High Temperature Refuge Chamber
– TunnelSAFE ArcTIC

High Temperature Refuge Chambers have been designed to provide a refuge or safe haven for underground workers suddenly trapped in a hazardous environment in high temperature areas.

ArcTIC Chambers are custom engineered to withstand high temperatures from 100oC to 300oC, to fit up to 24 persons. 

ArcTIC Chamber – Front View

The ‘face’ of the ArcTIC Chamber 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 electromagnetic lock provides push button access to the safety of the interior. Offset hollow door handles on the thick insulated door ensure minimal heat transfer.

ArcTIC Chamber – Interior View

Inside an ArcTIC 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, cooling systems, positive pressure systems, electrical systems, gas detection and a chemical scrubbing system.

Cooling systems can include thermal ice storage (700L – 2000L), refrigerative air conditioning, air vents, thick insulation panels (70mm – 200mm), plus water storage for high pressure misting (1200L – 2400L non-potable water).

The ArcTIC Chamber uses active chemicals and MineARC’s ELVP (extra-low-voltage-portable) Scrubbing System to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and CO (Carbon Monoxide) from the air inside the refuge chamber.

ArcTIC Chamber – Rear

A secure cabinet at the rear of the ArcTIC Chamber 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 (custom durations available), 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.

Custom engineered ArcTIC Chambers feature evaporative pre-cooling pads lower air temperature before ingress by the evaporative air conditioning unit. The high pressure misting systems, with misting nozzles over the insulated chamber roof and side panels, cool the chamber exterior.

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