TLT-Turbo has announced the redesign of its Auxiliary and Booster fan range. Developed in close collaboration with clients, the new designs address both efficiency and cost-effectiveness, in a product range that meets the specific ventilation requirements of the mining industry.
The development of the new fan range concept began in early 2015. Following a lengthy global market study to gain an understanding of the market requirements, the range was defined in mid-2017, with the fabrication of the first units taking place shortly thereafter. “The development of the Auxiliary and Booster fan range would not have been possible without the input of clients. This ensured that we focused on key market-driven requirements including energy efficiency, noise reduction, cost-effectiveness and turnaround time,” said Michael Minges, Technical Director at TLT-Turbo Africa, who headed up the fans’ designs.
“To sell these products we needed to ensure close customer relationships and visibility. We are striving to change the industry’s mindset on the use of such fans to ensure proper fan selection for the ventilation required. In optimising mine ventilation, efficient, high-quality Auxiliary and Booster fans can add as much value as surface fan installations.”
TLT-Turbo started commissioning of the first iterations of the fan range towards the end of 2017 within the Sub-Saharan market through its Africa office. From there, it based the development of the various fan sizes of the new range on market interest. The fan designs and their performance validation were completed at the end of July 2019.
Minges explained that meeting identified market demands was the main focus of the improved designs. “As energy efficiency is one of the main drivers of industrial equipment usage, and minimum efficiency requirements on certain equipment are often legislated, TLT-Turbo identified the need and opportunity in the market for more efficient mining fans compared to what is currently in use.”
The new designs include several additions to enhance performance in order to provide exceptional underground ventilation. The fan range was developed using the latest in engineering flow technology which allowed TLT-Turbo to improve the aerodynamics, and thus the efficiency of the fans. A unique stator design and aerodynamic fairings, all manufactured from wear-resistant composite materials, resulting in improved efficiencies and reduced noise levels. The modularity of the fan casings allows for quick and easy assembly with interchangeable ancillary fan parts. The motor mounting with a machined impeller track ensures low and controllable blade tip clearances for improved performance and efficiencies. Pad-mount motors are used for all fan sizes and help reduce vibration levels in the axial direction of the motor significantly which leads to longer motor bearing life and lower maintenance requirements.
