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USER MANUAL
Version 7.3
February 2018
CMS SOFTWARE
2.0 Introduction
Ventilation has been a primary concern in mines for hundreds of years, but until
the introduction of computerised network analysis in the last 40-60 years, the
planning and modeling of ventilation was largely a black art, relying on
experience, guesswork and extensive calculations.
Ventsim has been written to make the process of ventilation network analysis as
easy to use as possible, by utilising a fully graphical mouse driven interface, and
running on the universally popular IBM PC under Microsoft Windows 3.1 or
Windows 95.
Ventsim is designed for easy access for both experienced people and novices to
the ventilation process, and allows easy creation, interpretation and manipulation
of airway networks.
To get the most out of Ventsim, a fast 386 or 486 powered computer is
recommended to provide adequate speed for the program. The 3D rotation
in particular requires a lot of processing power that is best suited to a 486
DX computer or Pentium.
New
Erases the network currently in memory.
An option is given to save any unsaved changes in the previous network.
Ventsim then clears the viewing area, ready for further editing. The previously
used RL Database and Fan Database is retained for the new network.
Open
Allows the user to load a pre-saved network.. Once loaded, the level below the
surface RL will be displayed on screen.
Merge File
Similar to the Open command, but will join two networks together instead of the
new one overwriting the old network. This may be useful for joining separate
networked areas of the same mine. Caution should be taken however, as
duplicate branches are not checked when the networks are merged (duplicate
branches will be deleted if an attempt is made to simulate the network).
Reload Defaults
Reloads the original defaults file that is first loaded when Ventsim is initiated.
This may be required, if the defaults loaded with a Ventsim simulation file are
incorrect or out of date.
Reload Fans
Reloads the 'default' fan database that is first loaded when Ventsim is initiated.
Although a fan database is loaded with Ventsim simulation files, the default fan
database may be more up to date. Once loaded, resaving the simulation file will
replace the files original fan database.
Save
Saves changes made to the network. If the Ventsim title bar shows that the
network is untitled, the user will have to select a name before the file can be
saved.
Save As
Saves the network, but gives the option of saving under a different name.
Save Defaults
Saves the program defaults such as colours, simulation parameters - ie
everything found under the Defaults Menu. If Defaults are changed during a
program session, and are not saved before exiting, the original loaded defaults
will be used again next session.
Save Fans
Savesa default fan database that is loaded by Ventsim at the start of every
program session. If fans are added,. modified or deleted during a program
session, and the fan database is not saved before exiting, the original loaded fan
database will be used again next session.
Save Screen
Copies the graphical window to a BMP format picture file. This file can then be
loaded by a paint package for editing or display.
File Comment
Allows the user to specify a unique file comment which appears in the top title
bar. This comment can help identify the date, name and purpose of the network.
Print
This command prints the network in the View Window to your Windows installed
printer. Note that only printers with Windows supported Graphics Capabilities
will be able to print the network (most inkjets and bubblejets, laser printers, some
dot matrix). Printing to SCALE is also available, however the scale is initially set
to maximum page size.
Other options in the Print Dialogue box include Landscape printing and Colour.
Again these functions are only supported if your printer has the capability. To
change to different printers, use the Windows 'Control Box - Printers'. Note that
Exit
This command closes Ventsim. Ventsim will prompt if your network file, fan
database or defaults have not been saved since last modified.
Undo
Removes any previous addition or deletion to the network immediately prior to
selecting this command. Once the network is simulated or re-sorted, Undo can
no longer reverse any changes made to the network
Copy/Paste
This command places Ventsim in the copy/paste mode. Pressing the RIGHT
mouse button on an airway copies the specified attributes of that airway (ie size,
resistance type, wall type, shock factor) and saves the values as defaults for
future airways. Attributes may be specified from the Copy/Paste Attributes menu
item. Copied attributes are listed when an airway is copied. All new airways will
be drawn with these attributes until changed again.
To change an existing airway's attributes with those that have been copied, press
the LEFT mouse button on the middle of the airway, or drag a 'FENCE' around
multiple airways to be changed.
Options
The item allows the user to choose which airway attributes are copied and
pasted. Ventsim defaults to copying ALL attributes, however this may be
changed by selecting/deselecting any of the menu options. For example only
airway sizes or wall types may be required to copy and paste onto other airways.
Insert Node
Allows a branch to be split in two, by clicking the centre of the airway. It is used
primarily for joining a new airway into an existing branch, where the existing
nodes are not suitably placed.
