Ventilation models simulate underground pressures and flows based on data entered by the user, however it is not common knowledge the accuracy of the results can vary widely through different parts of a model regardless of the accuracy of the data entered.
Depending on the structure of the ventilation system and the effect of natural ventilation pressures the results could vary significantly with only small input parameter changes.
Modelled regions of a mine often cause considerable concern with ventilation professionals when simulated data does not match measured data or critical ventilation areas fail to meet expectations after design and implementation.
This paper examines the causes of variability and inaccuracy in modelling results and where to expect lower confidence results in a ventilation system.
Methods to improve confidence through more robust ventilation design and contingency are also discussed. CITATION:Stewart, C M and Griffin, M D, 2019. Accuracy and confidence prediction in ventilation models, in Proceedings Australian Mine Ventilation Conference 2019, pp 369375 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).