COMPANY:
Newmont Mines

Inflatable isolation bulkheads

Inflatable isolation bulkheads are used in the mining, energy production and manufacturing sectors to sequester portions of ventilation ducts and chimneys during maintenance and remediation procedures.
Inflatable isolation bulkheads

Back Ground

Newmont Mines
COMPANY:
Newmont Mines
LOCATION:
Tanami, Northern Territory, Australia

The Tanami mine, a testament to the mining industry’s adaptability, began as an open pit operation in 1983. It has since transformed into one of Australia’s most significant underground mines and is constructing a 1.5 km deep production shaft. Located 540 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs in the remote Tanami Desert, it operates in one of Australia’s most remote locations as a fly-in-fly-out operation. Its closest neighbour is the remote Aboriginal community of Yuendumu, 270 km away.

Challenge

The mine’s project engineers required a quick turnaround for a custom-fabricated square inflatable isolation bulkhead to be used during the mine’s maintenance project. The temporary bulkhead was to be placed in a 2.3-meter square horizontal shaft to protect both sides from dust and particles.

Giant Inflatables Industrial presented two potential solutions. While a 300 mm thick Matrix Web Wall was initially considered for its rigidity and faster turnaround time, the project engineers made a strategic decision to opt for a 750 mm thick, pin-baffled inflatable isolation bulkhead. This choice was based on its higher stability without tethering and the additional advantage of its relatively small size when deflated, making it easy to transport and store when not in use.

Inflatable isolation bulkheads
Inflatable Duct Cushion

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