Pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus for underground ventilation system

Abstract

A pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus 100 includes a body 102 having a body cavity 104 and a plurality pressure relief valves 106. The apparatus 100 also includes a pair of engagement formations 400 and 500 for sealingly engaging the apparatus 100 with a ventilation duct of the ventilation system such that air from the ventilation duct is able to enter into the body cavity 104. In the present context, a ventilation system includes a ducting system that is made up of individual modular ventilation ducts that are joined to form the ducting system. The apparatus 100 further includes a sensing module 108 including a pressure sensor such that the valves 106 are responsive to the pressure sensor such that, upon sensing a negative pressure within the body cavity 104, the valves 106 are moved from a closed configuration where the body cavity 104 is sealed to an open configuration where the negative pressure from within the body cavity 104 is relieved.

Description

Pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus for underground ventilation systemTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus for an underground ventilation system. In particular, the present invention relates to a pressure relief and remote ventilation reducer apparatus for use ventilation systems in mining applications, and in particular, in coal mining applications.Background of the Invention

[0002] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.

[0003] When coal mining is conducted underground, it is essential that there is sufficient ventilation at the coal cutting face for workers. This requires the provision of fresh intake air to the coal cutting face, in addition to the removal of potentially harmful waste gasses generated by the mining process.

[0004] This ventilation is generally achieved by installing and maintaining a ventilation circuit including an intake and a separate return airway to the innermost location to be ventilated. Ventilation ducting tubes are typically installed as the mine is cut by a continuous miner, after the roadway has been excavated and the roof supported, prior to further advancement of the continuous miner.

[0005] The coal cutting face in an underground mine is generally ventilated using an auxiliary fan which has ventilation ducting connected to it. The ventilation ducting run from the fan (which is positioned in the return airway) and the ducting may be suspended from the roof of the mine, and extended all the way to the coal cutting face. The fan is used to draw air away from the coal cutting face, which in turn creates a low air pressure at the coal cutting face. This results in fresh intake air from the main ventilation being drawn toward the face and also displacing airborne dust and gases away from the area.

[0006] However, obstacles may be sucked into the ducting and create blockages which in turn causes a vacuum within the ducting. The negative pressure can then cause the ducting to collapse.

[0007] As the mining process continues, the cutting face progresses forward and the roof of the roadway is supported using bolts or other support techniques. Further ducting must also be added as the cutting face progresses forward in order for adequate ventilation to be provided. This manual process is especially hazardous if a worker does not follow correct installation procedure, those installing the ducting could be prone to being sucked into the ventilation ducting potentially causing injury and death to both the person that was sucked into the ducting and any parties attempting to rescue that person.

[0008] Where an obstacle or a mine worker is sucked into the ventilation system, there is presently no fail-safe mechanism to reduce the vacuum to remove the blockage, other than to switch the auxiliary fan off or lowering the variable inlet vanes of the fan. Switching off the fan is not desirable as it could potentially result in self-destruction of the vent line and lowering the variable inlet vanes of the fan cannot be done in a timely fashion due to security measures preventing this change in the fan operation. Thus in both cases, this can increase the severity of injury to mine workers due to how long it takes for somebody to physically shut down the fans operation and / or manually lower the variable inlet vanes of the fan. Further, the fan may be several hundred metres from the location of the blockage.Object of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative.Summary of the invention

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus for an underground ventilation system having a ventilation duct, the pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus comprising: a body having a body cavity and at least one pressure relief valve; and at least one engagement formation for sealingly engaging the pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus with the ventilation duct such that air from the ventilation duct is able to enter into the body cavity,wherein the at least one pressure relief valve is responsive to a sensing module including a pressure sensor and, upon sensing a negative pressure within the body cavity, the at least one pressure relief valve is moved from a closed configuration where the body cavity is sealed to an open configuration where the negative pressure is relieved.

[0011] In an embodiment, the body includes a first valve module assembly including the at least one pressure valve. In another embodiment, the body includes a second valve module assembly wherein each of the first and second valve module assemblies include at least one pressure valve. In yet another embodiment, the body includes a central manifold that is axially aligned with the first and second valve module assemblies, the central manifold being sealingly secured to the first and second valve module assemblies to in part define the body cavity. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes two engagement formations that are axially aligned with and sealingly secured to a respective one of the first and second valve module assemblies.

[0012] In an embodiment, the body includes at least one mesh guard panel for limiting access to the at least one pressure valve.

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one pressure relief valve is connected to, via at least one compressed air line hose, and controlled by the sensing module for moving the at least one pressure relief valve between the closed and open configurations.

[0014] In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is a pneumatic mechanical pressure sensor.

[0015] In an embodiment, the apparatus is formed from a material that can withstand negative system pressures of about -2 to about -7 or -8 PSI.

[0016] In an embodiment, the body includes at least one valve mounting formation corresponding to the at least one pressure relief valve, the at least one valve mounting formation having a valve outlet. In another embodiment, each at least one valve mounting formation includes a plurality of valve outlets.

[0017] In an embodiment, the at least one engagement formation includes a flange plate defining an aperture through which air can enter or exit the body cavity. In another embodiment, the aperture includes an aperture area and the plurality of valve outlets include a collective total outlet area defined by each area of the plurality of valve outlets, and the collective total outlet area is equal to or greater than the aperture area.

