Collaboration to advance mine ventilation solutions

14th October 2016

Collaboration to advance mine ventilation solutions

MINE VENTILATION SOLUTIONS Vuma software is developed for analysis of underground mine ventilation, contaminant tracking, refrigeration and cooling networks

To facilitate collabo- ration and cooperation around mine ventilation solutions and mine design, a memorandum of understanding has been signed by mining software, hardware and services provider Maptek and engineering consultancy Bluhm Burton Engineering subsidiary Vuma.

Vuma is the developer of a suite of products for the simulation of steady-state environmental conditions encountered in underground mines.

The primary focus of the collaboration is to enable detailed data transfer between Maptek Vulcan mine planning software and Vuma ventilation simulation software.

Maptek Africa GM Nick Venter says Vuma is an impressive software suite, adding that integrating Vuma with Vulcan offers mine planning departments huge benefits.

Vuma software is developed for the analysis of underground mine ventilation, contaminant tracking, refrigeration and cooling networks.

The heat engineering balance can be examined in detail, taking into account all factors contributing to heat load, including equipment, advance rates, heat generated by the breaking of rock and mine design.

Further, Maptek notes that Vulcan software provides advanced underground mine design, planning and scheduling tools.

By enabling detailed design, survey and operational data to be transferred to Vuma software, Maptek says the accuracy, efficiency and speed of analysis and planning will be enhanced in terms of ventilation and refrigeration in underground mines. This also allows ventilation factors to be considered earlier in the mine planning process, the company adds.

“It will allow mine survey and design data to be used in ventilation and cooling analysis, without replication of data, and ensure [that] accurate, current representations of the mine surface can be applied to ventilation planning,” says Venter.

He notes that Maptek is committed to delivering the best technical capabilities to the company’s customers, adding that collaboration with leading practitioners in specialised fields helps improve operational value and productivity.

Vuma software specialist Frank von Glehn concludes that this interface enhances the holistic approach required for modern mine planning and design, particularly the intensifying demand for fast, accurate and reliable answers.