Twin scrubber and air diffuser for a continuous miner and method of ventilation

摘要

A continuous mining machine is provided with dual ductwork having reversible fans. The ductwork extends longitudinally along each side of the continuous mining machine. Each fan is positioned in a duct at the rear end of the frame of the mining machine. A crossover duct connects in fluid communication with longitudinally extending ducts. The crossover duct includes pivotal gates positioned adjacent to the connection of the crossover duct to the longitudinal ducts. Each of the longitudinal ducts includes a pivotal gate positioned between the connection of the crossover duct to the duct and the fan positioned in the duct. By selecting which gates are opened and closed the flow of air through the ducts can be directed to either side of the mining machine. By selective reversal of the fans dust entrained air is withdrawn from the mine face and directed in a desired path through the ductwork in one mode of operation and ventilating air is directed to the mine face in a desired path through the ductwork in a second mode of operation.