Quattro have developed and implemented a mechanised solution to installing and removing underground mine ventilation fans.
The QFHS V3.0, available in both unmanned and manned (AS1418.10 Compliant - retractable wings) variations, builds on the award winning original design to improve functionality and safety.
Traditionally, this activity has required working at heights procedures and exposed employees to awkward work spaces to accommodate the fan geometry.
Accommodating a multitude of different axial fan makes and models, the QFHS can now also address the compliance requirements associated with the relocation of older fans. This system does not require any working at heights when installing the fan and additional work to attach ducting can be carried out from a standard work basket. The system is time efficient, and requires less personnel than traditional methods, resulting in significant reduction in exposure of employees to risk.
Traditionally, underground ventilation fans have been installed using a purpose built 2-deck work platform attached to an Integrated Tool Carrier (ie Volvo L120 or equivalent). Fans are installed and secured via the proprietary backs lock in bracket (BLIB^TM) ensuring a seamless, manless process for both installation and removal.
Historically the installation and removal of secondary fans involved high risk activities being performed by site personnel working at height. The QFHS V1.0 completely removed this requirement, revolutionizing secondary fan hanging.
Hazards in this process include slip, trip and fall events along with ergonomic hazards such as reaching and stretching associated with the manual handling aspects of the task. Visibility is limited and the work platform is controlled by the operator of the Integrated Tool Carrier who has difficulty in maintaining visual contact with personnel.
As paste reticulation systems become ever more complex, the incorporation of key instrumentation into the reticulation system forms a vital part of the system feedback loop and subsequent control.
Together with the Q-Claw, the Q-Brace race offers an integrated and certified system to hang and brace all underground infrastructure pipework that greatly reduces installation times and increases operational flexibility.
In keeping with QPE’s history of developing innovative product solutions for the underground hard rock mining industry come the QCS.
Together with the Q-Brace, the Q-Claw offers an integrated and certified system to hang and brace all underground infrastructure pipework that greatly reduces installation times and increases operational flexibility.
In response to the ever-increasing statutory requirements associated with Integrated Tool Carriers (ITC) coupled to work platforms for working at heights in the underground environment, QPE have developed and registered conforming designs with Worksafe Australia.
