Section 1

1. (a) What are the primary requirements for airflow in mines?

(b) Explain the necessity of mine ventilation in underground mines.
(c) Give in detail the determining process of primary air quantities.

Section 2

2. (a) How does mine gas dilution contribute to improving air quality in mines?
(b) What factors influence the effectiveness of gas dilution techniques in a mine?
(c) Calculate the pressure, in psf, equivalent to ahead of 1 in. (25.4mm) water.
(d) Describe the role of gas detectors in mine safety and gas containment.
(e) What is the difference between a Centrifugal fan and an Axial fan?

Section 3

3. (a) What is the role of the mine ventilation system in controlling mine gases?
(b) How do isolation strategies such as ventilation doors and seals prevent the
spread of contaminants in mines?
(c) Write the safety measures and protocols related to emergency ventilation
during the mine incident.
(d) Oil of a specific gravity of 0.85 is used in a vertical manometer. If the deflection
is 14 in. (355.6 mm) when measuring air pressure in a duct, what is the equivalent
head in (mm) water (specific gravity = 1)?
(e) Discuss the importance of monitoring gas concentrations during the dilution
process.

Section 4

4. (a) Why does re-circulation occur in the mine ventilation system?

(b) How is gas released by the use of explosives?
(c) A coal mine methane releases forward at a rate of 0.5 m³/s. Assuming that the
maximum permissible concentration of methane gas in the work area is 1%,
calculate the minimum flow of fresh air required for dilution.
(d) What roles do air quality testing and monitoring play in ensuring a safe and
healthy mine environment?
(e) What are the potential health hazards associated with exposure to mine gases?

Section 5

5. (a) Why is it important to control the airflow velocity in mine ventilation?

(b) What factors influence access drives' velocities in mine ventilation?
(c) Illustrate the air re-circulation system.
(d) Given the following exposures during a shift:
o 5 h → 0.5 WL
o 2 h → 0.2 WL
 o 1 h → 0.9 WL
Find the working-level months of exposure.

Section 6

6. (a) Differentiate between a booster fan and a fire extinguisher.

(b) What are the key factors that influence the choice of a ventilation system for a
specific underground mine, and how do these factors impact the design process?
(c) A strata gas flows into a workplace at a rate of 90 cfm (0.04247 m³/s); its
concentration in the intake air is 0.25%. Assuming that the TLV for the gas is 1%,
compute the quantity of intake air required to dilute the gas.
(d) How do temperature and humidity levels within a mine affect the behavior and
concentration of mine gases in mining engineering?

Section 7

7. (a) Define how the presence of methane gas can be detected in a mine.
(b) What safety considerations and regulations must be addressed during the
planning and design of a mine ventilation system, and how does compliance
impact the overall design process?
(c) Explain the differences between active and passive mine gas containment
methods.
(d) In an underground mine, 8 people simultaneously work in the stope. What
should be the air consumption in the face?

Section 8

8. (a) Define secondary fans. What are the types of auxiliary ventilation?
(b) Differentiate between parallel and series ventilation circuits.
(c) Briefly describe air leakage and recirculation in a mine ventilation system.
Section 1: Primary Requirements of Mine Ventilation
(a) What are the primary requirements for airflow in mines?
The primary requirements for airflow in mines include:
Sufficient Oxygen Supply – Ensuring adequate oxygen levels for miners.
Dilution of Hazardous Gases – Removing toxic gases such as methane (CH₄), carbon
monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
Removal of Dust and Contaminants – Controlling airborne dust to prevent respiratory
diseases.
Temperature and Humidity Control – Regulating heat and moisture for miner comfort and
equipment efficiency.
Smoke and Fume Clearance – Providing emergency ventilation for fire and explosion
scenarios.
Control of Airflow Direction – Preventing gas accumulation and ensuring proper
ventilation circuit design.

(b) Explain the necessity of mine ventilation in underground mines.

Mine ventilation is essential for:
Providing fresh air to miners to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
Diluting and removing harmful gases (e.g., CH₄, CO, CO₂) to prevent explosions and
asphyxiation.
Controlling temperature and humidity, especially in deep mines where heat buildup is
significant.
Minimizing dust levels, reducing the risk of lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis.
Ensuring efficient operation of diesel-powered equipment by providing sufficient oxygen
for combustion.

(c) Give in detail the determining process of primary air quantities.