Edit Airway
This command loads the Edit Airway Dialogue box, and allows manual editing of
each airway. This function is described more fully under the Airway Menu.
Add
Constructs a new airway. Press the mouse button at the start of the airway, and
drag the airway across to the endpoint. Either end of the airway will fix itself to a
nearby airway if available, or if no other nodes are in the immediate vicinity, a new
node will be created. The airway parameters (size, friction factor, shock loss etc)
will be set from the defaults table. Selecting the right mouse button will allow text
entry of point coordinates.
Note that airways cannot be added in 3D mode unless both end connect to
existing branches, or the nodes are entered as coordinates.
Move
Moves an airway, and any other connected airways - resistances are also
recalculated if lengths have been changed. Click on the airway end to move,
and drag node to a new location. Use the right mouse button to change the
coordinates manually.
Note that in 2D mode, dragging an airway with the LEFT button will attach it to a
nearby node if one is present, otherwise a new position will be created. In 3D
mode, dragging an airway will attach it to a nearby node, or if one is not available,
the manual select box will appear.
Reverse
Reverses the direction of airway flow. The most common use for this command
is if a node has no 'from' or 'to' destination when a simulation returns an error.
By reversing an airway, you can ensure every node has a 'to' and a 'from' airway.
Erase
Deletes an airway. To delete individual airways, point to the center of an airway
and press the left mouse button. To 'fence' delete multiple areas in a network,
drag the mouse across the screen to form a 'delete' box. All airways that have
ends or centres inside the delete box will be deleted.
Add Fan
Adds, changes or removes a fan in an airway. Point to the center of an airway
and press the left mouse button. A list of available fans from the fan database
is presented. Select the type of fan wanted, enter the number and configuration
and press OK.
Name
Places a descriptive name at the nodes of an airway (end points) or at the
center of an airway. The name is purely descriptive, and plays no part in the
simulation process.
Contaminate
Places a contaminant source (gas, smoke or dust) in an airway (a yellow- red
symbol is shown), at a specified concentration. One of more of these sources
Edit
Adds, changes or deletes any of the following airway characteristics via a
dialogue box. Select an airway centre with the LEFT mouse button to edit the
airway.
Note that by pressing the Right mouse button instead of the Left button on an
airway, the top resistance from the pick list will be added or removed.
Info
Shows basic information about airways (size, quantity, pressure drop, pressure
load, length, coordinates). If a fan is present, it shows the fan curve, operating
point and working pressure. If a FIX is present, it shows the required pressure,
and/or regulator resistance for the Fixed quantity.
WARNING - This function will change any previously fixed lengths. If there are
any doubts, use the EDIT function to individually fix/unfix lengths of only the
airways that need to be changed.
Clear Contaminant
Clears all contaminant sources, and also clears any simulated smoke trails in a
network.
Zoom
Zoom allows enlarging, reducing or panning of the screen view port.
Use the left mouse button to zoom in (ie. reduce the scale), either by drawing a
box or by clicking the button once.
To ZOOM out (or increase the scale) click the right mouse button on the screen.
To PAN about the screen, again use the RIGHT mouse button, but hold the
button down, and move the mouse about the screen. The screen will follow the
mouse pointer.
Note that the ZOOM magnification factor and Printer Scale is shown in the bottom
left corner of the Ventsim screen.
Grid
Displays a coordinate grid to help in viewing and locating airways. The grid is
'passive' and is simply an overlay on the screen, playing no further part in
constructing networks. The mouse coordinates are shown in the lower left of the
screen. Grid scales can be adjusted by altering the simulation defaults - found in
the Defaults Menu. Note that the GRID cannot be displayed when in 3D mode.
Fit
Rescales the screen so that all airway branches on the current RL are displayed
on the screen.
Find
Allows the user to automatically locate parts of a network. Selecting one of the
options will find and zoom into the area desired. The option may be repeated for
further branches by pressing the FIND Toolbar button.
Options include:
• Branch Name : Finds all branches with all or part of the specified branch
name.
• Branch Node : Finds all branches with all or part of the specified node name.
Plan View
The standard horizontal plane viewing mode.
Levels
Single
Displays a single level of data
Multiple
Allows the user to choose up to six non consecutive levels to display.
Range
Allows the user to display all levels between two selected levels
All Levels
Displays all levels in the RL database simultaneously on screen.
Data Type
Display a variety of different kinds of data. See the data type menu for a more
detailed description of these.
