Estudos para implantação de um modelo de ventilação sob demanda no complexo mineiro de Ipueira-Ferbasa, município de Andorinha-Bahia.

Abstract

This work presents the development of a research for the implementation of a model of ventilation on demand (VOD) in a large underground mine. This is the Ipueira mine belonging to the Ferbasa Group, located in the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. The ventilation on demand (VOD) process is the result of recent studies, which have been boosted in the last decade, and it consists in varying the air supply in the various areas of the mine according to the needs of each sector at a given time. The amounts of air required are modified according to the changes in the various factors (gas concentration, temperature, dust, etc.) which in turn depend on the operation performed, the number of personnel involved and the type and quantity of diesel equipment in operation.Traditional ventilation systems tend to operate at their maximum capacity, necessary to maintain the required air supply, which for safety reasons is usually calculated based on the most pessimistic scenario possible. For this reason, they have a strong tendency towards higher energy consumption compared to ventilation on demand systems. This also justifies the growing interest in the theme and the consequent increase in the number of studies and applications of the model in mines around the world. Based on the fact that these studies and their applications are not widespread in Brazil, the present research proposes to contribute to a change in this situation. The methodology, proposed by the research, is based on the elaboration of a complete diagnosis of the existing ventilation system at the Ipueira mine, mainly in terms of its energy consumption. This diagnosis is necessary, both for the adoption of appropriate measures, and to establish comparisons between the results before and after the implantation of the VOD model. The simulations carried out, in addition to all the necessary surveys and tests, point to a very optimistic result regarding the economy obtained by reducing the energy consumption by the ventilation system. The monthly savings of the entire ventilation system at the Ipueira mine after the implementation of the ventilation on demand model was estimated at around 26%. This result can reach even more significant levels with the adoption of other system improvement measures, as indicated in the body of the present thesis.