Remote Control System for Fan Ventilation Improves Underground Mining Safety

Paul’s Fan Co. Partners with Cattron

Modernizing Portable Fan Ventilation for Mining Operations

For more than 15 years, Paul’s Fan Co. had been building portable engine-driven ventilation fans, but by 2018, they needed to redesign their portable fans to comply with Tier 4 Final emissions standards. This provided an opportunity to modernize their equipment to meet new safety standards and to provide the convenience and flexibility customers were requesting. The fans were originally equipped with manual PTO-type clutches. However, customers were looking for user-friendly, easy operations, more customization and improved safety around rotating equipment to make on-site mining operations safer and more efficient.

Improved Safety and Operational Efficiency with Remote Control

Paul’s Fan Co.’s engineering team set out to address customer needs for a more user-friendly system that could be customized to meet their needs while also addressing safety concerns. Collaborating 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 radio remote control. 

“Now operators won’t have to physically be within arm’s reach of the control box and the fan. Radio remote control allows the operator to be in the cab of a vehicle or anywhere within sight of the fan.” Rages Matney, Mining Sales Manager, Paul’s Fan Co. 

The complete remote control solution allows operators to: 

• Start and stop the engine remotely 
• Engage and disengage the fan clutch 
• Increase or decrease fan speed in controlled increments 
• Shut down the fan from a safe location 

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

The Right Remote Control Solutions 

Engine Control with the DynaGen™ TE350 

• Variable speed and closed-loop control 
• Tier 4F and Euro Stage V compliant 
• CANbus J1939 communications 

Radio Remote Control with the Tyro™ Pyxis 2S 

• IP65-rated handheld transmitter 
• Up to ten customizable buttons 
• Rechargeable battery 

Why Wireless Remote Control Improves Mine Ventilation 

Traditional portable ventilation fans require operators to stand beside the equipment to start the engine, engage the clutch and adjust operating speed. By integrating wireless remote control technology with engine control, operators can safely control the entire system from a vehicle or other location with a clear view of the equipment. This improves operator safety, better visibility, greater convenience and maintains Paul’s Fan Co. leadership in mine ventilation solutions. 

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