press-in ventilation fan

A press-in ventilation fan is an auxiliary mine ventilator that supplies fresh air under positive pressure to underground workplaces through a duct network. Also known as a forcing fan, it is engineered to overcome duct friction, fittings, and leakage so the design face quantity is available at headings, faces, or bays. This assured delivery is central to methane dilution, dust suppression, and the rapid clearance of blasting fumes, enabling safe, compliant, and efficient operations.

Press-in fans are predominantly axial for high specific flow and compact installation. Where elevated static pressure is required, contra-rotating stages extend the pressure capability without enlarging the envelope. Explosion-proof motors and controls are specified for gassy mines, complemented by anti-static ducting and compliant terminations. Variable-frequency drives (VFDs) allow performance to be tuned as drivages advance and system resistance increases, maintaining efficiency and reducing power cost.

Good practice dictates smooth inlet collectors, sealed joints, carefully proportioned transitions, and an appropriate diffuser or nozzle at the face to limit recirculation. Selection should be based on an accurate total-pressure calculation and a fan characteristic that meets the duty near its efficiency peak, with allowance for aging and leakage. Commissioning checks quantity, static pressure, noise, and vibration; preventative maintenance and condition monitoring sustain reliability over the service life.

• Application: auxiliary/local press-in ventilation
• Benefits: assured airflow, gas dilution, dust and fume control
• Options: EX construction, silencers, monitoring, VFD integration