UGOPS-Hard Rock Refuge – MineSAFE Standard Design

In consultation with the world’s leading mining companies and regional mining authorities, the MineSAFE Standard Design Refuge Chamber for underground mines has been continuously re-engineered and refined to create a world-leading hard rock refuge station solution that is fully integrated with today’s modern mining environment.

The Standard Design (SD) chamber provides personnel with optimum safety features, functionality and performance, and complies with internationally recognised refuge chamber guidelines.

As the leading global refuge station manufacturer, MineARC has designed the MineSAFE Standard Design to provide a high level of durability and manoeuvrability, both above and below ground.

Hard Rock Refuge – Virtual Tour

Hard Rock Refuge – Front View

The ‘face’ of the MineSAFE Standard 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.

Hard Rock Refuge – Interior View

Inside a MineSAFE Standard 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 Standard Design uses MineARC’s unique voice activated Series IV electrical scrubbing system in conjunction with MARCISORB chemicals to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide) from the air inside the refuge chamber.

Hard Rock Refuge – Rear View

A secure cabinet at the rear of the MineSAFE Standard 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 36hrs, 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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