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VentSim Overview

VentSim DESIGN™ is a comprehensive mine ventilation simulation software developed by Howden, featuring advanced capabilities for airflow simulation, heat transfer, and contaminant propagation. The software offers multiple editions with varying functionalities, including real-time data integration and fire modeling. Key highlights include a user-friendly 3D interface, extensive data management options, and powerful simulation engines tailored for various ventilation needs.

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42 views4 pages

VentSim Overview

VentSim DESIGN™ is a comprehensive mine ventilation simulation software developed by Howden, featuring advanced capabilities for airflow simulation, heat transfer, and contaminant propagation. The software offers multiple editions with varying functionalities, including real-time data integration and fire modeling. Key highlights include a user-friendly 3D interface, extensive data management options, and powerful simulation engines tailored for various ventilation needs.

Uploaded by

shubhamprayasjee71
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to VentSim DESIGN™

A concise overview of the features and capabilities of the VentSim DESIGN™ software. Based
on the official manual.

VentSim DESIGN™ – Detailed Technical Summary (v5.4)

1: Introduction to VentSim DESIGN™

VentSim DESIGN™ is an advanced mine ventilation simulation software developed by


Howden. First released in 1993 as VentSim Classic, the software has since evolved
significantly to become one of the most powerful tools for underground ventilation
modeling. The current version, 5.4, includes comprehensive functionalities like airflow
simulation, heat transfer, contaminant propagation, fire modeling, and dynamic time-based
simulations.

Key Highlights:

• 3D visual environment using modern graphics.


• Suitable for ventilation engineers, planners, and safety officers.
• Can integrate with mine planning systems but is fully functional on its own.

2: Software Editions and Capabilities

Version Capabilities

Standard Airflow modeling, contaminant simulation, basic heat analysis

Advanced Adds thermodynamic simulation, diesel emissions, multi-gas modeling

Includes VentFIRE (fire simulations), LiveView (real-time data), escape route


Premium
simulation

Standard Version Features:

• "What-if" scenarios
• Fan selection assistance
• Short-term and long-term ventilation planning

Advanced Version Adds:

• Humidity and refrigeration modeling


• Compressibility effects in deep mines
• Dynamic diesel particulate matter (DPM) tracking
Premium Version Includes:

• Live sensor integration


• VentFIRE: time-based fire and gas simulation
• Escape route evaluation
• Ventlog integration (field data tracking)

3: User Interface Overview

Main Components:

1. Menu Bar – Access to model control, simulation settings, and file management.
2. Action Toolbar – Tools for editing, simulating, and viewing the model.
3. View Toolbar – Toggles text, nodes, arrows, icons, etc.
4. Data Toolbar – Visualizes data using legends, text, and colors.
5. Display Manager – Adjusts layer visibility, color ranges, transparency.
6. Edit Box – Central editing hub for all airway and object properties.

View Modes:

• Perspective 3D View: Default view for understanding spatial relationships.


• Orthogonal Views: For plan and section views.
• Multiple Windows: Up to 7 views for concurrent monitoring.

4: Model Building and Airways

Airways Construction

• Airways can be created in 3D using mouse or manual coordinate entry.


• Can simulate thousands of airway branches.
• Automatic node creation when connecting airways.

Key Concepts:

• Edit Plane: Horizontal level used during airway creation.


• True Vertical Guide: Helps align vertical shafts.
• Manual Coordinates: Allows precise airway geometry input.
• Snap to Airway: Automatically detects intersections with existing airways.

Moving & Copying

• Airways and icons can be moved or duplicated across models and stages.
• Edits automatically recalculate dependent values.

5: Data and Colour Management

VentSim DESIGN™ supports nearly 90 distinct data types, which can be shown as:
• Text on screen
• Color gradients
• 3D visual cues

Display Manager:

• Adjusts color ranges


• Selects what data to visualize (e.g., flow, temperature, resistance)
• Supports transparent layers and color-based filtering

Data Position Control:

• Displays data from the entry, midpoint, or exit of an airway.


• Useful for thermodynamic and pressure gradient monitoring.

6: Simulation Types:

VentSim provides several powerful simulation engines tailored to various ventilation needs:

• Steady-State Simulation: Calculates airflow, pressure, and resistance in a static


scenario.
• Contaminant Simulation: Models steady-state distribution of gases, smoke, or
dust.
• Thermodynamic Simulation: Simulates heat load, airflow temperature, and
humidity. Supports refrigeration modeling and heat from equipment.
• Dynamic Simulation: Time-based propagation of contaminants, gas, heat, or diesel
fumes.
• VentFIRE (Premium): Fire modeling: simulates ignition, spread, and smoke/gas
movement dynamically.

7: Advanced Tools and Assistants

Heat Assistant: Simplifies setup of heat sources like equipment, rock walls, and water flow.

Fan Tools: Digitizer for custom fan curves. Graphical fan selector. Suggests optimal fan
placements

Diesel Emission & Multi-Gas:

• Calculates DPM concentrations.


• Handles simultaneous multiple gas simulations.

Escape Routes:

• Simulates air paths for safe evacuation.


• Helps in safety planning and emergency response.

8: Integration and Import/Export


Interoperability:

• Imports from DXF, DWG, Surpac STR, and Datamine formats.


• Integrates with mine CAD and planning software.

Reference Graphics:

• Overlays external 3D graphics (e.g., terrain, orebody) as visual aids.


• Helps validate airway placement against real-world development.

Export Features:

• Exports models to CAD.


• Data export as TXT or image for reporting and presentations.

Summary and Best Practices

VentSim DESIGN™ offers a complete mine ventilation simulation platform with tools for
airflow, heat, and contaminant analysis. It brings significant improvements in:

• Safety: Escape planning, fire modeling, contaminant tracking


• Efficiency: Optimization of fan placement, airflow paths, heat removal
• Visualization: True 3D rendering, animation, and color-coded data overlays
• Data Management: Over 90 metrics with customizable display
• Simulation Accuracy: Thermodynamic and dynamic simulations with time-
based modeling

Best Practices:

• Always validate imported models.


• Use Display Manager for cleaner visualizations.
• Regularly back up and document model changes.
• Utilize Quick Views and Snapshots to monitor key areas.

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