Modular Refuge Chamber – MineSAFE Modular Design
The MineSAFE Modular Design Refuge Chamber range is engineered specifically to accommodate tight underground mining confines and sites with restricted access, while still providing sufficient internal space to comply with international best practice refuge chamber guidelines. The range is designed to be easily manoeuverable around sharp corners and within tight mine shafts; it’s modular construction means each section can fit within a cage and then be fully assembled underground.
The Modular Design (MD) mine refuge chamber provides personnel with optimum safety features, functionality and performance.
Assembly of a MineSAFE Modular Design Refuge Chamber is a simple process that can take place on-site once all sections have been transported underground. Each section of the refuge chamber features a heavy duty flange arrangement, allowing the chamber to bolt together easily once a seal has been applied. MineARC’s user-friendly electrical system features a plug-and- lay connection between each modular section to make a fully functioning emergency refuge chamber.
Standard configurations of the MineSAFE Modular Design Refuge Chamber are available based on occupancy – from 12 to 32 people- however it’s dimensions and rated occupancy can be custom-engineered to site specifications, without compromising on safety or performance. Each section of the refuge chamber features forklift slots and lifting lugs for easy transportation around the mine site.
| Model | Occupancy | Front-08 | Centre-04 | Centre-08 | Centre-10 | Rear-04 |
| MS-SDM-12-SIV-36 | 12-Person | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| MS-SDM-16-SIV-36 | 16-Person | 1 | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| MS-SDM-20-SIV-36 | 20-Person | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| MS-SDM-30-SIV-36 | 30-Person | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 |
- Aura-FX Fixed Gas Monitor
- Modular Design for Tight Confines
- Skid Base with Additional Forklift Slots and Lugs
- 5mm Steel Plate Construction
- Blast Rating: 5psi
- CO & CO2 Scrubbing
- Breathable Air (O2) Supply
- Air Conditioning
- 36hrs UPS Battery with Option to Upgrade
- Compressed Air Management System (CAMS)
- Viewing Porthole
- Pre-packaged Chemical Cartridges
- Advanced Digital Controller
- i.V.A.N
- Ergonomically Designed Seating
- GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring
- Fully Flushing, Pressurised Airlock
- Special Dimensions and Configurations
- Duration Upgrade
- Blast Rating Upgrade
- Blast Shield Protection
- Step Down Transformer
- Receptacle Plug
- Internal LCD Monitors
- Satellite UPS System
- First Aid Kit
- Carbon Monoxide Safety-Off-System
- Positive Pressure Maintenance System
- Automated Oxygen Delivery System
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- 12 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 16 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 20 Person Refuge Chamber
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- 30 Person Refuge Chamber
Hard Rock Refuge Modular – Virtual Tour
Modular Refuge Chamber – Front View
The ‘face’ of the refuge station 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.
On roof of chamber.
112 dBA motion activated siren to allow for easy location of the refuge chamber in an emergency.
Extra low voltage green and red LED lighting to allow for easy identification of the refuge chamber in an emergency.
Safety and operational signage in reflective stickering for high visibility underground. Translation into a second language available.
12mm porthole viewing window, compliant with Australian Standard 2208. Blast shield protection available upon request.
High durability white paint for underground visibility. Sand blasted to 2.5 grit.
Fire extinguisher for external use only. Optional for non-Australian orders (supplied separately as Dangerous Goods).
Fire blanket with BSI certification (AS/NZ S 3504) located inside chamber.
Outward opening door, featuring double locking rotating handles. The vacuum tested seal maintains a positive internal pressure.
The skid base provides ease of mavoeuvrability, featuring 250 x 100mm forklift slots, front and rear mounted tow points and front mounted 25mm steel plate push blocks.
Modular Refuge Chamber - Interior View
Inside a MineSAFE Modular 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 chamber features a MineARC Series IV Controller; the most advanced safe-refuge technology, anywhere in the world.
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.
8watt fluorescent interior lighting is featured within the chamber.
Air conditioning is vital to combat the potentially fatal effects of heat stress, caused by the occupant’s metabolic activity, as well as any ambient heat.
Monitor vital chamber life support systems remotely via MineARC’s optional GuardIAN system.
Minimum capacity based on G-size cylinder (8,580L). Medical grade oxygen cylinders to be provided by end user.
MineARC’s MARCISORB CO2 and MARCISORB CO cartridges provide superior scrubbing capacity, are easy to load, safe to handle, and can store for long periods.
The digital controller interface is the operational hub of the refuge chamber. From here, all power, lighting & scrubbing systems can be managed with the push of a button.
The MineARC Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) is a dedicated air management unit designed specifically for MineARC Refuge Chambers.
Operating procedures are located on the wall of the refuge chamber, as well as within hardcopy manuals. Operating procedures can be translated into a second language.
Inward opening with neoprene memory seal. Accessible internally and externally.
The military approved Oxygen candle provides 2,600L of breathable air during 60 minutes of ignition. Candle is an optional feature for most countries, and must be shipped separately.
Real-time gas monitoring with live analysis and voice prompting. Monitor up to 11 gases at any one time.
The MineSAFE Standard Design uses active chemicals and MineARC’s patented Series IV scrubbing system to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 and CO from the chamber.
Ample storage room located under seating and within Series IV Scrubber cabinet.
MineARC seating is ergonomically designed to provide suitable comfort during entrapment. Made from durable, hard wearing fabric, the seating provides 500mm of space per person.
Non slip, removable flooring is featured throughout the refuge chamber.
Modular Refuge Chamber - Rear View
A secure cabinet at the rear of the MineSAFE Modular 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.
The MineARC Compressed Air Management System (CAMS) is a dedicated air management unit designed specifically for MineARC Refuge Chambers.
Communications box for internal communications port via wall mounted ‘J’ box. External antenna is fitted to front of chamber.
Air conditioning is vital to combat the potentially fatal effects of heat stress, caused by the occupant’s metabolic activity, as well as any ambient heat.
36 hour emergency backup power supply, with further options available for up to 96 hours (POA).
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 ***** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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8-30 | ||||||||
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4-8 | ||||||||
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8-30 | ||||||||
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8-26 | ||||||||
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12-32 | ||||||||
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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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