Portable Mine Refuge – MineSAFE Compact Design
The MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber is designed specifically for tight mining confines, such as single-entry development headings. This small, compact, portable refuge station is easy to manoeuvre and position around underground mine sites.
The Compact Design (CD) is designed for optimum autonomy. The chamber’s ELVP (extra-low-voltage-portable) control system means it can sit stand-alone for extended periods without requiring connection to mains (mine) power.
| Model | Occupancy | Height (m/inch) | Width (m/inch) | Length (m/inch) | Weight (kg/lb) |
| MS-CD1-04-ELVP-36 | 4-Person | 2 / 78.7″ | 2 / 78.7″ | 2 / 78.7″ | 2200 / 4900 |
| MS-CD2-06-ELVP-36 | 6-Person | 2 / 78.7″ | 2 / 78.7″ | 2.4 / 94.5″ | 2350 / 5200 |
| MS-CD3-08-ELVP-36 | 8-Person | 2 / 78.7″ | 2 / 78.7″ | 3 / 118″ | 2900 / 6400 |
- Aura-FX Fixed Gas Monitor
- 5mm Steel Plate Construction
- Blast Rating: 5psi
- CO & CO2 Scrubbing
- Breathable Air (O2) Supply
- 36hrs UPS Battery with Option to Upgrade
- Viewing Porthole
- Pre-packaged Chemical Cartridges
- ELVP (Extra-Low-Voltage-Portable) Controller
- Ergonomically Designed Seating
- Air Conditioning
- GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring
- Fully Flushing, Pressurised Airlock
- IT Hitch
- Scoop Frame
- Blast Rating Upgrade
- Blast Shield Protection
- Step Down Transformer
- Receptacle Plug
- Satellite UPS System
- Duration Upgrade
- First Aid Kit
- Carbon Monoxide Safety-Off-System>
- Positive Pressure Maintenance System
- Automated Oxygen Delivery System
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- 4 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 6 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 8 Person Refuge Chamber
Portable Mine Refuge – Virtual Tour
Portable Mine Refuge – Front View
The ‘face’ of the MineSAFE Compact Design is designed primarily for easy identification and quick access during an emergency. The strobe lighting, warning siren and reflective signage alert passers-by to the chamber’s location, whilst the rotating door handles provide simple, straight forward access to the safety of the interior.
Portable Mine Refuge – Interior View
Inside a MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber, a number of vital life-support systems combine to create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants. Systems include; primary and secondary air (oxygen) supplies, air conditioning systems, positive pressure systems, electrical systems, gas detection and a chemical scrubbing system.
The MineSAFE Compact Design uses active chemicals and MineARC’s ELV (extra-low-voltage) Scrubbing System to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide) from the air inside the refuge chamber.
Portable Mine Refuge – Rear View
A secure cabinet at the rear of the MineSAFE Compact Design houses the refuge chamber’s UPS battery back up (Uninterruptible Power Supply). The UPS is a fail-safe system that can power the refuge chamber’s internal life support systems for a minimum of 24hrs, should mine power become cut-off.
Also at the rear of the chamber is the Compressed Air Management System (CAMS), which allows regulated compressed air into the refuge chamber when the pressure inside drops below 200Pa. This process optimises mine air usage and guarantees against over-pressurisation of the refuge chamber.
CAMS’ gas toxicity monitor automatically diverts compressed air if oxygen levels in the airline fall below a set level (18% oxygen in free air), signifying air contamination. Additionally, the incorporated flood protection valve automatically shuts down compressed air to avoid catastrophic and costly chamber damage in the event of water ingress.
Comparison Table
| Name | Capacity * | Advanced Digital Control System ** | iVAN *** | Aura-FX Gas monitoring | Modular construction | Powerless Portable System **** | Air-conditioning | 36hrs Battery Backup | 5psi Blast Rating ***** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
8-30 | ||||||||
 |
4-8 | ||||||||
 |
8-30 | ||||||||
 |
8-26 | ||||||||
 |
12-32 | ||||||||
 |
30-500 |
- * Capacity Every refuge chamber 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.
- ** Advanced Digital Control System All refuge chambers with a Series IV Scrubbing System feature MineARC's unique Advanced Digital Control System.
- *** iVAN iVAN is an on-board navigation assistant that guides occupants through operational procedures.
- **** Powerless Portable System MineARC's Powerless Portable System means it can sit stand-alone for extended periods without requiring connection to mains (mine) power
- ***** 5psi Blast Rating MineARC offers blast rating upgrades to all refuge chambers.
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