[0018] By way of clarification and for avoidance of doubt, as used herein and except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as"comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additions, components, integers or steps.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a pressure relief and remote ventilation reducer apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. IB is an alternate perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

[0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a valve module assembly of the apparatus of FIGS. lA and IB;

[0023] FIG. 2B is an end view of the valve module assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0024] FIG. 2C is a side view of the valve module assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0025] FIG. 2D is an enlarged cross sectional view taken from box A of FIG. 2A showing a valve of the valve module assembly of FIG. 2A in an open configuration;

[0026] FIG. 2E is a perspective view of a valve module weldment of the valve module assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0027] FIG. 2F is an end view of the valve module weldment of FIG. 2E;

[0028] FIG. 2G is a side view of the valve module weldment of FIG. 2E;

[0029] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a manifold weldment of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A and IB;

[0030] FIG. 3B is an end view of the manifold weldment of FIG. 3A;

[0031] FIG. 3C is a side view of the manifold weldment of FIG. 3A;

[0032] FIG. 4A is an end view of a male flanged sleeve of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A and IB;

[0033] FIG. 4B is a side view of the male flanged sleeve of FIG. 4A;

[0034] FIG. 5A is an end view of a female flanged sleeve of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A and IB;

[0035] FIG. 5B is a side view of the female flanged sleeve of FIG. 5A;

[0036] FIG. 6A is an side view of a pair of valve module assemblies of FIG. 2A and a manifold weldment of FIG. 3A arranged for use;

[0037] FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross sectional view of the valve module assembly of FIG. 6A taken along section B-B of FIG. 6A;

[0038] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a pressure relief and remote ventilation reducer apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the invention; and

[0039] FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 7A.Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0040] Referring initially to FIGS. 1A and IB, a pressure relief and remote ventilation reducer apparatus 100 for an underground ventilation system and a method for installation thereof are described herein.

[0041] Apparatus 100 includes an apparatus body 102 having a body cavity 104 and a plurality pressure relief valves 106. Apparatus 100 also includes a pair of engagement formations 400 and 500 for sealingly engaging apparatus 100 with a ventilation duct of the ventilation system such that air from the ventilation duct is able to enter into body cavity 104. In the present context, a ventilation system includes a ducting system that is made up of individual modular ventilation ducts that are joined to form the ducting system. Apparatus 100 further includes a sensing module 108 including a pressure sensor such that valves 106 are responsive to the pressure sensor such that, upon sensing a negative pressure within body cavity 104, the at least one of valves 106 is moved from a closed configuration where body cavity 104 is sealed to an open configuration where the negative pressure from within body cavity 104 is relieved.

[0042] Body 102 comprises a pair of valve module assemblies 200 and a central manifold 300 such that module assemblies 200 are axially aligned with central manifold 300 and each secured to an opposing sides of central manifold 300 to in part define body cavity 104.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, 2E to 2G, 6A and 6B, each of valve module assemblies 200 includes valve module weldment 202 formed from a metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the metal material is steel, and in particular steel having a material standard of AS / NZS 3678-250, AS / NZS 3679.1-300 or AS / NZS 3679.2-300. In other embodiments, valve module weldment 202 is formed from another suitable material such as mild, engineering grade or stainless-steel materials. In alternate embodiments, other materials may be used that are conductive but not prone to hot sparking. It will be appreciated that the material isselected based on its strength such that it can withstand negative system pressures of about -2 to about -7 or -8 PSI as well as complying with underground mining fire resistant antistatic standards. As best shown in FIGS. 2E to 2G, valve module weldment 202 includes a central portion in the form of valve plate 204 and a pair of side portions in the form of inner flange plate 206A and outer flange plate 206B. Valve plate 204 is hexadecagonal in cross section (best shown in FIG. 2F) and includes sixteen integrally formed planar face portions 208. Each face portion 208 includes a pair of valve mounting formations 210 each having at least one and preferably a plurality of valve outlets 212, in this case six valve outlets 212. Each valve mounting formation 210 also includes a mounting nut 214 integrally formed with face portion 208 and overlying an aperture 216 such that aperture 216 axially aligns with the mounting nut 214. In other embodiments, mounting nut 214 is not integrally formed with face portion 208 but otherwise adhered to face portion 208. In other embodiments, all face portions 208 have more or less than a pair of valve mounting formations 210, for example one valve mounting formation or no valve mounting formations. However, valve plate 204 will have at least one valve mounting formation 210 in one face portion 208.

[0044] Each outer edges of valve plate 204 are connected to or integrally formed with an inner edge of each of inner flange plate 206A and outer flange plate 206B such that inner flange plate 206A and outer flange plate 206B both extend radially outwardly from the outer edges of valve plate 204 and substantially perpendicularly with respect to each face portion 208. Each of inner flange plate 206A and outer flange plate 206B respectively includes sixteen inner flange portions 218A and outer flange portions 218B such that inner flange plate 206A and outer flange plate 206B each form a hexadecagon. Each outer flange portion 218B includes two outer apertures 220 and one inner aperture 222 that are formed in each outer flange portion 218B in a substantially linear formation. Flange mounting nuts 224 are integrally formed with or otherwise adhered to outer flange portion 218B and overly each of outer apertures 220 such that each outer aperture 220 axially aligns with its respective flange mounting nut 224. In other embodiments, each outer flange portion 218B includes other than two outer apertures 220 and one inner aperture 222, for example one aperture with a respective flange mounting nuts 224 and another aperture. Further, in other embodiments, where a flange plate 206 does not have any valve mounting formations 210, the corresponding outer flange portion 218B may not include one or no apertures. Each inner flange portion 218A includes three apertures 226 that are formed in each inner flange portion 218A in a substantially linear formation. In other embodiments, each inner flange portion 218A includes other than three apertures 226, for example two apertures. Further, inother embodiments, not all inner flange portion 218A include apertures. It will be appreciated that the number of apertures in any inner flange portion 218A corresponds to the number of valves 106 in the corresponding face portion 208 such that there is one more aperture than there are valves 106. In other embodiments, where there is one or more valves 106 in a given face portion 208, the number of apertures in the corresponding inner flange portion 218A will be at least two.

