Extensive Duct‐Fan Systems with In‐line Booster Fans: Planning for Partial Vacuum and an Algorithm for In‐line Booster Fan Positioning (Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration)

The abstract discusses the increasing use of extensive duct-fan systems in underground hard-rock mine development. It highlights the challenges of designing these systems, particularly the risk of partial vacuum and the need for careful booster fan positioning. The paper explores factors influencing the design of these systems, including component limitations, operational wear margins, and power constraints. It also defines the concept of partial vacuum and its impact on ventilation ducts. The authors propose an algorithmic approach for specifying the location and blade pitch of in-line booster fans to prevent system failure.