Keeping operators cool underground

January 2008 Pneumatics & Hydraulics

Recent changes to South Africa's mining legislation require operators of mining machinery to be accommodated in fully-enclosed cabins, which will protect them from dust and noise. To control the cabin temperature in hot underground environments some form of airconditioning will be required. Many organisations are now faced with the problem of retrofitting existing machinery to become compliant with this legislation.

To overcome the space limitations and hazards of operating electrical equipment in such installations, Ernest Lowe, a manufacturer and supplier of pneumatic and hydraulic solutions, has developed a small tubular airconditioner operating on the vortex cooling principle. The kinetic energy in compressed air is converted into hot and cold air streams.

The cooled air is cleaned by a three-stage filtration unit. A slight positive internal pressure prevents dust from entering the cabin. The operator is provided with a control for temperature adjustment.

For more information contact Bob Lill, Ernest Lowe, +27 (0)11 898 6600, [email protected], www.elco.co.za

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