Airlocks and Vestibules
Airlocks and Vestibules by MineARC are designed to act as a secure staging area between the safety of the refuge shelter and the outside environment; significantly reducing the threat of contaminants being brought into the refuge chamber on entry during an underground mine emergency.
MineARC offers a range of internal and external vestibule solutions designed to suit a wide variety of applications and entry requirements.
External Airlocks
External airlocks and vestibules are more suited to scenarios where direct access from an existing mine space or building door frame to the chamber is required. The airlock and vestibule can be custom-made to measure, ensuring an air-tight access point for personnel to move safely between site and the chamber during an emergency without the risk of exposure to external atmospheric hazards.
MineARC external airlocks and vestibules may also be retro-fitted to pre-exisiting chambers upon request.
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- Passive Airlock with PPFS
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- Passive Airlock
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- High Flow Airlock
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- Passive Airlock with BFS
The front of the airlock is designed for easy identification, and quick access during an emergency. The strobe lighting, warning siren and reflective signage alert passers-by to the permanent refuge shelter location, whilst the interlocking rotating door handles provide simple, straight forward access to the safety of the interior.
Two doors, six person, no flushing.
MineARC’s Passive Airlock for permanent refuge shelters provides protected passage into the refuge bay for up to six people at a time. To avoid the ingress of contamination, only one door can be opened at a time. Optional add-ons will further minimise the possibility of contaminants entering the refuge shelter.
Two doors, six person, Positive Pressure Flushing System.
MineARC’s Positive Pressure Flushing System (PPFS) ensures the out-flow of air; preventing the ingress of contaminants while the airlock doors are open for entry.
The PPFS provides high speed pressurisation and is activated prior to entry via a simple electric push-button system, during which, controlled quantities of air are released from cylinders located within the airlock.
Two doors, six person, Backup Flushing System.
MineARC’s Backup Flushing System (BFS) works in a similar way to the PPFS; preventing the ingress of contaminants while the airlock doors are open for entry.
The BFS is activated once inside the airlock via a simple electric push-button system, during which, controlled quantities of air are released from cylinders located within the airlock.
Two doors, six person, two automatic flushing curtains for fast entry.
MineARC’s High Flow Airlock allows for rapid entry into the permanent refuge shelter by multiple personnel at one time. Flushing curtains are located at both the entry and exit of the airlock and are activated by sudden internal pressure changes when the airlock doors are opened.
As shown in the diagram below, the continual stream of air in a downwards direction forces any toxins and contaminants out of the airlock as personnel pass through. The air curtains remain active until the doors have been closed, allowing for high-flow entry by multiple personnel at one time.
Internal Airlocks
MineARC internal airlocks and vestibules provide a neat, fully integrated solution. Designed as a structural modification to the chamber shell, the internal airlock/vestibule 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 chamber.
