A base-metal mine in a cold region preheats 150,000 m3/h of fresh ventilation air from minus 30 C to plus 5 C. EN159 supplied a plate air-to-air exchanger using warm exhaust from the downcast shaft.
The Challenge
Sub-zero intake air increased hoist-house heating cost and created discomfort at the shaft collar. The site wanted recovery with high effectiveness and a simple static device that survives remote duty.
Why Plate Air-to-Air Recovery
A plate exchanger gives high sensible effectiveness with no moving parts. For this clean exhaust stream, plate recovery is the lowest-maintenance choice. Rotary wheels were ruled out because mining duty favors separated, static recovery.
The EN159 Solution
EN159 BXB counter-flow plate modules were installed in the intake and exhaust ducts, 150,000 m3/h, 70 percent effectiveness, stainless plates for corrosion resistance.
Measured Results
- Recovered heat: about 1.6 MW
- Fresh air preheated from minus 30 C to plus 4 C
- Heating energy cut by 72 percent
- Estimated payback: 16 months
Compliance and Selection Notes
Static plate recovery, no rotation, no mixing. Suitable for clean exhaust; if dust is present, heat pipe or filtered plate is selected instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not a rotary wheel?
Mining exhaust can carry dust and freeze risk. A static plate or heat pipe avoids seal wear and cross-leakage.
What plate material is used?
Stainless or coated aluminium depending on exhaust corrosiveness. Cold-climate units use stainless for longevity.
Related Guides and Tools
Plate Heat Exchangers · Mine Ventilation Heat Recovery · Industrial Waste Heat Recovery · Mine Exhaust Heat Extraction Box · Contact EN159
Get a Site-Specific Recovery Estimate
Talk to an EN159 application engineer about your metal mine ventilation exhaust stream. Call 15753355505 or visit our contact page for a site-specific recovery estimate.