Innovating Mine Ventilation with Remote Control Solutions

Background

Paul’s Fan Co, based in western Virginia, has been a key player in industrial fan manufacturing since its founding by Paul Elswick in 1958. Originally established to support local coal mines, the company now serves mining operations across the United States. Known for custom-built axial and centrifugal fans used in underground mines and quarries, Pauls Fan Co. continues to innovate in ventilation technology, making sure its products meet modern requirements for safety, efficiency, and ease of use.

Challenge

By 2018, Paul’s Fan Co. needed to redesign its portable engine-driven fans to comply with new emissions standards for Tier 4 Final engines. These fans are critical in underground mining operations where electricity is unavailable, and their primary function is to clear harmful fumes, smoke, and dust after rock face drilling and blasting. The fans were equipped with manual PTO-type clutches. However, customers requested more convenience and flexibility in operating these systems, particularly for remote control capabilities that could make on-site operations safer and more efficient.

Solution

Paul’s Fan Co.’s engineering team set out to address customer needs for a more user-friendly control system. Working closely with engine distributor W.W. Williams and Cattron, they developed a solution that incorporated an electromagnetic clutch from North American Clutch & Driveline Inc. (NACD) and a remote control system featuring the DynaGen™ TE350 engine control panel and Tyro™ Pyxis 2S remote control.

This new system enabled operators to engage and disengage the fan clutch and control the engine and fan speeds remotely, eliminating the need for operators to be physically near the control box. It offered the ability to operate the fans from a vehicle or other remote locations, significantly improving operational convenience and safety.

Click here to see the DynaGen controller and Tyro remote work together to control the fan.

The fan’s use isn’t limited to post-detonation clean-up. In deeper mines with less natural air circulation, the fans can be placed strategically throughout the site to maintain air quality, ensuring a safe working environment underground.

Paul’s Fan Co.’s collaboration with W.W. Williams and Cattron has successfully enhanced its portable fan systems to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry. By incorporating modern remote control technology, it has improved its product usability, safety and operational efficiency, maintaining its leadership in mine ventilation solutions.

Read a full article in Power Progress Magazine in which the editor heard from all three companies about this solution.