The primary air quantity is determined based on:
Regulatory Standards – Compliance with occupational health and safety regulations (e.g.,
MSHA, OSHA).
Mine Layout and Size – Larger mines require higher air volumes.
Gaseous Emissions – Ventilation must dilute methane and other gases below explosive
limits.
Workforce and Equipment Needs – Adequate air supply for miners and diesel machinery.
Heat Load Calculations – Airflow should mitigate thermal stress in deep and hot mines.
Fire and Explosion Risk – Emergency air requirements must be factored in.
The required airflow can be calculated using:
Q= V×100/C
where:
Q= airflow required (m³/s)
V = volume of gas emitted (m³/s)
C = allowable gas concentration (%)
Section 2: Mine Gas Dilution, Pressure Calculation, and Fans
(a) How Does Mine Gas Dilution Improve Air Quality in Mines?
Mine gas dilution reduces the concentration of hazardous gases (e.g., methane, CO₂,
NO₂, radon) by introducing fresh air, preventing gas accumulation, and ensuring
compliance with threshold limit values (TLVs). This:
Lowers the risk of explosions and asphyxiation.
Reduces exposure to toxic gases for workers.
Enhances respirable air quality, preventing health issues like pneumoconiosis.

(b) Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Gas Dilution

Airflow Rate – Higher airflow improves dilution but requires efficient fan systems.
Mine Layout – Complex layouts need strategic ventilation designs to ensure uniform air
distribution.
Gas Emission Rate – Sudden gas outbursts require real-time monitoring and rapid
response ventilation.
Temperature and Humidity – Affect gas movement and stratification, influencing dilution
efficiency.
Seal Integrity – Prevents gas leaks into intake airways.

(c) Calculation of Pressure Equivalent to 1 in. (25.4 mm) Water Head

The pressure exerted by a water column is given by:
P=h×γ
where:
h = 1 in. = 25.4 mm = 0.0833 ft
γ= 62.4 lb/ft³ (specific weight of water)
P=0.0833×62.4=5.2 psf

(d) Role of Gas Detectors in Mine Safety and Gas Containment

Gas detectors provide real-time monitoring to:
Detect hazardous gas levels before reaching dangerous concentrations.
Activate ventilation adjustments when gases exceed permissible limits.
Alert miners through alarms and automated shutdowns to prevent fatalities.
Aid in emergency planning, helping locate leaks and explosion-prone areas.

(e) Difference Between a Centrifugal Fan and an Axial Fan

Feature Centrifugal Fan Axial Fan

Air enters axially and exits Air flows in a straight line along the
Airflow Direction
radially axis

Pressure
High pressure, lower volume High volume, lower pressure
Generation

Efficiency Better for long ducts Suitable for short ventilation routes

Application Used in main ventilation fans Used as auxiliary/booster fans

Section 3: Mine Ventilation and Safety Protocols

(a) Role of Mine Ventilation System in Controlling Mine Gases
Dilution – Reduces hazardous gas concentrations by introducing fresh air.
Removal – Eliminates dangerous gases from work areas through return airways.
Pressurization – Prevents contaminated air from migrating into fresh air zones.
Cooling Effect – Controls the thermal environment, reducing gas release rates.

(b) How Isolation Strategies (Ventilation Doors and Seals) Prevent Contaminant
Spread
Ventilation Doors – Direct and control airflow, preventing gas migration.
Seals/Stoppings – Isolate abandoned workings, trapping hazardous gases inside.
Bulkheads – Used in emergency scenarios to confine explosions or fires.
Regulators – Adjust air pressure to ensure proper gas dilution.

(c) Safety Measures for Emergency Ventilation During a Mine Incident

Automatic Fan Activation – Emergency ventilation fans maintain airflow.
Escape Routes – Clear paths with fresh air base stations.
Gas Monitoring – Continuous real-time gas detection.
Refuge Chambers – Equipped with oxygen supplies and communication systems.
Regulatory Compliance – Adherence to OSHA, MSHA, and DGMS standards.

(d) Equivalent Water Head for Oil in a Manometer

Given:
Specific gravity of oil = 0.85
Deflection in oil = 14 in. (355.6 mm)
Specific gravity of water = 1

hwater= hoil×SGoil /SGwater = 302.26 mm

(e) Importance of Monitoring Gas Concentrations During Dilution

Prevents Explosions – Ensures CH₄ levels remain below 1%.
Worker Health Protection – Avoids CO, NO₂, and SO₂ poisoning.
Regulatory Compliance – Avoids legal consequences.
Optimizes Airflow – Ensures energy-efficient ventilation.