[0045] In other embodiments, valve plate 204 is other than hexadecagonal, for example cylindrical where each face portion 208 is arcuate in cross section. In further embodiments, valve module weldment 202 is not a weldment but in integrally formed component.

[0046] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2D, 6A and 6B, each valve 106 is a piston arrangement that includes a cylindrical base mount 230 that receives a central shaft 232 that is slidable into and out of cylindrical base mount 230. Cylindrical base mount 230 secures valve 106 to a respective one of valve mounting formations 210 by securely engaging mounting nut 214. Valve 106 further includes a circular valve seal plate 234 and a circular rubber gasket 236 that are both secured to a distal end of central shaft 232 by way of an attachment means in the form of a valve screw 238. As best shown in FIG. 2D, both seal plate 234 and rubber gasket 236 are substantially the same diameter and are arranged such that they lie contiguous with each other and are bonded together by way of an adhesive, such as a steel adhesive. It will be appreciated that rubber gasket 236 may not be attached to central shaft 232 directly, but done so through its bonding to seal plate 234 which is directly secured to the distal end of central shaft 232 by way of the valve screw 238. The arrangement is such that, in use, central shaft 232 is axially movable between the closed configuration, where rubber gasket 236 is sealingly engaged with the respective valve mounting formation 210 such that valve outlets 212 are sealingly closed by rubber gasket 236 to prevent airflow out of valve outlets 212, and the open configuration where rubber gasket 236 moves out of sealing engagement with the respective valve mounting formation 210 such that valve outlets 212 are open to permit airflow out of valve outlets 212.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, central manifold 300 takes the form of a weldment formed from a metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the metal material is steel, and in particular steel having a material standard of AS / NZS 3678-250, AS / NZS 3679.1-300 or AS / NZS 3679.2-300. In other embodiments, central manifold 300 is formed from another suitable material such as mild, engineering grade or stainless-steel materials. In alternate embodiments, other materials may be used that are conductive but not prone to hot sparking. It will be appreciated that the material is selected based on its strength such that itcan withstand negative system pressures of about -2 to about -7 or -8 PSI as well as complying with underground mining fire resistant anti-static standards. Central manifold 300 includes a central portion in the form of a manifold plate 302 and a pair of side portions in the form of manifold flange plates 304. Manifold plate 302 is hexadecagonal in cross section (best shown in FIG. 3B) and includes sixteen integrally formed manifold planar face portions 306.

[0048] Each outer edges of manifold plate 302 are connected to or integrally formed with an inner edge of each of manifold flange plates 304 such that manifold flange plates 304 extend radially outwardly from the outer edges of manifold plate 302 and substantially perpendicularly with respect to each manifold face portion 306. Each of manifold flange plates 304 includes sixteen manifold flange portions 310 such that each of manifold flange plates 304 forms a hexadecagon. Each manifold flange portion 310 includes three apertures 312 that are formed in each manifold flange portions 310 in a substantially linear formation. In other embodiments, each manifold flange portions 310 includes other than three apertures 312, for example two apertures. Further, in other embodiments, not all manifold flange portions 310 include apertures.

[0049] In other embodiments, manifold flange portions 310 is other than hexadecagonal, for example cylindrical where each manifold flange portion 310 is arcuate in cross section. In further embodiments, central manifold 300 is not a weldment but in integrally formed component.

[0050] The number of apertures 312 and their position may align in both number and positioning with apertures 226. Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB, 6A and 6B, in the illustrated embodiments, in use each of manifold flange plates 304 abuts inner flange plate 206A such that apertures 226 align with apertures 312. As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a plurality of fastening means, each in the form of a nut 610 and a bolt 612, engages with a fastening subset of aligned apertures 226 and 312 to secure each of two module assemblies 200 to central manifold 300. The fastening subset of aligned apertures 226 and 312 in this case is a central one of the apertures 226 and 312 in inner flange portion 218A and manifold flange portion 310, respectively. In other embodiments, the fastening subset of aligned apertures 226 and 312 are other than the central one of the apertures 226 and 312 in inner flange portion 218A and manifold flange portion 310, respectively.