Display Options
Allow the user to turn on or off parts of the graphical display. This is usually
done to improve the clarity of display, and show only the parts of the network that
are required to be viewed.
Note that turning off all options (or by using the HIDE function), results in a
'skeleton' display. The display update speed in this case is dramatically
improved. This is useful if viewing or searching through large amounts of data.
Tag levels allow the user to place groups of airways on different levels, so that
they may be displayed independently of all other airways.
• Primary Tag Levels are intended to group TYPES of airways together (eg
Shafts, Declines, Stopes, Raises etc).
• Secondary Tag Levels are intended to group an area a network together (eg
Shaft system, orepass system, stope system, workshop area).
• Primary and secondary tag levels can be used independently of one another.
Primary
Displays all primary tag levels and names. If the checkbox is highlighted, then all
airways on the highlighted level will be displayed (providing the secondary tags
are also set).
The 'active' tag level will be displayed in either blue or red. To make any level
active, simply click on the level once with the mouse.
Primary tag levels range from 1 to 16.
Secondary
Displays all secondary tag levels. The use of the secondary tag checkboxes, is
the same as the primary tags as stated above.
Secondary tag levels range from 1 to 48
Options
Tag display options will give the user the opportunity to change the way Ventsim
displays tag levels that are 'turned off' or 'hidden'. The default display will be to
hide all off-tag level airways, however these can be displayed as dim grey lines,
or full lines. The amount of data (eg names, flows, arrows etc) showed for
off-tag level airways can also be modified.
Show All
Turns on ALL tag levels (both Primary and Secondary) so that every airway in a
network will be displayed.
Hide All
Turns off ALL tag levels (both Primary and Secondary) EXCEPT the active
primary and secondary tag levels which will be turned on.
Fans
Displays a dialogue window which allows editing, adding and deleting of all fans in
your fan database. Up to 1000 fans and their curves may be entered into the
fan database. A display of each fan curve will be presented upon clicking on the
fan name in the display list. Further fans can be added by selecting blank
spaces, or by overwriting existing fans.
Caution should be taken when deleting or modifying a fan, as any network which
may have used that fan number, will still attempt to use that particular number
fan's data. If the data is not present, or is different, the network will not simulate
properly.
Levels
Displays a dialogue window which allows editing or creating of the RL Database -
a database which contains up to 250 RL levels on which your network will be
created.
RL Data can be edited in any order, as well as added at a later date - Ventsim will
sort the data from highest to lowest when next displayed.
Airways
This will display a list of currently entered airways in a spreadsheet form. Data
cannot be changed, but searches can be made in network data that can narrow
down to airways with FANS, FIXES or ERRORS. This can be useful for finding
airways that may be restricting network analysis, or causing other problems (eg
stalled fans, airways with errors etc).
Airflows
This will perform a network analysis air simulation, and attempt to come up with a
solution to your network. If the simulation is successful, the simulation dialogue
box will disappear and the screen updated to show new airflows. If the
simulation is not successful, a list of errors will be shown.
Note that the tool bar button 'AIR' will perform the same function as this.
Contaminant (GAS)
Performs a contaminant simulation based on the position of contaminant sources
previously placed in the network (see AIRWAY menu for placing contaminant
sources). Contaminants should be cleared before any further editing is done to
the network. The contaminants may be cleared by pressing the CLEAR button
on the smoke legend, or by selecting CLEAR CONTAMINANTS from the
AIRWAY MENU.
Note that the tool bar button 'GAS' will perform the same function as this, but will
automatically bypass the input box.
Summary
Displays a brief summary of your network. Note that some values in this
summary are only valid for a fully working, balanced network.
Options from this menu can change the appearance and operation of
Ventsim.
Display
Colour
Allows changing of the colour scheme of the network on screen and printer.
Upon viewing the Colour Dialogue Box, simply select the colour to change
on the left side of the box, and then select a new colour from the list on the
right side. Beware when changing some of the colours if a colour printer is
being used. The new colours may not show up well on the printer.
Graphics
Allows changing the various aspects of the way your network is drawn on
the screen, including Line Thickness, Text Size, Arrow Size and Node Size.
Any general increasing of the size or thickness of any of these, while
improving clarity, can greatly decrease the speed of graphic screen updates
- particularly increased Line Thickness.
Grid
Allows the changing of several parameters including:
• Grid Spacing - allows variable grid line intervals (eg 10m, 50m, 100m
etc).
