“The topics will be helpful for engineers, surveyors [practising in mine mapping and mining], and persons responsible for ventilation of coal mines – vent and mine foremen,” the company told International Longwall News in an email. The classes will be held April 18 and 19.
Vent 101: Basic Seminar is best suited for individuals with limited knowledge of ventilation and for those who wish to review and polish their skills.
“[It’s an] introduction to the basics of mine ventilation fundamentals … most of the seminar is centred on the foundations of practical mine ventilation and introductions to ventilation planning and maintenance,” said company spokesman Gary Hartsog.
Some of the specific topics to be covered include mine ventilation history, measurements, gases and forces, legal standards, basic and multiple circuits in systems, and shock and friction losses.
Vent 201: Advanced Seminar is more advanced, concentrating on current issues such as bleeder and gob ventilation, preparation of plans and troubleshooting.
“[It focuses on] planning and practice and includes a brief review of the basics with emphasis on practices, methods and planning for mine ventilation systems … agency plans and planning in general will be emphasised,” Hartsog said.
The topics covered will include circuit and circuit design, plans and planning, gobs, bleeders and abandoned areas and case studies and practice.
Alpha said the seminars, which will include discussion and case studies, will be eligible for PDH credits and it will provide documentation and will submit notes from the gatherings to WV PE and PS boards. Every participant will be presented with a certificate of attendance and the class fees include the classes, lunch and session notes.
Hartsog, who will serve as the primary instructor for the classes, said that the company is already looking ahead to other potential sessions it may hold later this year.
“Depending on response and demand, there may be a one-day advanced surveying seminar in May, but that is not yet finalised,” he said.