[0051] Referring back to FIGS. 2D, 6A and 6B, each valve 106 is a cylinder with compressed air fittings which allows the valve to open and close. Each valve 106 includes apair of fitting recesses 240 located at opposing proximal and distal ends of cylindrical base mount 230, the proximal end being proximal valve plate 204 near mounting nut 214. As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one of a plurality of compressed air line hoses 600 is connected to one of fitting recesses 240, in this case fitting recess 240 at the proximal end of cylindrical base mount 230. However, in other embodiments, each compressed air line hose 600 may be connected to fitting recess 240 at the distal of cylindrical base mount 230. In yet other embodiment, some compressed air line hoses 600 are connected to fitting recess 240 at the proximal end of cylindrical base mount 230 and other compressed air line hoses 600 are attached to fitting recess 240 at the distal of cylindrical base mount 230. In use, each compressed air line hose 600 extends from its fitting recess 240 through one of aligned apertures 226 and 312 in the corresponding inner flange portion 218A and manifold flange portion 310, respectively. It will be appreciated that the aligned apertures will be other than the fastening subset of aligned apertures 226 and 312. As best shown in FIG. 6B, each compressed air line hose 600 will attach to one of a plurality of junction connectors 614. As shown, a single junction connector 614 may attach to a plurality of compressed air line hoses 600. As best shown in FIG. 6A, each junction connector 614 is connected to each of its adjacent junction connectors 614 by junction connector air line hoses 618. At least one junction connector 614 connects to one of a plurality of control air line hoses 616 at its distal end. A proximal end of each control air line hose 616 is connected to sensing module 108 to allow sensing module 108 to control opening and closing of pressure relief valves 106.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, apparatus 100 includes a plurality of, in this case sixteen, wire mesh guard panels 110 that are attached to engagement formations 400 and 500 via respective mesh mount plates 112, which will be described in detail below. Guard panels 110 include two mount plates 112 connected to either end of a mesh sheet 118. The arrangement is such that guard panels 110, in particular the mesh sheets 118, collectively wholly surround valve module assemblies 200 and central manifold 300 for limiting access to valves 106.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, engagement formation 400 includes a male flanged sleeve 402 formed from a metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the metal material is steel, and in particular steel having a material standard of AS / NZS 3678-250, AS / NZS 3679.1-300 or AS / NZS 3679.2-300. In other embodiments, male flanged sleeve 402 is formed from another suitable material such as mild, engineering grade or stainless-steel materials. In alternate embodiments, other materials may be used that are conductive but not prone to hot sparking. It will be appreciated that the material is selected based on itsstrength such that it can withstand negative system pressures of about -2 to about -7 or -8 PSI as well as complying with underground mining fire resistant anti-static standards. Male flanged sleeve 402 includes a male pipe plate 404 and a male flange plate 406. Male pipe plate 404 takes the form of a cylindrical collar. Male flange plate 406 takes the form of a hexadecagonal planar disc with an aperture in the form of a centrally axially aligned circular aperture 408 defined by a circular inner edge of male flange plate 406, such that air entering or exiting body cavity 104 may pass through aperture 408.

[0054] A proximal outer edge of male pipe plate 404 is connected to or integrally formed with the circular inner edge of male flange plate 406 such that male flange plate 406 extends radially outwardly from the proximal outer edge of male pipe plate 404 and substantially perpendicularly with respect to male pipe plate 404. Male flange plate 406 includes sixteen male flange portions 410 each having three apertures 412 that are formed in each of male flange portions 410 in a substantially linear formation. In other embodiments, each of male flange portions 410 includes other than three apertures 412, for example one or two apertures. Further, in other embodiments, not all male flange portions 410 include apertures. Male flanged sleeve 402 also includes at least one, and in the illustrated embodiment four, lugs 414 circumferentially disposed, equally spaced apart and mounted to male flange plate 406.

[0055] The number of apertures 412 and their position may align in both number and positioning with apertures 220 and 222. Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB, 6A and 6B, in the illustrated embodiments, in use male flange plate 406 abuts outer flange plate 206B such that apertures 220 and 222 align with apertures 412. As best shown in FIG. 6B, a plurality of fastening means, each in the form of a nut 620 and a bolt 622, engages with a fastening subset of aligned apertures, in this case apertures 220 and 412, to secure one of module assembly 200 to male flanged sleeve 402 and to one of mesh mount plates 112, the latter of which contributes to the securing of a corresponding one of guard panels 110 to male flanged sleeve 402. In other embodiments, the fastening subset of aligned apertures are other than apertures 220 and 412, for example one of aperture 220 and its corresponding aligned aperture 412.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, engagement formation 500 includes a female flanged sleeve 502 formed from a metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the metal material is steel, and in particular steel having a material standard of AS / NZS 3678-250, AS / NZS 3679.1-300 or AS / NZS 3679.2-300. In other embodiments, female flanged sleeve 502 is formed from another suitable material such as mild, engineering grade or stainless-steel materials. In alternate embodiments, other materials may be used that are conductive but not prone to hot sparking. It will be appreciated that the material is selected based on its strength such that it can withstand negative system pressures of about -2 to about -7 or -8 PSI as well as complying with underground mining fire resistant anti-static standards. Female flanged sleeve 502 includes a female pipe plate 504 and a female flange plate 506. Female pipe plate 504 takes the form of a cylindrical collar. Female flange plate 506 takes the form of a hexadecagonal planar disc with an aperture in the form of a centrally axially aligned circular aperture 508 defined by a circular inner edge of male flange plate 506, such that air entering or exiting body cavity 104 may pass through aperture 508. It will be appreciated that, generally speaking, air will either enter aperture 408 and exit aperture 508, or enter aperture 508 and exit aperture 408.

