ABSTRACT
This paper describes optimizing ventilation system designs using discrete event equipment simulation (DEES). Traditional ventilation design is based on a calculation that includes the number and location of diesel equipment. Diesel equipment often is the largest factor in determining the ventilation needs at a mine. The number of diesel equipment, e.g. trucks and other mobile equipment, is traditionally based on a spreadsheet calculation showing the desired production rate, the size of the ore handling equipment, the hours expected to work in a period, and the travel time for the equipment from a production or development area to a loading pocket at a shaft or through the portal of a ramp. This calculation results in the diesel fleet requirements and is repeated for various time phases in the mine life. However, even though contingencies are included in these calculations for equipment interference and/or production rate limitations, these are often underestimated. With DEES these calculations can be far more accurate and result in more accurate ventilation requirements. In addition, DEES can help determine where and if a ventilation on demand system will be cost effective.
