Optimal Design of Mine Ventilation System Using a Ventilation Improvement Index

A ventilation improvement index (VII) was developed in an effort to propose an optimal ventilation improvement measure for a designated mine. The index was designed to incorporate both ventilation effectiveness and cost efficiency. To verify the effect of the index, a mine experiencing a ventilation problem was designated and ventilation test and ventilation network analyses were conducted. In the designated mine, 4 areas with ventilations difficulties were detected and an improvement scheme for each area was proposed and evaluation by the ventilation improvement index was carried out. As a result, an optimum ventilation improvement scheme was proposed. The improvement scheme with the highest VII value was incorporated in the design.