[0057] A proximal outer edge of female pipe plate 504 is connected to or integrally formed with the circular inner edge of female flange plate 506 such that female flange plate 506 extends radially outwardly from the proximal outer edge of female pipe plate 504 and substantially perpendicularly with respect to female pipe plate 504. Female flange plate 506 includes sixteen female flange portions 510 each having three apertures 512 that are formed in each of female flange portions 510 in a substantially linear formation. In other embodiments, each of female flange portions 510 includes other than three apertures 512, for example one or two apertures. Further, in other embodiments, not all female flange portions 510 include apertures. Female flanged sleeve 502 also includes at least one, and in the illustrated embodiment four, lugs 514 circumferentially disposed, equally spaced apart and mounted to female flange plate 506.

[0058] The number of apertures 512 and their position may align in both number and positioning with apertures 220 and 222. Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB, 6A and 6B, in the illustrated embodiments, in use female flange plate 506 abuts outer flange plate 206B such that apertures 220 and 222 align with apertures 512. As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a plurality of fastening means, each in the form of a nut 630 and a bolt 632, engages with a fastening subset of aligned apertures, in this case apertures 220 and 512, to secure one of module assembly 200 to female flanged sleeve 502 and to the other of mesh mount plates 112, the latter of which contributes to the securing of the corresponding one of guard panels 110 to female flanged sleeve 502. In other embodiments, the fastening subset of aligned apertures are other than apertures 220 and 512, for example one of aperture 220 and its corresponding aligned aperture 512.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiments, male flanged sleeve 402 and female flanged sleeve 502 are similar in structure but, notably, circular aperture 408 is smaller in diameter than circular aperture 508 thus male pipe plate 404 is smaller in diameter than female pipe plate 504. The difference in size is such that male pipe plate 404 is able to snugly fit within female pipe plate 504.

[0060] In other embodiments, apparatus 100 may include only one engagement formation. In such embodiments, this will be equivalent to either engagement formation 400 or engagement formation 500 depending on specific requirements and instead of the second engagement formation, a sealing cap or the like may be used to seal body cavity 104 by sealingly securely engaging with the outer flange plate 206B that is not secured to the one engagement formation.

[0061] The configurations of illustrated embodiments of body 102 may be dependent on the sum of the total area of all valve outlets 212 as compared to the area of circular aperture 408 or the area of circular aperture 508 (in preferred embodiments will be very similar sized areas, since male pipe plate 404 is able to snugly fit within female pipe plate 504). More specifically, configurations of body 102 (including the number of module assemblies 200) may be chosen based on the size of a ventilation duct such that the total area of all valve outlets 212, the collective total outlet area, is equal to or greater than the area of circular aperture 408 or the area of circular aperture 508, the aperture area. For example, if the area of circular aperture 408 or the area of circular aperture 508 is less than the total area of all valve outlets 212 of two module assemblies 200 but greater than the total area of all valve outlets 212 of one module assembly 200, then body 102 will include two (or more) module assemblies 200. In some embodiments, the total area of all valve outlets 212 will be greater than about 1.1 times the area of circular aperture 408 or the area of circular aperture 508. In some embodiments, the total area of all valve outlets 212 will be greater than about 1.2 times the area of circular aperture 408 or the area of circular aperture 5O8.In other embodiments, the total area of all valve outlets 212 will be greater than about 1.5 times the area of circular aperture 408 or the area of circular aperture 508.

[0062] Each module assembly 200 will either be adjacent one or two central manifolds 300 and / or adjacent one or more of engagement formations 400 and 500. In other words, each module assembly 200 will either have: one central manifold 300 on either side; one central manifold 300 on one side and engagement formation 400 on the other side; one central manifold 300 on one side and engagement formation 500 on the other side; or engagement formation 400 on one side and engagement formation 500 on the other side.

[0063] In alternate embodiments, body 102 may be other configurations for example only a single module assembly 200, two module assemblies 200 attached together (without central manifold 300), and / or more or less module assemblies 200 and central manifolds 300. In some embodiments, each module assembly 200 will either be adjacent another one or more module assemblies 200, one or more central manifolds 300, one or more of engagement formations 400 and 500, and / or any combination thereof.

[0064] It will be appreciated that in the alternate embodiments the flange portions will be such that a suitable configuration of apertures and mounting nuts will be utilised in order to secure components together in the same fashion as described above in respect of the illustrated embodiment.

[0065] In alternate embodiments, the configurations of apparatus 100 are selected based on the volume of air provided by body cavity 104 which in turn is dependent on factors such as volume of the ducting system or a ventilation duct (for example, the volume of body cavity 104 may be 1 to 1.5 times the volume of a single ventilation duct, or around 1.2 times the volume of a single ventilation duct) and position of apparatus 100 within respect the underground ventilation system (for instance proximity to an auxiliary fan), amongst others.

[0066] Sensing module 108 includes a sensor housing 114 which is mounted to one of or a number of adjacent mesh guard panels 110 at a location substantially in line with central manifold 300. In other embodiments, sensor housing 114 may be mounted to body 102 by way of mounting brackets. The pressure sensor is a pneumatic mechanical pressure sensor including a controller (not shown) at least partially disposed within sensor housing 114 and a tube (not shown) for connecting the controller to body cavity 104. The pressure sensor is either wholly located within body cavity 104 (in which case the tube may be very short or not required) or partially located within body cavity 104 for sensing pressure within body cavity 104. The pressure sensor may be located on the inner part of central manifold 300. A pneumatic mechanical actuator (not shown) is in communication with and controlled by the controller and is able to move one or more of valves 106 from the closed configuration, which is the configuration of valves 106 under normal operating conditions, to the open configuration by interacting with one or more compressed air line hoses 600. The pneumatic mechanical actuator is such that it can control the flow of compressed air to each compressed air line hose 600, and thus open each valve 106, to relieve any negative pressure sensed in body cavity 104. In embodiments where the number of valves 106 opened depends on the pressure sensed, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may move control the flow of compressed air to each compressed air line hose 600, and thus open eachvalve 106, independently and individually as required. When a negative pressure is within body cavity 104, this appears in the tube and is sensed by the pressure sensor at the controller. The controller is triggered in response to the negative pressure in the tube and then moves, via the pneumatic mechanical actuator, one or more of valves 106 from the closed configuration to the open configuration thus permitting airflow out of the valve outlets 212 corresponding to the open valve (or valves) 106.

