Mining Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Perm, Russia)
A. A. Baryakh, Research Supervisor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
Institute of Humanitarian Research, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Perm, Russia)
A. V. Chernykh, Director, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Historical Sciences
A. Yu. Nikolaeva, Junior Researcher, ibraginskij77@gmail.com
This article, drawing on a wide range of sources, examines the evolution of ventilation systems at Ural mining plants from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. It demonstrates that in the initial stages of development, with shallow workings, natural ventilation predominated. As mines deepened and coal production increased in the 19th century, the need for artificial ventilation arose. Sources indicate that mechanisms such as ventilation furnaces, braziers, and later mechanical devices–centrifugal fans designed by A. A. Sablukov, electric exhausters, and compressors–were gradually introduced at Ural mines. Particular attention is paid to the problem of explosions and fires during underground mining. Sources indicate that fires in the Kizelovsky mines resulted in numerous casualties. The Mining Journal contains a detailed analysis of attempts to improve mine ventilation, experiments with personal respirators, and provides important information about the first uses of rescue respirators at the Kizelovsky mines, used to save people from suffocation. It is noted that, starting in the 1890s, mine ventilation requirements were legally enshrined in the Mining Code. The Ural experience contributed to the development of a scientific approach to mine aerology and the advancement of underground mining.
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