Chamber for High Seam Mines
- CoalSAFE IHS Design
The CoalSAFE International High Seam (IHS) Refuge Chamber has been designed in consultation with the world’s leading coal mining companies and regional mining authorities to best suit the underground coal mining environment. Refined over a number of years, the CoalSAFE IHS Refuge Chamber’s intrinsically safe (IS) design provides coal mining personnel with optimum safety features, functionality and performance.
The CoalSAFE International High Seam Refuge Chamber features an innovative, intrinsically safe life-support system that is unique to MineARC Systems; providing both powerless CO/CO2 scrubbing and airconditioning. Utilising a sequential operating procedure, the intrinsically safe system can be activated in less than 60 seconds during a coal mining emergency.
The CoalSAFE International High Seam Refuge Chamber can be custom designed to client specifications, but typically features 12, 16 and 20 person configurations. Special transport configurations include narrow builds specifically tailored for shaft mines or modular builds, allowing a complete refuge chamber to be split into smaller sections before being transported and then reassembled underground.
- Intrinsically Safe Design
- Blast Rating: 5psi
- CO & CO2 Scrubbing
- Breathable Air (O2) Supply
- Fully Flushing, Internal Airlock
- Air Conditioning
- 48hrs Standalone Operation with Option to Upgrade
- Viewing Porthole
- Gas Monitoring
- In-built Cylinder Storage
- Cyalume Light Sticks
- Special Dimensions and Configurations
- Duration Upgrade
- Blast Shield Protection
- Blast Rating Upgrade
- Thermal Insulation
- Compressed Air Filtration System
- Intrinsically Safe Strobe Light
- Wheel and Tow Package
- Reinforced Attachment Points
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- 12 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 16 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 20 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 24 Person Refuge Chamber
Chamber for High Seam Mines – Front View
The ‘face’ of the CoalSAFE International High Seam Refuge Chamber is designed primarily for easy identification and quick access during a coal mining emergency. The reflective signage alerts passers-by to the refuge chamber’s location, whilst the interlocking rotating door handles provide simple, straight forward access to the safety of the interior airlock.
The CoalSAFE has been engineered to ensure ease of transport and robust design. Constructed from explosion resistant steel plate with external support wraps and surround package as standard, the refuge can withstand in excess of 5psi overpressure with no permanent damage. Push points, forklift slots and towing and lifting eyes are provided top and bottom on front and rear.
High durability white paint for underground visibility. Sand blasted to 2.5 grit.
Air vent valve, protected.
Safety and operational signage in reflective stickering for high visibility underground. Translation into a second language available.
The skid base provides ease of mavoeuvrability, featuring 250 x 100mm forklift slots, front and rear mounted tow points and front mounted 25mm steel plate push blocks.
Protected warning signals include air powered trumpet siren and battery flasher warning light.
Double locking, rotating handles.
12mm porthole viewing window, compliant with Australian Standard 2208. Blast shield protection available upon request.
Outward opening door, featuring double locking rotating handles. The vacuum tested seal maintains a positive internal pressure.
Chamber for High Seam Mines – Airlock
A major feature of the CoalSAFE International High Seam Refuge Chamber is a fully pressurised internal airlock, designed to act as a secure staging area between the hazardous outside environment and the enclosed protection of the refuge chamber. The airlock features a pneumatic flushing system that ensures the outflow of air; preventing the ingress of contaminants while the door is open for entry.
Integrated into the main shell of the CoalSAFE Refuge Chamber, the internal airlock provides a seamless entry way into the main chamber, while retaining portability of the unit as a whole. This also ensures coherent structural integrity and protection across the refuge chamber. MineARC offers a range of airlock options and custom features, dependent on site specifications and requirements.
Chamber for High Seam Mines - Interior View
Inside the MineARC CoalSAFE International High Seam Refuge Chamber, a number of vital systems combine to create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants.
The MARCis intrinsically safe Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Scrubbing System does not require any electrical power to operate. The active chemical scrubbing system is designed to clean the air of these harmful gases and toxins that build up over time within a sealed, occupied environment. In addition, the MARCis incorporates a non-electrical air conditioning system that both cools and dehumidifies the refuge chamber.
Utilising a sequential operating procedure, MARCis can be activated in less than 60 seconds during an emergency.
MineARC seating is ergonomically designed to provide suitable comfort during entrapment. Made from durable, hard wearing fabric, the seating provides 500mm of space per person.
To maintain the internal atmosphere of the CoalSAFE, the MARCis incorporates a nonelectrical air conditioning system that both cools and dehumidifies the refuge.
Operating procedures are located on the wall of the refuge chamber, as well as within hardcopy manuals. Operating procedures can be translated into a second language.
The MARCis (Intrinsically Safe) scrubbing system does not require electrical power to operate. The system scrubs the air of CO and CO2 build up.
Chamber for High Seam Mines - Rear View
Lifting lugs on all four corners of the chamber.
High durability white paint for underground visibility. Sand blasted to 2.5 grit.
Inward opening; accessible internally and externally, with neoprene memory seal.
The skid base provides ease of mavoeuvrability, featuring 250 x 100mm forklift slots, front and rear mounted tow points and front mounted 25mm steel plate push blocks.
Safety and operational signage in reflective stickering for high visibility underground. Translation into a second language available.
Air Vent & Check Valve
Tabla Comparativa
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Capacity *
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Intrinsically Safe System **
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MSHA Compliant *** |
48hr Duration | 96hr Duration | 5psi Blast Resistance | 15psi Blast Resistance | Low Seam Construction | High Seam Construction | |
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12-20 | ||||||||
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12-24 | ||||||||
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8-20 | ||||||||
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12-24 | ||||||||
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8-30 |
- * Capacity Every safe haven is built with a certain rated occupancy in mind. The life support systems are designed to safely house this number of people for the designated duration..
- ** Intrinsically Safe System CoalSAFE Refuge Chambers do not require any electrical power to operate..
- *** MSHA Compliant Certain CoalSAFE models are approved in the United States by the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training and are built to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) federal regulations '30 CFR Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines'.