3D Rotation
Allows changing the rotation speed, and tilt limitations of the network
models. Rotation jump steps are in degrees.
Program
Simulation
Allows changing of various simulation parameters including maximum
allowable errors, number of iterations etc. Changing of these parameters
may improve the speed of simulation of your network, but can also decrease
the accuracy of results.
Airway
Allows changing of default airway sizes and attributes, so that new airways
drawn also have these same attributes. Note that COPY ATTRIBUTES
from the EDIT menu does the same thing.
Mouse Control
Mouse Node Sensitivity - reduces or increasing the tendency for the mouse to
grab the nearest node when placing or deleting airways. This is handy as
accurate mouse placement is not normally required, but can be frustrating if
nodes need to be placed close to one another, without having to zoom in. Lower
Values increase the tendency for the mouse to grab nearby points.
Rotate Button
The large button at the right of the tool bar is the network rotation button.
Clicking on any of the arrows on the button will rotate your network in that
direction.. Two speeds of rotation are available by moving the mouse pointer
further to the edge of the button. The small button at the centre is the 'rotation
centre' button. By clicking on this button, and then selecting the middle of an
airway on screen, the model will then be rotated about this branch. To reset the
rotation centre to the centroid of the model, simply choose 'rotation centre' and
click on a blank part of the screen.
Note that the model can be rotated continuously for display purposes by simply
using the RIGHT mouse button instead of the left to rotate the model.
Zoom Button
Allows enlarging and reducing of screen view port. Use the left mouse button to
zoom in, either by drawing a box or by clicking the button once. To ZOOM out
click the right mouse button.
Fit Button
Fits all graphic airways on the current display level into the view port.
Redraw Button
Redraws the screen in the event that the screen is partially erased by another
screen or program
Find Button
Finds a selection of different types of airways as specified in the <VIEW>Find
menu. Repeated pressing of the button will find the next occurrence of the
specified type.
Add Button
Constructs an airway. Press the mouse button at the start of the airway, and
drag the airway across to the endpoint. Either end of the airway will fix itself to a
nearby airway if available, or will create a new start/end node for the airway. The
airway parameters (size, friction factor, shock loss etc) will be set from the
defaults table.
Note that by pressing the RIGHT mouse button, a coordinate window will be
displayed, allowing the user to manually enter the coordinates. Note that if
manual coordinate entry is required for just the end point, then while 'rubber
banding' with the LEFT button, select the RIGHT mouse button simultaneously.
Note that you should make sure that only the attributes you desire to copy are
first selected from the copy/paste attributes menu on the EDIT menu bar,
otherwise unwanted attributes may be pasted onto your airways.
WARNING - using ' fence move' will only move displayed airways within the
fence. If airways are hidden with the TAG function or are not shown in the
current RL range, then airways connecting to them will not be moved. This may
cause nodes to have the ends moved away from hidden airways, resulting 'no
exit/entry' errors on simulation.
Flip Button
Reverse direction of an airway flow - This is normally used to ensure all nodes
have an entry and exit.
Note that airways will automatically correct their direction if the airflow is reversed
during the simulation.
Erase Button
Deletes an airway. To use, point the mouse to the center of an airway and
press left mouse button. Make sure no other connecting airways exist before
simulation, as a destination error will occur when simulating.
Fan Button
Adds or changes a fan in an airway. Point to the center of an airway and press
the Left Mouse Button. A drop down menu box will allow a selection of fan types,
while other options on the form will allow changing of the number and a parallel or
series setup.
Name Button
Places a name at the nodes of an airway (end points) or at the center of an
airway. Names are entirely for user reference and do not affect simulation.
Note that there are only a limited number of characters available for a name.
Contaminant Button
Edit Button
Brings up an Airway Edit form when mouse is clicked on an airway, which allows
fine tuning and changes of airway sizes, type and parameters.
Info Button
Shows basic information about airways (size, quantity, pressure drop). If a fan is
present, it shows the fan curve and operating point. If a FIX is present, it shows
required pressure (Pa) and resistance for the FIX.
Save Button
Saves the network immediately under the current name.
Load Button
Opens the LOAD dialogue window to load another Ventsim network
Print Button
Prints the current screen contents on the windows attached printer
Grid Button
Displays/removes the coordinate grid in 2D mode.
Note that no grid is available in 3D mode.
3D Button
Toggles between 3D mode and 2D mode. Only limited editing is available in 3D
mode. The button will remain pressed down while in 3D mode.
