Power and automation technology group ABB has launched its SmartVentilation system for mines. ABB’s SmartVentilation is described as “a complete solution to the challenge of providing fresh air and venting toxic gases from subterranean mines.” It also minimises energy use by ventilating only those areas of a mine that require it. ABB estimates that this ability to work “on-demand” could reduce an operator’s electricity bill by up to half.

The SmartVentilation is divided into three “implementation levels”, SmartBasic, SmartMid and SmartPerfect. These give different degrees of control over the operation of the mine’s intake and exhaust fans. Mine operators have the option of installing one implantation level and then upgrading it at their own pace. The fans and their drives come in modular form and are controlled with ABB’s System 800xA, the world-class industrial automation platform. This provides operators, engineers and mine managers with an easy way to supervise and control the ventilation system, either from a central location or using mobile devices.

Patrik Westerlund, Global Product Manager for integrated mine automation at ABB, said: “The SmartVentilation is a state-of-the-art control solution for mine ventilation that was built to be easy to use and maintain during the lifetime of the mine.” ABB states that its worldwide service organisation has a strong local presence, “and will make sure that the customers’ ventilation systems run as effectively and efficiently as possible.”