Underground Mining Fan Stage Platform

Project: Underground Mining Fan Stage Platform

Location:  Perth, WA
Duration: 8 Months

CME Boilermaking Services approached McDowall Affleck to design a mobile fan stage platform to allow for safe installation and maintenance of a Clemcorp axial fan in underground mines. This was achieved through the design of adjustable saddles for supporting the fan on the frame, and two platform wings that fold in to allow for easy transport of the fan stage. The design also needed to be particularly robust to meet the demands of underground mining operations.

The design and draft of the mobile fan stage platform needed to have certification to AS3990 and rated capacity of 3986kg (for the fan) and 220kg (for the platforms).  Designing the fan stage for the rigors of working underground was tricky and with designing the platforms and ladders to fold inside the main frame for transport, also to include safety harness attachment points which slide into position.

We managed to overcome any issues having a collaborative approach with CME Boilermaking Services, who have vast experience in building and repairing underground mining equipment.

The design allows for a compact yet robust fan stage, allowing for installation and maintenance from both sides of the fan as required.  The robustness of the design minimises any damage which may occur during the operating life of the fan stage and easy setup of the fan stage with folding platforms and ladders reduces the preparation time required.