Tag Button
Converts existing airways to the active Tag level, whether it be Primary or
Secondary. To set the active level, view the Primary or Secondary Level window
from the TAG menu, and click on the level (so it turns red).
Pressing the LEFT mouse button on the center of an airway, will change it to the
active tag level. To change multiple airways, draw a 'fence' with the LEFT mouse
button. All airways with ends or centers within the fence will be changed to the
active tag level.
Any of the following parameters can be changed by selecting the EDIT button,
and clicking on the airway.
Fresh/exhaust airways colours will only be shown if the 'Fresh/Exhaust air' display
option is selected under the Display Options menu or the Defaults Colours menu.
Show Data
Ventsim will only show data of airways with this box selected. If not selected, a
line will simply represent where the airway is on screen. No arrows, nodes, fans,
bulkheads or written data will be shown on the airway. This function can be used
to 'unclutter' a display, by just showing the important airways.
Note that a FIXED Length will not change if the airway nodes are moved.
Resistance (Ns2/m8)
Resistance is calculated automatically when entering airways from its size, type,
length and several other factors. If the airway has no obstacles, then this does
not have to be calculated.
Airway obstacles such as doors, bulkheads, muck piles etc, exhibit a resistance
usually much greater than the airway itself. Some obstacle resistance values are
included in the defaults. Up to 50 resistances can be added or changed from the
DEFAULTS - Airway Parameters menu.
If the resistance is known to be a different value (for example, it has been
calculated in a ventilation survey), then the resistance can also be fixed, and the
true value type in.
Note that a Fixed or Obstacle resistance will not change if the airway is moved
or lengthened.
Ventsim comes with a series of Shock Loss defaults, describing different sized
shock losses. Use the following as a guide, but feel free to change to your own
definitions. ( Note that the airway receiving the airflow is the one upon which the
shock loss should be applied.)
• Airways that join into one another in a straight line have no shock loss
• Airways that join into others through a corner <90 degrees have a very low or
low shock loss
• Airways that join into others through a corner >90 and <180 degrees have a
medium to high shock loss.
Other values may be entered with the USER DEFINED option from the menu list..
Services
This option simply deducts an average area that service pipes etc. take up in a
drive. Ventsim uses a value of 0.6 m2.
Fixed Resistance
This option will allow setting of an airway resistance, regardless of size of length.
This can be used where the resistance is known or has been measured.
Fixed Pressure
This provides a pressure boost for an airway, in a similar way a fan would, but
forcing the pressure boost to be constant. This is useful if a pressure increase is
known, or needs to be simulated. Natural ventilation pressure can be simulated
by using this function at entries and exits to mine, where the natural ventilation
pressure is known.
The RL's for each level are usually heights (m) above sea level, although
other forms of representation may also be used. For example, the surface
RL may be called 0 metres, and all others set to -ve (m below surface). It
is important however, is that the RL's be listed in metres from highest value
(SURFACE) to lowest (bottom of mine).
Fan Database
This is a list of fans and their characteristic fan curves (operating pressures,
quantities and efficiencies). Although Ventsim starts with a list of several
example fan curves, it is recommended that actual fan curves used at the
mine site be entered into the program. The fan curves can be copied
carefully off the Fan Data sheets (usually available from the fan
manufacturers) by reading off the pressure, quantities and efficiencies along
the fan curve, and entering them into the fan database editor. Be careful
not to copy the stall region of the fan curve into the database, as this cannot
be used by Ventsim.
Up to 1000 different types of fans may be stored within Ventsim (the actual
maximum number can be changed from the Default menu. Ventsim
defaults to 250 maximum). The fan database is loaded automatically when
Ventsim is loaded. Unlike Ventsim V1.1 and V1.0, Ventsim V1.5 or greater
also stores a fan database within the simulation files. Therefore the
database in memory is overwritten by the simulation file fan database when
loaded. SIM files can therefore be transferred between programs without
the need for the FANSDATA.DAT file (the file that specifies the default fan
data when Ventsim is first loaded).
Simulation: Network Size (in airway branch numbers) - set this value to the
minimum you think you will need - it can be increased later if your network
gets too big. Setting this to a value to large (max 4000 branches) will
increase system requirements and slow the program down.
Simulation: Maximum Error - this value should be set to less than 0.1
m3/s error. If a final analysis is required it may be advisable to set this to
0.01 m3/s. The smaller this value, the more accurate the simulation
process, but the longer it will take - experiment to find the best trade-off.