[0067] When a negative pressure within body cavity 104 is sensed by the pressure sensor, this pressure sensor data is received by the controller. The controller processes this data to determine the actual pressure within body cavity 104 and compares this to a negative trigger pressure value. If the pressure measured meets or exceeds the negative trigger pressure value, the controller is configure to move, via the pneumatic mechanical actuator, all of valves 106 from the closed configuration to the open configuration thus permitting airflow out of the valve outlets 212 corresponding to the open valves 106.

[0068] In other embodiments, not all of valves 106 are moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, but one or more valves 106 (less than the total number of valves 106) are opened to permit sufficient airflow out of the valve outlets 212 corresponding to the open valve or valves 106. For example, the number of valves 106 that are opened may depend on the negative pressure sensed such that the greater the negative pressure sensed, the more valves will be opened. In some embodiments where the number of valves 106 that are opened will depend on the negative pressure sensed, if a valve is attempting to be opened but malfunctions and does not completely open or does not open at all, the negative pressure will not be relieved or not sufficiently relieved, so the controller will open more valves.

[0069] The controller may include an automated timing function in that once a valve 106 is opened (i.e. moved into the open configuration), it will be opened for a predetermined time period before returning to the closed configuration. This time period, in various embodiments, may be 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or another time period. If, after this time period the negative pressure within body cavity 104 is relieved, normal operating conditions are restored and valves 106 remain in the closed configuration. However, if after this time period the negative pressure within body cavity 104 is still present, the pressure sensor will sense this and the controller will re-open the valves.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the pressure sensing and actions of sensing module 108 may be set based on requirements and conditions of a given ventilation system and mine.

[0071] In another embodiment, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may be additionally actuated manually by a user (e.g. a mine worker, duct installer or the like). In this embodiment, apparatus 100 may be additionally or alternatively (to the pressure relief functionality described herein) utilised for remote ventilation reduction to reduce air flow velocity through the ventilation ducting / vent line to a level of flow which is safer, for example, for the installation of ventilation ducting tube / individual modular ventilation ducts. In yet other embodiments, apparatus 100 may solely be manually actuated via the pneumatic mechanical actuator.

[0072] In embodiments where the pneumatic mechanical actuator is actuated manually, apparatus 100 may include a pneumatic switch that is attached to the pneumatic mechanical actuator via a reel. The reel enables the pneumatic switch to be spaced apart from body 102, for example extending from body 102 to a user located at a coal cutting face (which may be adjacent an auxiliary fan).

[0073] In another embodiment, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may be actuated electronically via the user remotely manually actuating the pneumatic mechanical actuator by a continuous miner remote controller. In such embodiments, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may include or be coupled to a wireless receiver unit for wirelessly communicating with the continuous miner remote controller. Such wireless communicating includes receiving a control signal from the continuous miner remote controller to actuate the pneumatic mechanical actuator. In other embodiments, the continuous miner remote controller may be wired to the pneumatic mechanical actuator. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the continuous miner remote controller, in some embodiments, may take the form of a handheld remote controller primarily used to operate the mining equipment for cutting coal. Such handheld remote controllers may be reprogrammed to carry out operations described herein (in addition to primary use operations), i.e. to manually actuate the pneumatic mechanical actuator.

[0074] It will be appreciated that, in respect of the underground ventilation system and ventilation ducts, these may be any appropriate arrangement used for underground ventilation. For example, an appropriate underground ventilation system would include the ventilation apparatuses described in PCT publication WO 2016 / 115605 entitled "Underground ventilation apparatus and method". However, any appropriate underground ventilation system may be utilised whereby the apparatus 100 can be fitted for use to carry out the functionality described herein. The size of the male and female pipe plates 404 and 504 are selected such that they are able to complementarily engage with ducting presently used,such as known fibreglass ducting and / or the apparatuses described in PCT publication WO 2016 / 115605.

[0075] One or more of apparatus 100 may be utilised with an underground ventilation system. For instance, if there are multiple individual underground mining tunnels which have a number of ventilation ducts that branch off from an entrance junction, there may be one apparatus 100 installed per individual underground mining tunnel. In other embodiments, a ventilation system may includes multiple auxiliary fans that provide ventilation to various underground areas of a mine, and there may be one apparatus 100 installed per fan.

