Re-Packable Silencers to Reduce Noise Levels Generated by Mine Fans

Auxiliary fans play an import role in ventilating blind headings and fixed facilities in underground mines. They are used in both coal and hard rock mines. From health and safety view point, they have one common problem they generate large amounts of noise especially when they are not equipped with silencers. Silencers used with auxiliary fans are often bulky, difficult to install and maintain. Two re-packable silencers have been designed and tested at the University of Utah ventilation laboratory. Parameters such as the type and length of the silencer, types of sound absorbing materials, and position of the silencer along the ductwork were tested and the silencer performance determined. The results of these tests are presented in this paper.