Two different methods can be used for constructing a network. The first is the
freehand method, which this section describes. The second method is the
IMPORT method, where a network can be created in a mine planning program or
CAD package by tracing over the mine plans, and then imported into Ventsim via
DXF format. See the section on IMPORTING/EXPORTING for further
information on this method.
Keep in mind a number of simple rules must be followed for a successful network.
• All junctions of airways must have at least one airway entering, and at least
one airway leaving.
• Any Fixed Quantity in an airway must not restrict any other fixed airway in a
network.
Constructing Airways
Provided all other criteria have been met for establishing a network, (a fan and RL
database has been established) , an airway network can be created as follows.
• When constructing your network, remember that it is not critical that the
network appear exactly as your mine plans. Bent or curved development that
can be approximated with a single straight line should be done were possible,
as this will decrease the number of airway branches required, and help speed
up simulation and display.
Horizontal Airways
Horizontal airways can be constructed by simply pressing the left mouse button at
the beginning of an airway position and 'dragging' the mouse to the airway
destination. Clicking nearby other airways will automatically join the airway to
By clicking the RIGHT mouse button before or during the operation, the start
and/or end points can be input by keyboard for more accurate placement. By
this method, the RL of either end can also be changed to allow for inclined
airways. Note that if the RL range for that level is set wide enough, the airway
will remain entirely on that level (ie default green in colour).
Airways that remain within the Level RL range, are shown in a different colour
than off level airways in 2D mode. In 3D mode airways going up or down are
shown in different colours. The direction of airflow is indicated by the arrow.
When in the default editing mode, the easiest way is to press the left mouse
button at the start of airway point, and move between levels with the 'UP' or
'DOWN' arrow keys. The airway will 'rubber band' to where the mouse pointer is.
When on the desired level, release the mouse button, and the airway will be
constructed.
Another way is to manually enter the coordinates (by pressing the RIGHT mouse
button to draw the branch). The end coordinates can be entered as true
coordinates, or a relative offset can be entered, describing the relative movement
from the starting coordinate.
Vertical airways are shown in a different colour than horizontal airways. Airways
that go to a level above the current level are shown in a different colour to airways
going below.
Try to construct vertical airways as true vertical if possible (ie keep the mouse
pointer in the same place when moving through levels to the destination).
Vertical airways are shown with the 'off level' side being offset from the 'on level'
side, the result being you are able to see both ends of the airway. Inclined
airways are shown with their true end coordinates, the result being that both ends
can be hard to see, particularly if their upper/lower coordinates are similar.
The RL Problem
Tag levels are a way to individually tag or identify and view parts of a network
separately from other parts of the network. Some examples may include a stope
system, an orepass or ventilation raise system, a workshop area, or any other
collection of airways. Note that there is no requirement for the user to use tag
levels. They are only present to allow easier manipulation and viewing of a vent
network.
Primary Tag Levels, consist of 16 levels. It is intended that the Primary Tag
levels be used for identifying types of airways. For example, Level 1 could be
Primary Shafts, Level 2 could be Main Airways, Level 3 - Raises, Level 4 -
Stopes, Level 5 - Minor Airways etc
The easiest way to use tags is to create the network first (all airways will default to
Level 1 of both Primary and Secondary Tags, and then going back and changing
Tag Levels to the desired number. To change Tag Levels, a TOOLBAR button
is provided. The TAG button can individually change airways to the active TAG
level, by clicking the centre of an airway, or change multiple airways at once by
FENCING an area (similar to the ZOOM function) and changing all airway
whose node(s) are within that fence to the active TAG level.
HINT: to set an active TAG level, use the TAG menu, and click on the level you
want to make active. Active levels will show in RED. If the level is active, but
the display for that level is OFF, then changing TAG levels of airways on the
screen will cause the selected airways to disappear. This can be a good way of
ensuring you catch all airways that need to be changed.
Most editing functions can take place in 3D mode, however new branches cannot
be added or moved unless they connect to existing branches, or the coordinates
are entered manually.
3D View Mode
This mode is selected from the <VIEW>3D View option menu or the 3D toolbar
button. Five standard saved views can be accessed from the drop down view
list. Apart from the default horizontal editing view, other views include LONG
SECTION (vertical slice, left to right), CROSS SECTION (vertical slice, top to
bottom) and ISO VIEW (looking isometrically down, bottom left to top right.
Further views may be added by using the SAVE VIEW function, accessed from
the View Menu.
