In response to client requirements for cost reductions, greater efficiency during servicing, and improved operational safety, MineARC have developed a suite of advanced refuge chamber technology, collectively known as MineARC’s GuardIAN Intelligence Network (GuardIAN).
Through real-time monitoring, communication, and system diagnostics, the product range offers significant cost-saving advantages to sites while taking industrial safety standards to the next level.
GuardIAN ensures peace of mind. It identifies faults or issues as they happen via an integrated network of proprietary technologies. These currently include the GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring (GuardIAN RCM), Aura-FX Digital Fixed Gas Monitoring (Aura-FX), MineARC Charger & Controller Systems, and the Compressed Air Management System (CAMS).
How Can Refuge Chamber Technology Improves Safety and Operations?
GuardIAN Intelligence efficiently manages your refuge chamber fleet via an intuitive system that will monitor your vital operating procedures, evaluate existing faults, and immediately alert you of the status.
Intuitively Improves Operational Safety
- Operational communication during emergency use
- Direct video and gas monitoring for evacuation planning
- Greater system automation for reduced risk of human error
- Centralised diagnostics and analysis of entire MineARC Refuge Chamber
- Programmable push email alerts for important refuge chamber events
- Voice prompting gas monitoring for chemical change-out and O2 regulation
- Air toxicity shut off prevents smoke and carbon monoxide ingress
- Increased monitoring ensures all critical components remain in the chamber
- Reduced ‘out-of-service’ time for all refuge chambers
Intelligently Reduces Operational Costs
- Reduced servicing time
- Real-time troubleshooting, reducing maintenance staff down-time
- Advanced maintenance planning
- Extended calibration periods for gas monitoring
- Reduced gas sensor replacement costs
- Extended sensor life
- Faster and easier sensor replacement
- Lower energy costs through the optimisation of mine air usage
- Flood protection, eliminating costly chamber refurbishment
- Reduction in replacement parts due to theft
- Reduced service kit costs
- Streamlined purchasing process
GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring
MineARC’s GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring is an exciting new development in refuge chamber technology.
GuardIAN RCM enables real-time monitoring, providing confidence that an operation’s fleet of refuge chambers are emergency ready at all times. GuardIAN RCM is an independent system that continuously monitors all vital refuge operating systems. GuardIAN RCM checks for component faults during standby mode and monitors refuge chamber usage or entry to the chamber.
GuardIAN RCM’s secure online interface is hosted on an internal server within the refuge chamber to require no client software installation. The responsive webpage is easily accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone. It features a summary of your entire refuge chamber fleet and overall operational status, with the ability to drill down to a detailed report of each chamber.
Other Major Features Include:
- Internal motion-activated IP camera to assist in evacuation planning
- Real-time recorded video streaming
- VOIP video phone for face-to-face communication between the refuge chamber and surface
- Links to the MineARC Digital Controller, streaming system data, event logging and fault diagnostics to the surface control room(s)
- Email alerts and notifications sent to designated personnel
Access More Resources
Aura-FX Digital Gas Monitoring
A vast improvement on current digital gas monitors (DGMs) on the market, Aura-FX provides a refuge chamber specific solution to gas monitoring.
Aura-FX can monitor up to 11 gases and temperatures individually. User-friendly, digital screens display information. When required, voice alarms prompt occupants to replace scrubbing chemicals or adjust oxygen supply levels within the refuge chamber.
When utilised as a part of the GuardIAN Intelligence Network, Aura-FX provides real-time gas monitoring data and analysis via the GuardIAN dashboard.
MineARC’s new Aura-FX Digital Gas Monitoring System is a proprietary fixed gas monitoring unit, designed specifically for use in MineARC refuge chambers and safe havens.
Other Major Features Include:
- Reduced calibration costs (12 months)
- Dedicated, reliable sensors, designed specifically for refuge chamber use
- Real-time gas monitoring with live analysis
- Intuitive scrolling digital display shows gas level trends
- Audible alarms and voice prompting
- Reduced risk of human error
Compressed Air Management System
Released to the market in 2015, the MineARC Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) is a dedicated air management unit explicitly designed for use in refuge chambers. The unique air management system monitors and regulates compressed air flow into the shelter.
When utilised as a part of the GuardIAN Intelligence Network, vital information relating to the integrity of the internal refuge chamber atmosphere is communicated in real-time via the GuardIAN dashboard. For example, an increase in CAMS activity would indicate a breach of the refuge chamber seal, thus alerting designated personnel that the chamber is compromised.
Other Major Features Include:
- Faster service time
- Flood Protection Valve for automatic mine air shut off in the event of water ingress
- Air toxicity monitoring and emergency shut off valve
- Optimisation of mine air usage, resulting in considerably reduced operational costs
- Security against over-pressurisation