The problem of automatic control of a coal mine ventilation network is discussed. It is found that the structure of the control sys- tem should have two levels, i.e. local regulation of ventilation para- meters (air flows) in faces to eliminate the effect of quick disturba- noes, and supervisory control of the whole ventilation process by pe- riodical modifications to the working characteristics of the main fans._x000D_
Practical and theoretical problems connected with implementation of the system in Polish mining are listed and discussed. To solve these prob- lems a series of experiments with air flow control in three different coal faces were carried-out with the aim of checking the measuring and control equipment in a real mine conditions as well as investigating the gasodynamics of the ventilation process. The results of the experi- ments are analysdd, and used to verify the mathematical model of the gasodynamics of a longwall face.