Note that pressing the RIGHT mouse button on the Rotation button will continue
to rotate the network model without any further interaction from the user. To
stop the view rotating, simply click the button again, or any part of the screen.
Viewing Levels
The default display is for one level only, however multiple, selected levels or all
levels may be displayed by selecting the <VIEW>Level menu function, or the
Level toolbar button. Levels can be changed by using the Up and Down arrow
keys or by changing levels with the pull down level list at the left of the screen.
Viewing Options
A large number of viewing options exist (accessed from the VIEW menu) that
allow the user to vary the amount of information shown on the screen. Because
Ventsim initially defaults the printing scale to the maximum width of the paper. If
the printer supports Landscape printing, the scale size can normally be improved.
If a specific scale is required, simply type in a new scale in the box provided on
the print form. Remember the scale number can only ever be increased from the
default scale size initially presented (otherwise the print would be larger than the
paper)
Printer setup and type can be changed by pressing the Printer Setup button.
Colour printing is available on colour printer, but screen graphic colours may not
match printer colours on some printers.
Ventsim uses a method called the Hardy Cross process, where, through a
number of iterations a network is adjusted until it comes up with an acceptable
solution.
Once all desired airways have been added, the network can be simulated using
the <AIR SIMULATE> toolbar button, or by selecting 'Simulate Flows' from the
menu. The process will show a STATUS window describing the process of the
simulation. Network simulations go through the following processes.
Initialising
The initialising of a network will sort and check all airways to ensure that they
have an origin and destination, and that no duplicate airways exist. It will also
check to see if a FIXED airflow will restrict airway analysis.
All errors found during the initialisation process will appear in the Error List
window on the simulation form, and any further simulation will halt. These errors
must be corrected before simulation can be continued further.
Performing Simulations
While performing iterations, the network displays the following information
• Iterations - the number of attempts the program has used to adjust the
network
• Confidence - the percentage of total airways in a network which are under the
acceptable error level.
Simulation Problems
FIX NOT ALLOWED (BAD FIX) errors are caused by fixes placed in a network
where other fixes contradict it. A fixed quantity cannot override another. In this
case, one of the fixed airways must be unfixed.
Non-balancing networks (ie networks which will not converge to the desired error
level) are sometimes difficult to track down. Most times this problem can be
solved by investigating all fans and fixes in a network, and ensuring they are
operating at reasonable pressures and flows. A fan that has air forced through
backwards are particularly troublesome as the airways entering the fan are
reversed, however the fan branch remains in its original direction. This causing
branch errors. In this case, it is best to remove the fan and replace it with a fixed
quantity until the cause of the imbalance (if there is one) can be found elsewhere.
Setting Concentrations
Ventsim uses a unit independent form of contaminant concentration, however the
unit must be related to the air flow volume. Units such as % , ppm , mg/m3 are
all acceptable, however units that describe emission rates (such l/min or l/sec or
kg/s) are not acceptable. For example if methane in a coal mine is required to be
simulated, and is measured in l/sec emission from a seam, then this unit must
first be converted to another unit type (eg percentage, or ppm of total air content)
before simulation.
This simulation method suffices for almost all types of simulations (gas, smoke,
dust) , however if the contaminations are large in volume compared to the air
flow, and heavy recirculation is present in network, then some accuracy may be
lost.
For general use (eg tracking smoke) simply use a value of 100 at the smoke
source.
Placing Contaminants
For example:
Smoke or gas percentages may be input at one location as 100, and another as
50, where these numbers may represent scale percentages of smoke thickness.
Once simulated, the values returned will be relative to these values.
Retain Legend Numbers will simply use the legend values and colour
codes from the last simulation. If this is not selected, then the legend will
automatically calculate the colour split up.
Upon pressing the <SIMULATE> button the display will then show the paths of
the smoke, and a colour code concentration legend, showing various degrees of
contaminant levels.
Networks which have recirculated air will slow down smoke simulation. The
network may be returned to 'normal' mode after simulation, by selecting the
<CLEAR CONTAMINANT> menu item from the top menu or the GAS LEGEND
form.
Designing a Network
Many people like to put as much detail into a network as possible, thinking that
more detail means more accuracy in simulation. While this may be true in some
cases, a smart network will be constructed with the absolute minimum detail
required. This means that all unnecessary airways (such as bulkheaded off or
unused airways) should not be put in a network unless required for the simulation.
Extra airways in a network will increase the scope for errors, slow down
simulation and viewing, and generally create a more complex, cluttered display.
