One of Diavik’s main focuses was to bring the mine, located in the Northwest Territories in Canada, up to date with the latest modern equipment capable of being monitored from the surface. In addition to meeting this requirement, the Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) would provide significant cost savings by minimising compressor run times and isolating compressed air should the air become contaminated.
After reviewing the CAMS’s advantages, Diavik decided to purchase several installed units in their MineARC Refuge Chambers in 2016. In addition, Diavik is training its personnel on how CAMS works and how to operate CAMS during an emergency.
Better Compressed Air for Refuge Chambers
The Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) is a breathable air system unique to the market, offering various features to reduce running costs and improve operational safety during an emergency.
Some of the additional advantages the CAMS has are:
- Optimisation of mine air usage, resulting in considerably reduced operational costs.
- Five times faster servicing than the current standard due to quick release fittings
- Air toxicity monitoring and emergency shut off valve.
- Security against over-pressurization
- Unique quick-release bayonet clipping system, eliminating the need to screw in filter elements and housings
- Flood protection valve for automatic mine air shut off in the event of water ingress.
The longtime relationship between Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. and MineARC Systems continues to grow. Keith Darnell, Service Manager MineARC America, had the opportunity to introduce the MineARC Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) for refuge chambers to Brody Walker, Diavik Underground Electrical Instrumentation Planner/ Scheduler.