mining blower

A mining blower is commonly a portable, duct-connected ventilation unit used to deliver fresh air to underground headings. On many sites, crews call any ducted auxiliary unit a “blower,” but the label alone does not guarantee pressure capability. The only number that matters in practice is whether the unit can achieve your duty point: the required airflow (Q) at the required static pressure (Ps) at the target location—often the end of duct.

Underground duct systems add resistance fast. As headings advance, ducts get longer, more bends are added, and joint quality often degrades. These factors increase pressure demand and shift the operating point, which can reduce delivered airflow at the face even when the nameplate airflow looks impressive. A “high free-air” rating measured near 0 Pa is not a reliable indicator of face airflow in a real mine.

For mining blowers, treat selection as a system-matching exercise:

• Define the target airflow at the face (or at the end of duct) based on the ventilation plan, dust/gas dilution, and heat/humidity needs.
• Estimate total pressure including duct length, diameter, bends/reducers, fittings, and realistic leakage expectations.
• Check the performance curve and confirm the blower can deliver Q@Ps with usable margin for planned duct extension and leakage deterioration.

Control strategy matters as much as sizing. A VFD helps maintain stable airflow as resistance changes, avoids running deep in an unstable region, and can reduce noise and power draw when full speed is unnecessary. Also consider practical mining constraints: ease of relocation, duct connection style, dust handling, corrosion risk, and compliance requirements (for example, hazardous-area or explosion-proof needs where applicable).

Bottom line: a mining blower is “good” only if it reliably delivers the required end-of-duct airflow at the required static pressure—not if it merely sounds powerful or shows a big free-air number.