Work out mine ventilation airflow instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Underground ventilation is normally governed by diesel exhaust dilution, at 0.05-0.09 m3/s per kilowatt of installed diesel power depending on jurisdiction, with a separate minimum per person. The larger requirement governs, and a leakage allowance of 20-40% is added for losses through stoppings and old workings.
Ventilation requirement
Diesel airflow = diesel kW x statutory rate; personnel airflow = people x rate per person
Total
Total = greater of the two x (1 + leakage allowance)
Mine ventilation quantities are set by statute and by occupational exposure limits. Design must be certified by a competent ventilation engineer and verified by measurement and gas monitoring.
Diesel particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are the most demanding contaminants to dilute to occupational exposure limits. Statutory rates per kilowatt are set specifically for that purpose.
Blasting fume clearance, heat and humidity control at depth, radon where present, and dust. In deep or hot mines, cooling load rather than dilution often governs.