Section 4: Re-Circulation, Gas Release, and Health Hazards

(a) Why Does Re-Circulation Occur in the Mine Ventilation System?
Re-circulation happens when a portion of the contaminated return air mixes with fresh
intake air due to:
Poor ventilation circuit design – Inefficient air routing causes airflow looping.
Insufficient airflow quantity – Inadequate fresh air fails to push return air out completely.
Leaking ventilation controls – Defective doors, stoppings, or regulators allow air leakage.
Fan positioning issues – Improper booster or auxiliary fan placement causing air mixing.

(b) How is Gas Released by the Use of Explosives?

During blasting, high-temperature and pressure conditions cause:
Combustion of Explosive Material – Produces gases like CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, and unburnt
hydrocarbons.
Rock Fracturing – Releases trapped gases like methane (CH₄), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S),
and radon (Rn) from rock pores.
Dust Cloud Formation – Contains fine particulate matter mixed with harmful gases.

(c) Calculation of Minimum Fresh Air Required for Methane Dilution

(d) Role of Air Quality Testing and Monitoring in Mine Safety

Prevents Explosions – Monitors CH₄ levels to avoid fire hazards.
Ensures Worker Health – Detects CO, NO₂, and SO₂ to prevent poisoning.
Regulatory Compliance – Adheres to TLV standards set by MSHA, OSHA, etc.
Optimizes Ventilation – Helps adjust airflow distribution for better dilution efficiency.

(e) Potential Health Hazards of Exposure to Mine Gases

Gas Health Effect

Explosive at 5–15% concentration, displaces oxygen leading to

Methane (CH₄)
suffocation.

Carbon Monoxide
Binds to hemoglobin, causing suffocation and death.
(CO)

Nitrogen Dioxide Causes severe respiratory irritation, lung inflammation, and chronic
(NO₂) bronchitis.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) Leads to severe lung irritation, asthma, and eye irritation.

Hydrogen Sulfide Toxic even at low levels; leads to unconsciousness and death at
(H₂S) high exposure.
Section 5: Airflow Velocity, Access Drives, and Exposure
Calculation
(a) Why is it Important to Control the Airflow Velocity in Mine Ventilation?
Prevents Dust Suspension – High velocity lifts dust particles, increasing respirable dust
levels.
Controls Gas Dilution – Ensures efficient methane dilution to avoid explosive conditions.
Reduces Heat Stress – Optimizes airflow for cooling, improving thermal comfort.
Energy Efficiency – Avoids excessive power consumption from fans.

(b) Factors Influencing Access Drive Velocities in Mine Ventilation

Size and Shape of the Drive – Larger cross-sections reduce velocity, while narrow
sections increase it.
Fan Power and Airflow – Higher fan speeds increase velocities.
Obstructions – Equipment, support structures, and turns can alter airflow speeds.
Gas Concentrations – Adjustments are needed for dilution and control.

(c) Illustration of the Air Re-Circulation System

An air re-circulation system typically involves:
Intake air being mixed with return air due to leakage, improper seals, or fan positioning.
Contaminated air looping back into work areas, reducing ventilation effectiveness.
Use of booster fans, stoppings, and regulators to minimize re-circulation.
(For a diagram, I can generate an image if needed!)

(d) Calculation of Working-Level Months (WLM) of Exposure

Thus, the miner’s exposure is 0.022 working-level months per shift.

Section 6: Ventilation System Selection, Dilution Calculation,

and Mine Gas Behavior
(a) Differentiate Between a Booster Fan and a Fire Extinguisher
Feature Booster Fan Fire Extinguisher

Increases airflow in long or

Purpose Suppresses or extinguishes fires.
complex ventilation circuits.
Feature Booster Fan Fire Extinguisher

Installed within the mine airflow Uses pressurized extinguishing agents

Operation
system to assist primary fans. (foam, CO₂, water, dry chemical, etc.).

Enhances ventilation efficiency Prevents the spread of fire and explosion

Usage
and prevents re-circulation. hazards.

Regulatory Required for deep or extensive Mandated in all mining operations for
Role mines. safety compliance.

(b) Key Factors Influencing the Choice of a Ventilation System and Their Impact
on Design
Mine Depth and Layout – Deeper and more complex mines require more powerful
ventilation networks with primary and auxiliary fans.
Gas Emissions – High methane or toxic gas levels necessitate increased airflow, gas
drainage, and monitoring systems.
Heat and Humidity – Mines with high geothermal gradients require cooling systems to
maintain safe working conditions.
Mining Method – Block caving, cut-and-fill, or longwall methods impact airflow distribution
and ventilation needs.
Regulatory Compliance – Government standards dictate air quality limits, requiring proper
ventilation design.
Energy Efficiency – Balancing airflow needs with energy costs affects fan selection and
duct design.

