Abstract
THIS report is the outcome of a large number of experiments conducted under the directions of a strong committee of eminent mining engineers. Its object was to obtain exact information concerning the relative efficiencies of various ventilating fans. In order to make the comparisons of real value, the experiments were restricted to collieries provided with two fans, each of which could be used in turn; the conditions were therefore identical in each case. Only three kinds of fans were compared, viz., the Guibal, the Schiele and the Waddle, with the result that the Guibal decidedly carried off the palm. But, as pointed out in the report, the conclusions arrived at are not beyond criticism, because the efficiencies were determined in each case by taking the ratio between the so-called “useful effect in air” and the indicated horse-power of the steam-engine used for driving the fan, without knowing how much power was consumed in overcoming the inherent resistance of the engine. Some experiments made in Belgium in 1899 were more satisfactory, because this point was taken into consideration. Here it was found that the Rateau fan had a decidedly higher mechanical efficiency than the Guibal.
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Mechanical Ventilators for Mines . Nature 65, 404 (1902). https://doi.org/10.1038/065404a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/065404a0