[0076] Modular ventilation ducts will typically have a male connecting end and a female connecting end such that one ventilation duct can be connected from its male connecting end to the female connecting end of another identical ventilation duct. Therefore, apparatus 100 may be installed on the assembly of the ducting system such that male pipe plate 404 sealingly engages with a complimentary connection (such as a female connecting end) of a modular ventilation duct and female pipe plate 504 sealingly engages with another complimentary connection (such as a male connecting end) of another modular ventilation duct. Further, lugs 414 and 514 may be used to further secure apparatus 100 to each modular ventilation duct. For example, a hook or chain connected to each modular ventilation duct may be secured to one or more of lugs 414 and 514.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of a pressure relief and remote ventilation reducer apparatus denoted by reference 700. Apparatus 700 is integrated with or otherwise retrofitted or attached to an auxiliary fan 702, in this example a typical auxiliary mine ventilation fan. Auxiliary fan 702 includes a fan unit 704 intermediate a fan inlet (or inlet duct) 706 for receiving intake air and a fan outlet (or outlet duct) 708 for directing intake air from auxiliary fan 702 (as provided to auxiliary fan 702 via one or more ventilation ducts) from the coal cutting face. Fan inlet 706 includes an engagement formation 710 for engaging with a ventilation duct of the ventilation system such that air from the ventilation duct is able to enter into auxiliary fan 702.

[0078] Apparatus 700 is integrated with or otherwise retrofitted to fan inlet 706. However, in other embodiments, apparatus 700 is integrated with or otherwise retrofitted to auxiliary fan 702 at a location other than at fan inlet 706. Apparatus 700 includes an apparatus body 720 having a body cavity 722. Apparatus 700 further includes a ventilation hatch 724 movable between an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 7A) for selectively allowing air into body cavity 722 through an opening 726 and a closed configuration where ventilationhatch 724 sealingly covers opening 726 to substantially prevent airflow through opening 726. Apparatus 700 further includes a sensing module 730 including a pressure sensor such that ventilation hatch 724 is responsive to the pressure sensor such that, upon sensing a negative pressure within body cavity 722, ventilation hatch 724 is moved from the closed configuration where body cavity 722 is sealed to the open configuration where the negative pressure from within body cavity 722 is relieved.

[0079] Ventilation hatch 724 may be moved between the open and closed configurations by way of a mechanical lever device 728. In other embodiments, ventilation hatch 724 may be moved between the open and closed configurations by way of means other than mechanical lever device 728, for example ventilation hatch 724 could be fitted with a pneumatic cylinder and directional control valve that may be moved between the open and closed configurations remotely. In yet other embodiments, ventilation hatch 724 may include more than one means for moving between the open and closed configurations, for example both mechanical lever device 728 and the pneumatic cylinder and directional control valve arrangement.

[0080] In present embodiments, ventilation hatch 724 is a slidable planar trapdoor. However in other embodiments, ventilation hatch 724 may take other forms that selectively allow air into and out of body cavity 722 for example a set of parallel louvre blades.

[0081] The pressure sensor (of sensing module 730 of apparatus 700) may be a pneumatic mechanical pressure sensor including a controller (not shown). The pressure sensor is either wholly located within body cavity 722 or partially located within body cavity 722 for sensing pressure within body cavity 722. In other embodiments, pressure sensor is spaced apart from body cavity 722 and may have access, for the purposes of pressure sensing within body cavity 722, to body cavity 722 by way of a tube. A pneumatic mechanical actuator (not shown) is in communication with and controlled by the controller and is able to move ventilation hatch 724 from the closed configuration, which is the configuration of ventilation hatch 724 under normal operating conditions, to the open configuration. The pneumatic mechanical actuator is such that it can control ventilation hatch 724 to relieve any negative pressure sensed in body cavity 722. When a negative pressure is within body cavity 722, this appears and is sensed by the pressure sensor at the controller (or in the tube in embodiments where the pressure sensing is spaced apart from body cavity 722). The controller is triggered in response to the negative pressure then moves, via the pneumatic mechanical actuator, ventilation hatch 724 from the closed configuration to the open configuration thus permitting airflow out of opening 726.

[0082] When a negative pressure within body cavity 7 2. is sensed by the pressure sensor, this pressure sensor data is received by the controller. The controller processes this data to determine the actual pressure within body cavity 722 and compares this to a negative trigger pressure value. If the pressure measured meets or exceeds the negative trigger pressure value, the controller is configure to move, via the pneumatic mechanical actuator, ventilation hatch 724 from the closed configuration to the open configuration thus permitting airflow into opening 726.

[0083] It will be appreciated that the open configuration may include one or more hatch positions including (but not limited to) ventilation hatch 724 being: fully open (such that opening 726 is completely open); three quarters open (such that opening 726 is about 75% open); half open (such that opening 726 is about 50% open); and one quarter open (such that opening 726 is about 25% open). It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the open configuration may include other degrees of opening of ventilation hatch 724. In yet other embodiments, ventilation hatch 724 may be configured to open a certain way (to allow for a certain size of opening 726 to be open) based on the relative sizes of body cavity 722 and opening 726 (e.g., if opening 726 is relatively small compared to body cavity 722 the open configuration may include ventilation hatch 724 being fully open to adequately relieve pressure whereas if opening 726 is relatively large compared to body cavity 722 the open configuration may include ventilation hatch 724 being only partially open such as 25% open as this might be all that is required to adequately relieve pressure).

[0084] The controller may include an automated timing function in that once ventilation hatch 724 is opened (i.e. moved into the open configuration), it will be opened for a predetermined time period before returning to the closed configuration. This time period, in various embodiments, may be 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or another time period. If, after this time period the negative pressure within body cavity 722 is relieved, normal operating conditions are restored and ventilation hatch 724 remains in the closed configuration. However, if after this time period the negative pressure within body cavity 722 is still present, the pressure sensor will sense this and the controller will re-open ventilation hatch 724.

