Overcoming Obstacles in Mining Ventilation: Air Blow Fans Innovative Solutions for African Mines
As a proudly African company, Air Blow Fans (ABF) has been designing, manufacturing, and engineering both turnkey and custom mining ventilation solutions across the continent for the past 25 years.
Established in 1998, the South African-based business specialises in both centrifugal and axial flow fan systems, offering a comprehensive range of services, including engineering, refurbishments, automated balancing and remote monitoring.
While many of Air Blow Fans’ competitors may focus solely on either axial flow or centrifugal fan technologies, the company’s in-house engineering capabilities allow it to tackle the most complex ventilation challenges using either. These range from small auxiliary and jet fans for underground applications to fans larger than 4 metres in diameter, from shaft sinking applications to main ventilation systems and underground boosters.
One project illustrates ABF’s problem-solving prowess. A mining client in Rwanda required a fan resistant to foreign debris being ingested into the system. ABF’s in-house designed centrifugal backwards-curved radial-tip fan not only solved the debris issue but significantly increased the system’s campaign life – a critical factor, as the client had previously been forced to shut down the fan almost daily for cleaning. Impressed, the client noted they hadn’t needed to stop the system since the new ABF fan was installed, also negating the need for remote monitoring and automatic balancing add-ons.
Similarly, when a South African coal mine sought a redundant bifurcated centrifugal fan system (with each fan capable of providing the total required airflow) ABF delivered an aerofoil-bladed centrifugal system with a motor and gearbox combination which provides the low-speed requirements of the fan to achieve high efficiency and flow rates. Recognising the application’s unique requirements, the company also incorporated blast panels on the shaft top elbow – a feature not typical in hard rock mining. The successful supply, installation, and commissioning of the two 4.8-metre diameter, 1,100 kW centrifugal fans and accompanying equipment, earned the project the prestigious “Best Project Team of the Year” award from the client.
As mining across Africa becomes more mechanised, the need for advanced auxiliary fan designs has grown. ABF’s focus on improving aerodynamics and reducing power consumption has been invaluable, helping clients optimise energy usage, especially important as many mines now generate their own power.
As part of this innovation, ABF explored biomimicry in developing new fan solutions. One client in Ghana initially questioned the “strange-looking bumps” on the fan blades, only to learn they were inspired by whale fins – a design that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This nature-inspired approach, combined with advanced engineering, has resulted in a fan Gavin Ratner, ABF’s CEO, describes as more efficient and cost-effective than competitors’ offerings.
Complementing its well-established fan solutions, ABF has more recently branched out into the design and supply of dust control scrubbers for underground mining applications. Drawing on its years of experience in the sector, the company has developed a deep understanding of the challenges mines face in managing airborne dust, and its scrubber systems incorporate sophisticated engineering codes to maximise their effectiveness.
Beyond manufacturing, ABF handles all civil work, electrical reticulation, and installation to ensure the highest standards until project completion. And once the project has been signed off on time and within budget, the company’s team of qualified, experienced technicians is available 24/7 to address any issues that may arise, whether it’s troubleshooting an out-of-balance problem, replacing mechanical components (like bearings and motors) or performing precision trim balancing. Importantly, ABF can mobilise its field service crews within 24 hours to ensure that clients’ operations remain uninterrupted.
To further enhance reliability, ABF has developed an AI-powered remote monitoring system that detects potential equipment failures before they occur. While mechanical components remain the company’s core focus, this innovative technology augments the offering, helping ensure clients’ mining operations run smoothly and efficiently.
At the heart of Air Blow Fans’ success lies an unparalleled problem-solving ability, honed over 25 years of tackling the mining industry’s most complex ventilation challenges. Whether designing a fan resistant to foreign debris, creating a redundant system to ensure uninterrupted airflow, or drawing inspiration from nature to enhance efficiency, the company consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. As the industry continues to evolve, this proudly African business will remain at the forefront, leveraging its pioneering spirit and engineering passion to keep the continent’s mines running safely and efficiently, one tailored project at a time.