(c) Calculation of Intake Air Required to Dilute Strata Gas

(d) Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Mine Gas Behavior
Increased Temperature:
Enhances gas diffusion – Gases spread faster, potentially increasing hazardous
concentrations.
Increases desorption – Methane and other gases trapped in coal seams release more
readily.
Reduces air density – Lower density air can affect ventilation pressure and airflow
distribution.
High Humidity:
Changes gas solubility – Some gases (e.g., CO₂, SO₂) dissolve in water vapor, altering
their concentration.
Affects Dust Suspension – Moist air suppresses dust, which can impact gas absorption
and dispersion.
Increases Corrosion – Moisture accelerates equipment and ventilation infrastructure
degradation.
Section 7: Methane Detection, Safety Considerations, and Air
Consumption
(a) How is Methane Gas Detected in a Mine?
Methane gas can be detected using:
Flame Safety Lamps – Traditional method where a blue cap flame indicates methane
presence.
Gas Detectors (CH₄ Sensors) – Modern infrared and catalytic bead sensors detect
methane levels electronically.
Automatic Monitoring Systems – Integrated sensors send real-time data to mine control
stations.
Gas Chromatography – Used in advanced mine laboratories for precise methane
analysis.

(b) Safety Considerations and Regulations in Mine Ventilation Design

Minimum Airflow Requirements – Set by MSHA, OSHA, or local mining regulations.
Gas Monitoring Systems – Continuous CH₄, CO, and O₂ monitoring is mandatory.
Ventilation Control Devices (VCDs) – Doors, stoppings, and regulators must be properly
installed.
Escape Routes & Emergency Ventilation – Secondary escape routes and reversible
ventilation systems must be planned.
Explosion Prevention – Use of water sprays, ventilation curtains, and methane drainage
systems.
Compliance Impact on Design – Ensuring compliance affects ductwork layout, fan
selection, and energy usage, influencing overall mine economics.

(c) Differences Between Active and Passive Mine Gas Containment Methods
Containment
Description Examples
Method

Active Uses mechanical or engineered Methane drainage, ventilation

Containment systems to control gas movement. fans, gas scrubbers.
Containment
Description Examples
Method

Passive Relies on natural or structural barriers Seals, stoppings, airlocks,

Containment to restrict gas flow. borehole barriers.

(d) Air Consumption Calculation for 8 Workers in a Stope

Section 8: Auxiliary Ventilation and Airflow Circuits

(a) Definition of Secondary Fans and Types of Auxiliary Ventilation
Secondary Fans:
Secondary fans, also known as auxiliary fans, are used to provide additional airflow in
localized areas of an underground mine where primary ventilation does not effectively
reach. These fans are typically installed in development headings, dead-end workings,
and isolated sections of the mine.
Types of Auxiliary Ventilation:
Forcing Ventilation – Fresh air is pushed into the working area using ducts or tubing.
Exhaust Ventilation – Contaminated air is extracted from the workplace through ducts.
Push-Pull Ventilation – A combination of forcing and exhaust methods for enhanced air
movement.
Recirculation Ventilation – Limited re-use of air within controlled conditions to optimize
energy use.

(b) Differences Between Parallel and Series Ventilation Circuits

Feature Parallel Ventilation Series Ventilation

Multiple airways distribute airflow Air passes through work areas

Airflow Path to different sections sequentially before reaching the
independently. exhaust.

Higher resistance due to

Lower overall resistance as each
Pressure Loss continuous airflow through multiple
branch receives fresh air.
sections.

Less risk of contaminant buildup Higher risk of contamination

Contaminant
since airways operate spreading from one section to
Control
independently. another.

More efficient for large, complex Suitable for simple layouts with
Efficiency
mines. fewer work areas.

🔹 Example:
Parallel System: Multiple intake and return airways feeding different parts of the mine.
Series System: Air passes through different mining sections before reaching the
exhaust, increasing the likelihood of contamination.

(c) Brief Description of Air Leakage and Recirculation in Mine Ventilation

Air Leakage:
Unintended movement of air through ventilation stoppings, seals, or bulkheads.
Occurs due to poorly maintained seals, pressure differences, or structural failures.
Reduces the efficiency of the ventilation system and increases operational costs.
Recirculation:
Occurs when contaminated or used air is unintentionally drawn back into the intake
airflow.
Leads to higher concentrations of gases, dust, and heat, negatively impacting worker
safety.
Can be minimized using ventilation controls like stoppings, airlocks, and properly
sealed doors.
Preventive Measures:
Regularly inspect ventilation stoppings and seals.
Properly size and maintain auxiliary ventilation ducts.
Use high-efficiency fans to optimize airflow patterns.