.

How Is a VME / ВМЭ Fan Replacement Selected?

Selection starts with the original VME / ВМЭ model and its nameplate parameters. Then the site conditions are checked: duct length and diameter, required airflow, required pressure, ventilation scheme, power supply, safety requirements, and available installation space.

For local forcing ventilation, solutions based on the FB series may be considered. For sections requiring higher pressure or a two-stage configuration, the FBD series may be considered.

The final configuration is determined after the initial data are checked. This allows the project team to confirm not only aerodynamic parameters, but also installation, power supply, flameproof requirements, accessories, and the commercial part of the project.

Replacement Parameters by Model

VME-5 / ВМЭ-5 Replacement

The original VME-5 / ВМЭ-5 parameters are: airflow 3.65 m³/s, total pressure 2000 Pa, power 15 kW, and speed 3000 rpm. For preliminary replacement, a BOFENG solution with airflow of 3.3–4.6 m³/s, total pressure of 490–2000 Pa, power of 15 kW, and speed of 2900 rpm may be considered.

Before confirmation, the actual duct length, duct diameter, silencer requirement, installation space, and flameproof requirements should be checked.

VME-6 / ВМЭ-6 Replacement

VME-6 / ВМЭ-6 is a common request for underground mine ventilation replacement. The original parameters are: airflow 7.2 m³/s, total pressure 2500 Pa, power 25 kW, and speed 3000 rpm. For preliminary replacement, a BOFENG solution with airflow of 375–470 m³/min, approximately 6.25–7.83 m³/s, total pressure of 1000–3000 Pa, power of 30 kW, and speed of 2900 rpm may be considered.

When replacing VME-6 / ВМЭ-6, duct resistance should be checked carefully. If the duct line is long, has several bends, or has air leakage, the working point must be reviewed separately.

VME-8 / ВМЭ-8 Replacement

The original VME-8 / ВМЭ-8 parameters are: airflow 10 m³/s, total pressure 3200 Pa, power 50 / 45 kW, and speed 3000 rpm. For preliminary replacement, a BOFENG solution with airflow of 6.7–11 m³/s, total pressure of 1000–3000 Pa, power of 45 kW, and speed of 2900 rpm may be considered.

This replacement requires careful pressure review, because actual airflow in a long duct may be different from the nominal value. For purchasing review, it is useful to provide duct length, duct diameter, and the number of bends.

VME-10 / ВМЭ-10 Replacement

The original VME-10 / ВМЭ-10 parameters are: airflow 13 m³/s, total pressure 1500 Pa, power 37 kW, and speed 1500 rpm. For preliminary replacement, a BOFENG solution with airflow of 7.6–13.2 m³/s, total pressure of 940–1520 Pa, power of 37 kW, and speed of 1490 rpm may be considered.

When replacing VME-10 / ВМЭ-10, it is important to check not only airflow and pressure, but also power supply, installation space, duct connection method, and noise requirements.

VME-12 / ВМЭ-12 Replacement

VME-12 / ВМЭ-12 is used where a large airflow is required. The original parameters are: airflow 21 m³/s, total pressure 2600 Pa, power 110 kW, and speed 1500 rpm. For preliminary replacement, a two-stage BOFENG solution with airflow of 11.5–20.65 m³/s, pressure up to 2600 Pa, power of 2×55 kW, and speed of 1490 rpm may be considered.

For VME-12 / ВМЭ-12, an extended review is recommended: aerodynamic working point, motor starting, duct length, duct diameter, power supply, installation, and safety requirements.

For projects where airflow must be strictly confirmed at the level of the original VME-12 / ВМЭ-12, the working point and performance margin should be checked separately according to the actual duct resistance and site conditions.

What Information Is Needed for a Proposal?

To prepare a technical and commercial proposal more quickly, please provide the following information:

1. old fan model: VME-5, VME-6, VME-8, VME-10 or VME-12 / ВМЭ-5, ВМЭ-6, ВМЭ-8, ВМЭ-10 or ВМЭ-12;

2. photo of the nameplate or fan passport, if available;

3. required airflow;

4. required total or static pressure;

5. duct diameter;

6. duct length;

7. number of bends and connections;

8. site type: coal mine, metal mine, non-metal mine, tunnel, or other underground work;

9. operating mode: forcing or exhaust;

10. explosion-proof or flameproof requirements;

11. power supply voltage;

12. fan quantity;

13. destination country and nearest port or city.

If some data are not available yet, you can start with the old VME / ВМЭ model and a short description of the site. BOFENG engineers will help clarify the missing parameters and prepare a solution for further review.

Where Are VME / ВМЭ Replacement Solutions Used?

These solutions may be used in coal mines, metal and non-metal mines, tunnels, underground construction projects, and sites that need to upgrade an existing local ventilation system.

For coal mine applications, you can visit the coal mining section. For metal and non-metal mines, the metal and non-metal mining section may be useful. For tunneling and underground construction projects, you can visit the tunnel and underground ventilation section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can BOFENG select a replacement for VME-6 / ВМЭ-6 based on the listed parameters?

Yes. For VME-6 / ВМЭ-6, preliminary comparison can be made based on airflow, pressure, power, and speed. For final confirmation, the duct system, working point, and operating conditions should also be reviewed.

Can dimensional drawings be provided?

Yes. Dimensional and installation materials are prepared together with the technical sheet after the site conditions, configuration, and installation requirements are reviewed.

When can we receive the price for a VME / ВМЭ fan replacement?

The price is calculated after confirming the VME / ВМЭ model, required quantity, power supply voltage, configuration, delivery terms, and technical review requirements.

Can BOFENG provide a commercial offer?

Yes. A commercial offer can be prepared after confirming the old VME / ВМЭ model, required quantity, configuration, power supply voltage, and destination country.

Why are site conditions required?

The same VME / ВМЭ model may operate in different ventilation networks. Duct length, resistance, air leakage, bends, operating mode, and safety requirements all affect the actual performance of the new fan.

Which VME / ВМЭ models can be replaced?

BOFENG provides replacement selection for VME-5 / ВМЭ-5, VME-6 / ВМЭ-6, VME-8 / ВМЭ-8, VME-10 / ВМЭ-10 and VME-12 / ВМЭ-12. You can also send requests for other mine local ventilation fan models.