Selecting Fans
If the type of fan is not currently present or known, then FIXing the quantity in
airways that will have fans will have the same result. The advantage of this
method is that the required pressure can be derived from the INFO button, and
hence the exact type of fan selected by matching this pressure and quantity to a
fan curve.
Inclined Levels
Ventsim normally only allows horizontal levels over a range of RL's, however what
do you do when the orebodys may be shallow dipping and closely spaced, and
each mine level follows the orebodies (for example shallow dipping coal seams)?
In this case the RL's between the mine levels will probably overlap, making the
normal leveling system unusable. This is where TAG LEVELS can be used to
create inclined levels.
• Ignore the normal RL level system, and just have two (2) levels - Surface and
Underground, where the underground level covers the full range of all mine
RL's.
• Now use the Primary Tag Level function to group all airways on a particular
mine horizon onto the same Primary Tag Level. Call this Tag Level an
appropriate level name.
• Continue grouping other mine horizons onto different Primary Tag Levels (a
maximum of 16 are available)
• Finally, save each view, where the different Primary Tag Levels have been
switched on and off.
Now each mine level can be selected from the recall view list, the same as normal
horizontal level would be recalled from the level list.
CSV file format is simply a text format with columns or 'fields' separated
(delimited) by a comma (Comma Separated Values). It can be used by most
spreadsheets, databases, and also read into text processors.
(Note the VENTSIM uses a CSV format for its native SIM files - therefore these
can also be edited with a spreadsheet or database package)
DXF file format is a ASCII CAD file standard, describing graphical data. If this
data is in line string form, VENTSIM can import and construct a skeleton network
from the file. Both UNIX and DOS format DXF files can be read automatically by
Ventsim.
13.1 IMPORTING
CSV Format
A wide variety of airway data can be imported into Ventsim via CSV format,
however it must conform to a set column format, and the minimum data must
contain the end coordinates (in metres) of each branch. From these coordinates,
Ventsim can construct a three dimensional network, and other branch
characteristics can be added later (such as size, fans, names etc).
Other data that can be imported from a CSV import file include branch name, to
and from node names, resistance, quantity, drive sizes and types. All of this data
is optional and can be left out of the import data if desired. Where possible,
Ventsim will use default values to fill in missing data.
To view the import file column format, load a blank EXPORT.CSV file into a
spreadsheet program. The first line will show the column heading for each
column. Note the first line of an Import File will always be ignored, and can be
used as a comment line.
DXF Format
Import Options
• Retain Drive resistances. If your CSV import file has resistance values, and
you would like Ventsim to use them, and not recalculate it own resistances,
select this option before pressing IMPORT. If your data has no drive
dimensions, but precalculated resistances, then this should be used as
Ventsim will not be able to calculated resistances accurately.
• Merge with existing data. The imported file with attempt to merge with your
existing data. Duplicate airways will normally be deleted. A good option if
you are updating a network with more data for example.
CSV Format
Export data saves the data in the same format as IMPORT data reads a data file.
The first line of an export file will describe what each column represents. The
first six columns represent the X,Y,Z coordinates of the airway ends, while the
remaining data describes various other attributes. Note that because of the large
number of airway attributes, not all are exported to an export file. This mean that
exporting and importing the same data file will result in the loss of some attributes
(such as the RL database, wall types, shock types and others).
If all attributes are required, then the native Ventsim *.SIM files can be read as
CSV format. These files will contain all data used by Ventsim, and can also be
modified and resaved, providing no data or formatting has been corrupted.
DXF Format
• Fence functions for fast deleting, moving, tagging and pasting attributes.
Ventsim V6.2
• Addition of efficiency curves to fans, for more accurate simulation and costing.
Ventsim V6.3
• The rotation centre button has been moved to the centre of the Rotation
button.
Ventsim V6.4
• Improved RIGHT mouse button coordinate entry with selection list. Simply
click the right mouse button on a node and enter the end coordinates.
Ventsim V7.0
• Import/Export DXF format files (from CAD or Planning packages) in DOS or
UNIX format
• Save screen to BMP file format for editing/displaying with a paint package
• Time simulation for contaminants - shows time taken for contaminant to travel
through network
• Print function on most major forms (ie INFO, SUMMARY, FAN DATA etc)
• Total pressure simulation on fans for improved power and costing estimates
• Bug fix in friction factors/air density, that will automatically adjust Friction
Factors in network before 2.4 to correct values. Existing simulations should
not change significantly.