Transporting and manoeuvring a refuge chamber can be a rather technical task, especially when considering it’s size and weight – not to mention the confines of a mine decline. The physical limitations of a shaft, such as diameter and design, will not only be a factor in determining the size of the refuge chamber required, but also how the chamber will move into it’s final resting place.
Every mine is unique; with its own established mode of transportation for moving a refuge chamber and other infrastructure around the mine.
This can play a vital role in determining which transport accessories must be included with a new refuge chamber. In this article, we’ll discuss the various options MineARC offers to suit transportation and mine practicalities.
IT Hitch:
Compact Design Chambers can be upgraded to include an IT hitch, enabling easy lifting by an integrated tool carrier. Available only for 4 and 6 person chamber models due to weight restrictions, the hitch adds another element of manoeuvrability to the portable design.
Lifting Lugs:
Lifting lugs are included on all MineARC Chambers. A thick plate below the lifting lug is added for increased strength and to spread the load across the chamber. The lifting lugs are welded to these plates and the ring can swivel 180 degrees to be used when transporting with a crane, which allows the chamber to be suspended during transport. This option can also be used in conjunction with the chamber’s skid pads when slinging the chamber down a mine shaft.
Skid Pads:
This transport accessory is placed along the bottom of a refuge chamber and allows for the chamber to be dragged to it’s final location.
Forklift Slots:
Placed on the majority of chambers, this transport accessory is mainly used in the collection and delivery of chambers to and from site.
Wheel and Tow Kit:
The Wheel & Tow Kit is a retrofit upgrade enabling the chambers to be easily towed around site and manoeuvred into position, without the need for dragging along the ground or use of lifting machinery. The Wheel & Tow Kit is a simple and cost effective way to convert a unit into a portable refuge chamber. Once the Wheel & Tow Kit is installed, it can remain on the chamber without compromising the operation or use of the chamber.
For small chambers, the Wheel & Tow Kit incorporates a standalone trailer with integrated platform, onto which the chamber is loaded. For larger chambers, the Wheel & Tow Kit includes a Dolly Pair, and Tow Platform. All systems are bolt-on upgrades, and include integrated steps, levelling stands, and wheel chocks as standard. Brakes are available as an optional upgrade.
Scoop Frame:
Compact Design Chambers can be upgraded to include a ‘scoop’ or ‘bogger’ frame, designed to enable easy transportation via an integrated tool carrier or front-end loader. Available only for 4 and 6 person chamber models due to weight restrictions, the scoop frame adds another element of manoeuvrability to the portable design.
Along with the above mentioned transport methods, larger chambers can be ordered as modular units; allowing smaller sections to be transported underground before being assembled in place. By doing this, it allows personnel to navigate site confines more easily.
To find out more about which transportation accessory will best suit your needs, feel free to contact us for more information.