Four-Person Refuge Chamber


Western Australia-based MineARC Systems announced the development of the 4HRM-PLP Four-Person Powerless Portable refuge chamber, designed to provide miners working in single entry headings with access to a safe and effective means of refuge in the event of an emergency. The 4HRM-PLP measures 1.5 m high x 1.8 m long x 1.8 m wide—easily loaded onto the back of a flat-bed truck and then transported to virtually any location. The unit can then be taken off the truck using an integrated tool-carrier and placed directly at the working face. The unit uses MineARC’s intrinsically safe (non-electrically powered) Scrubber/Air-Con System. The nonelectric scrubber removes carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from inside the refuge chamber, while also cooling the interior of the chamber via the air-con unit. The scrubber/ air-con requires no electrical power supply, eliminating the need for external electrical services to be supplied to the refuge chamber. According to the company, the 4HRM-PLP complies with WA Guidelines for Refuge Chambers in Underground Metalliferous Mines and was developed with the help of major mine operators, two of which have placed orders for the unit.

www.minearc.com

As featured in Womp 2009 Vol 07 - www.womp-int.com