236
6 Fans and Flow Control Devices
Fig. 6.35 Scheme of a
Briart airlock
Auxiliary lock
Main lock
6.3.6 Regulators
A regulator is an obstacle to the flow of a current which consists of an opening whose
section can vary offering different resistances to the passage of air. The materials
from which the regulators are manufactured depend on whether they are temporary
or permanent, the pressure differences on both sides of the gallery, the expected
effects of the blasting waves and so on. There are different types of regulators, the
characteristics of which are described in detail below.
• Mine ventilation louvers: These consist of folding panels similar to Venetian
blinds, but generally made of metal. All these panels, in addition to rotating
around their respective horizontal axes to open and close individually, can rotate
as a whole on a vertical axis. This axle supports the assembly and, as if it were a
revolving door, allows for the passage of personnel.
• Inflatable regulators: These inflatable devices cover the entire cross section of
the gallery. The initial idea was for this type of regulator to be of a temporary
nature, but current commercial catalogues indicate that they may be permanent.
Among their main advantages are their transportability, lightweight and simple
installation. In their most modern versions, they incorporate doors for the passage
of the personnel.
6 Fans and Flow Control Devices
Fig. 6.35 Scheme of a
Briart airlock
Auxiliary lock
Main lock
6.3.6 Regulators
A regulator is an obstacle to the flow of a current which consists of an opening whose
section can vary offering different resistances to the passage of air. The materials
from which the regulators are manufactured depend on whether they are temporary
or permanent, the pressure differences on both sides of the gallery, the expected
effects of the blasting waves and so on. There are different types of regulators, the
characteristics of which are described in detail below.
• Mine ventilation louvers: These consist of folding panels similar to Venetian
blinds, but generally made of metal. All these panels, in addition to rotating
around their respective horizontal axes to open and close individually, can rotate
as a whole on a vertical axis. This axle supports the assembly and, as if it were a
revolving door, allows for the passage of personnel.
• Inflatable regulators: These inflatable devices cover the entire cross section of
the gallery. The initial idea was for this type of regulator to be of a temporary
nature, but current commercial catalogues indicate that they may be permanent.
Among their main advantages are their transportability, lightweight and simple
installation. In their most modern versions, they incorporate doors for the passage
of the personnel.