press-in ventilator

A press-in ventilator is an auxiliary mining ventilator that forces intake air through ducting to the end of a heading or working face. Also referred to as a forcing ventilator, it creates a positive pressure gradient that overcomes frictional losses, leakage, and fittings so the design quantity arrives where it is needed. This approach underpins safe production by diluting methane and diesel particulate, clearing blast fumes, and limiting heat build-up at the face.

Press-in ventilators are typically axial machines for compactness and high specific flow, with optional contra-rotation to extend the pressure envelope. Materials and electrical packages may adopt explosion-proof standards when mandated. Variable-frequency drives allow operators to match output to the evolving system curve as the duct string lengthens, maintaining efficiency and reducing energy cost.

Engineering practice emphasizes smooth inlets, well-sealed spiral or flexible ducts, and appropriate diffuser sections at the face to spread the jet without excessive turbulence. Noise attenuation, vibration monitoring, and temperature sensors are common accessories. Correct sizing is based on the calculated total pressure (straight length, bends, transitions, leakage) plus a margin for aging and operational variability.

• Use cases: development headings, crosscuts, workshops
• Targets: airflow assurance, methane dilution, fume clearance
• Options: explosion-proof motor, silencers, VFD control