K+S Salt and Potash Mines, Germany
K+S mines located in Germany, including
Werra-Fulda, Zielitz, Bernburg, Borth and
Braunschweig-Lüneberg provide a large
resource from which crude rock salt and
potassium-containing salts are extracted.
Once extracted they are processed for
use within multiple applications including
other industrial processes, agriculture,
pharmaceuticals and consumer products.
Challenge
Each of these mines operate deep
underground with seams located at
a depth of up to 1000 metres.
As the production area expands within
each mine, there is increasing demand
placed on the ventilation technology to
supply higher volumes of critical air for
safe working conditions.
The harsh conditions underground means
that the fans used need to be of a robust
and reliable design. They need to operate
continuously due to the criticality of ventilation
to ongoing production.
Due to increased production within the mine,
the ventilation system needs to be flexible to
move to where the demand is and support
expansion to explore and develop new seams.
As a major operator with multiple sites,
K+S looks to their supply chain to be able
to deliver fans that can not only meet the
operational demands, but are also available
within short timeframes.
Solution
Howden has a wide range of ventilation fans
designed for underground mining. The fans
used by K+S are from our pre-engineered
VAN axial series and are supplied in 3 different
sizes – 800mm, 1000mm and 2500mm - to
meet the volume requirements for auxiliary
ventilation in each mine.
Each fan operates in single stage and provides
between 4m3/s and 56m3/s of air depending
on model and location requirement.
Howden's flexible approach means that fans
are modified according to K+S specifications
to ensure each fan is optimised.
This involves more robust casings, diffuser
placement and the use of sliding rails for ease
of movement within the mine. The larger fans
are also supplied with shut-off dampers for
isolation and control.
Manufacturing in our German plant ensures
the ability to respond quickly to demands
for additional fans as well as assure that
our high quality standards are achieved.
Fan units are shipped in one piece for
easy installation at site.
Ongoing supply of spare parts and fan
revisions are provided by Howden’s regional
aftermarket network.
Outcome
Having supplied K+S for over 20 years, the
fans continue to deliver strong performance
and prove their design quality and reliability.
As a trusted supplier, Howden supplies
fans on an annual basis as K+S replaces
their operational fan base or expand as
they develop new seams.
In addition to the performance and reliability
of the fans, K+S values the level of support
provided by Howden’s engineering
and sales team, which ensures the right
solution is provided and the whole process
is managed smoothly.