A brattice is a physical barrier installed in mine workings to force fresh air into specific areas, such as a blind heading or an active coal face. It is typically constructed from heavy, fire-resistant cloth hung from the roof, though rigid materials like wood or concrete block are used for permanent installations. Proper placement prevents intake air from short-circuiting directly into the return airway.
Hang some brattice cloth across that crosscut so we can push more air up to the continuous miner.
Also heard as
- brattice cloth
- line brattice
Related terms
Bratticer
A specialized mine worker responsible for installing and maintaining ventilation partitions.
Airway
Any underground gallery, drift, or shaft designated specifically for routing ventilation air through a mine.
Stopping
A solid wall or partition built across a mine passage to control ventilation airflow.
Overcast
An enclosed bridge built to allow one ventilation air current to cross over another without mixing.