Airflow Regulator

Abstract

A louvre-type airflow regulator ( 10 ) for a mine passage comprises a plurality of louvre blades ( 12, 14, 16 ). Each blade is adapted for mounting in a frame ( 20 ). Each blade can pivot in the frame around a lengthwise axis between a predetermined position in which the louvre blades combine to close or restrict at least a portion of the passage, and an open position in which air is able to readily flow between the louvre blades and through the passage. A biasing mechanism is provided for acting on each louvre blade such that, in use, each louvre blade can be maintained in the predetermined position until a predetermined airflow against the louvre blades is reached.

1 . A louvre-type airflow regulator for a mine passage comprising:
 a plurality of louvre blades, each adapted for mounting in a frame and pivoting therein around a lengthwise axis between a predetermined position in which the louvre blades combine to close or restrict at least a portion of the passage, and an open position in which air is able to readily flow between the louvre blades and through the passage;   a biasing mechanism for acting on each louvre blade such that, in use, each louvre blade can be maintained in the predetermined position until a predetermined airflow against the louvre blades is reached; wherein   the predetermined position is adjustable and includes at least one partially open position of the blades between a closed position and a fully open position.   
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the biasing mechanism is:
 (i) a weighting arrangement operable on each louvre blade and that tends to cause it to pivot into the predetermined position;   (ii) a spring mechanism that positively urges each louvre blade to pivot into the predetermined position; and/or   (iii) a strut mechanism that positively urges each louvre blade to pivot into the predetermined position.   
   
   
       4 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 3  wherein in:
 (i) the weighting arrangement comprises one or more weights operatively coupled to each louvre blade via a respective linkage, whereby due to gravity the weight(s) draw down on the linkages and thereby urge each louvre blade into the predetermined position, but at the predetermined airflow the louvre blades then act on each linkage and urge the weight(s) up as each louvre blade moves towards the open position;   (ii) the spring mechanism comprises a respective spring that pulls each louvre blade into the predetermined position, but at the predetermined airflow the louvre blades act on and stretch each respective spring as each louvre blade moves towards the open position; and/or   (iii) the strut mechanism is a gas strut that is connected to a linkage mechanism that acts on the louvre blades to urge them into the predetermined position, but at the predetermined airflow the louvre blades act on the linkage mechanism which in turn acts against the gas strut as each louvre blade moves towards the open position.   
   
   
       5 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 4  wherein in:
 (i) the weighting arrangement comprises one or two weights, with each weight having the linkages extending therefrom at intervals spaced along the weight, and with each linkage being coupled to a respective louvre blade at a coupling that is pivotally mounted to the frame at the same point as the blade pivotal mounting;   (ii) each spring extends between the frame and a location on the louvre blade at or adjacent to a leading or trailing edge of the blade; and/or   (iii) the connection between the gas strut and the linkage mechanism is adjustable such that the louvre blades can either be fully or partially closed by the operation of the gas strut.   
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising the frame, and a plurality of mounting pins/bolts extending from the frame and adapted for being fastened with respect to adjacent wall(s) of the mine passage. 
   
   
       10 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the pins are used for the mounting of formwork that provides at backing for the application of a cementitious binder, whereby the pins/bolts, formwork and binder then provide a structural wall to support the frame in the passage. 
   
   
       11 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the frame forms part of a module, with a plurality of such modules being mountable in a larger frame arranged in the passage. 
   
   
       12 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each module has a plurality of selectively extendable securing pins arranged around its periphery such that, when the module is mounted in the larger passage frame, extension of the securing pins secures the module to the passage frame, and retraction of the securing pins enables module detachment from the passage frame. 
   
   
       13 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each module has lifting points formed therein that enable it to be lifted into and out of the passage frame. 
   
   
       14 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a stop for preventing blade pivotal movement beyond the open position. 
   
   
       15 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the stop comprises a dampener or shock absorber. 
   
   
       16 . A regulator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the blades extend generally horizontally in the frame in use. 
   
   
       17 . A blast proof regulator for a mine passage comprising:
 a plurality of louvre blades, mounted in a frame and pivoting therein around a lengthwise axis between at least a predetermined position in which the louvre blades combine to close or restrict at least a portion of the passage, and an open position in which air is able to readily flow between the louvre blades and through the passage;   a biasing mechanism for acting on each louvre blade such that, in use, each louvre blade can be maintained in the predetermined position until a predetermined airflow against the louvre blades is reached; wherein   the predetermined position is adjustable and includes at least one partially open position of the blades between a closed position and a fully open position; and wherein
 the louvre blades are adapted to pivot open at a predetermined airflow in the mine passage and return to their respective predetermined positions after removal of the predetermined airflow. 
   
   
   
       18 . A blast proof regulator as claimed in  claim 17  wherein a plurality of frames are mountable in a larger frame arranged in the mine passage.