[0085] It will be appreciated that the pressure sensing and actions of sensing module 730 may be set based on requirements and conditions of a given ventilation system and mine.

[0086] In another embodiment, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may be additionally actuated manually by a user (e.g. a mine worker, duct installer or the like). In thisembodiment, apparatus 700 may be additionally or alternatively (to the pressure relief functionality described herein) utilised for remote ventilation reduction to reduce air flow velocity through the ventilation ducting / vent line to a level of flow which is safer, for example, for the installation of ventilation ducting tube / individual modular ventilation ducts. In yet other embodiments, apparatus 700 may solely be manually actuated via the pneumatic mechanical actuator.

[0087] In embodiments where the pneumatic mechanical actuator is actuated manually, apparatus 700 may include a pneumatic switch that is attached to the pneumatic mechanical actuator via a reel. The reel enables the pneumatic switch to be spaced apart from body 702, for example extending from body 702 to a user located apart from body 702 or able to be mobile whilst holding the pneumatic switch.

[0088] In another embodiment, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may be actuated electronically via the user remotely manually actuating the pneumatic mechanical actuator by a continuous miner remote controller. In such embodiments, the pneumatic mechanical actuator may include or be coupled to a wireless receiver unit for wirelessly communicating with the continuous miner remote controller. Such wireless communicating includes receiving a control signal from the continuous miner remote controller to actuate the pneumatic mechanical actuator. In other embodiments, the continuous miner remote controller may be wired to the pneumatic mechanical actuator. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the continuous miner remote controller, in some embodiments, may take the form of a handheld remote controller primarily used to operate the mining equipment for cutting coal. Such handheld remote controllers may be reprogrammed to carry out operations described herein (in addition to primary use operations), i.e. to manually actuate the pneumatic mechanical actuator.

[0089] The disclosure herein provides an example of apparatus 700 is integrated with or otherwise retrofitted or attached to a certain type of fan, example auxiliary fan 702. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that apparatus 700 may be similarly integrated with or otherwise retrofitted or attached to other types of fans to perform the same functions as those described herein. Further, the position of the components of apparatus 700 (such as ventilation hatch 724 and sensing module 730) may be integrated with or otherwise retrofitted or attached to auxiliary fan 702 (and / or other types of fans) in configurations other than those illustrated in the example embodiment to perform the same functions as those described herein.

[0090] Advantageously, apparatus 100 (and apparatus 700) automatically removes negative pressure from within the ventilation system, thus removing the vacuum created by a person or item causing a blockage. This in turn greatly reduces the risk of the system ducting collapsing under the negative pressure. The pressure relief on the system ducting provided by apparatus 100 (and apparatus 700) also advantageously allows safe remove of the blockage.

[0091] Advantageously, the automated timing function of apparatus 100 which automatically closes the valve (or valves), thus returning the ventilation system to normal operating conditions which efficiently allows work within the mine to continue.

[0092] Advantageously, apparatus 100 (and apparatus 700) may be alternatively or additionally utilised as a remote ventilation reducing device.

[0093] It will be appreciated that in the drawings for features where there is a plurality of the same feature, every single instance of such features are not labelled for logistical reasons. For example, not all of valves 106 are labelled in each and every instance and in each and every drawing. However, the labelling of certain instances would enable a person skilled in the art to identify the other unlabelled instances of those features.

[0094] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0095] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0096] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0097] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, various features of the disclosure are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0098] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein may include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the disclosure, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0099] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. While there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus for an underground ventilation system having a ventilation duct, the pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus comprising: a body having a body cavity and at least one pressure relief valve; and at least one engagement formation for sealingly engaging the pressure relief and ventilation reducer apparatus with the ventilation duct such that air from the ventilation duct is able to enter into the body cavity, wherein the at least one pressure relief valve is responsive to a sensing module including a pressure sensor and, upon sensing a negative pressure within the body cavity, the at least one pressure relief valve is moved from a closed configuration where the body cavity is sealed to an open configuration where the negative pressure is relieved.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a first valve module assembly including the at least one pressure valve.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the body includes a second valve module assembly wherein each of the first and second valve module assemblies include at least one pressure valve.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the body includes a central manifold that is axially aligned with the first and second valve module assemblies, the central manifold being sealingly secured to the first and second valve module assemblies to in part define the body cavity.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, including two engagement formations that are axially aligned with and sealingly secured to a respective one of the first and second valve module assemblies.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the body includes at least one mesh guard panel for limiting access to the at least one pressure valve.

7. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pressure relief valve is connected to, via at least one compressed air line hose, and controlled by the sensing module for moving the at least one pressure relief valve between the closed and open configurations.

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor is a pneumatic mechanical pressure sensor.

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is formed from a material that can withstand negative system pressures of about -2 to about - 7 or -8 PSI.

10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes at least one valve mounting formation corresponding to the at least one pressure relief valve, the at least one valve mounting formation having a valve outlet.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each at least one valve mounting formation includes a plurality of valve outlets.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the at least one engagement formation includes a flange plate defining an aperture through which air can enter or exit the body cavity.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the aperture includes an aperture area and the plurality of valve outlets include a collective total outlet area defined by each area of the plurality of valve outlets, and the collective total outlet area is equal to or greater than the aperture area.

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