As part of Howden’s strategy to become the world’s leading provider of mine ventilation solutions, it has announced the acquisition of Chasm Consulting and its world leading product Ventsim™. Providing industry-leading 3D design and simulation capability, the Ventsim™ software is widely used among the global mine ventilation community. Howden will now offer a full suite of solutions for mine ventilation, from modelling and design software to full turnkey projects including main and auxiliary fans, instrumentation, automation and Ventilation on Demand via the Simsmart product line.

Mark Sanders, Senior Vice President, Howden said, “This acquisition is part of our mission to better serve our customers by providing the complete suite of solutions for any type of mine ventilation system. The Ventsim™ software has earned a strong reputation in the market place. It will remain a stand-alone product, and we will continue to enhance its functionality.”

Craig Stewart, Founder of Chasm Consulting said, “The combination of Howden and Ventsim™ will offer exceptional value for our customers by providing a key advantage to optimise fan selection and ventilation system designs. When I visit clients across the globe I notice that fan sizing is often neglected, resulting in elevated operating costs due to low efficiency or fan replacements/upgrades resulting in costly production stoppage. Howden will now have the ability to provide the end-product that the customers really need – in other words, not just fans but air. I believe this is a revolutionary change in the business of mine ventilation. I have no doubt it will improve ventilation as well as health and safety. I am looking forward to helping create the next generation of products and continuing to work with our existing and new customers to help design and optimize their ventilation systems.”