Mining technology has made rapid progress since the 1800s. Today, the mining industry applies the most modern and scientific findings to its activities and as a result, the productivity and the efficiency of the industry have soared. Be it accessories to reduce sound or ergonomic design to ensure user safety, the mining techniques have come a long way.
For both the surface and underground mining sites, the utilization of compressed air has become a great help. With compressed air systems, mining work has become significantly safer and easier. Here are a few ways in which the use of compressed air changed the functioning of the mining industry.
Ways in Which Compressed Air is Used in Mining Industry
- Pneumatic tools
Mining, regardless of the depth at which it takes place, can no longer be thought of without the help of pneumatic tools. Using compressed air as a source of energy to break through rock and concrete surfaces, pneumatic tools have made life easier for site workers. Besides, pneumatic equipment is easier to maintain and function.
Thus, with compressed air to power them, pneumatic drills, wrenches, and loaders make mining easier. Tools like S250 Jackleg Drill and BBD 12T Sinker Drill are a few of the best pneumatic tools in the industry currently.
- Ventilation systems
One of the primary problems associated with underground mining was poor ventilation. Combined with the debris and smoke from mining, the respiratory systems of those who worked in mines were in deplorable conditions.
However, these systems have enabled better ventilation in the underground mines of today. Providing safer and fresher air at the refuge bays, the hazardous working conditions in the deep mining tunnels are being eradicated. For instance, the Atlas Copco BBC 16W is constructed to reduce the dust released and prevent harm to the user.
- Blasting
As mentioned previously, compressed air is a major source of energy that can break through hard surfaces. It is used in exploratory drilling and excavation. By using compressed air instead of explosives, there are lesser chances for accidents and pollution in the mining sites.
- Smelting and refining
Taking a step further from the mine sites, the ores extracted need to be cleaned and refined before being used for any other purpose. In this process, the extracted ores are melted, heated, solidified, and treated with chemicals multiple times.
During this, compressed air plays a major role in oxidizing and smelting the raw materials. By employing more than one technique of processing, the waste from mining industries is reduced by a large margin.
- Cleaning
At any step in the process of mining, dust and debris is a constant presence. Cleaning this using water is neither economical nor practical. Sometimes, the particles arising from mining activities for harmful acids when combined with water can be highly polluting.
Thus, compressed air can act as a cleaning agent, especially for mining equipment. By making use of compressed air, the life span of the equipment is increased and precious resources are not wasted.
Summing It Up
Compressed air has more than one use in the mining industry. From being used in low-pressure blowers to high-pressure blasting equipment, pneumatic power can almost be considered synonymous with the mining industry. In fact, mining with the help of pneumatic innovations is encouraged by authorities all over the globe.
