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As mining refuge chambers become more commonplace as a safe haven for miners in the event of an underground crisis, Trolex has spent time developing intrinsically safe monitoring systems especially for these chambers.
Refuge chamber monitoring allows miners sheltering within to check conditions both inside and outside the chamber while awaiting rescue, and thus knowing whether it is safer to stay put or begin their escape.
Trolex offers both portable and fixed monitoring systems to suit requirements, and systems are flexible regarding which environmental conditions are monitored from a range of gases to temperature, humidity and pressure inside the main chamber.
In the fixed refuge chamber system, Trolex employs its intrinsically safe Sentro 8 and Sentro 1 integrated monitoring station with intelligent, inter-changeable sensing modules. A
Trolex, a world leader in gas detection, has developed intrinsically safe monitoring systems designed especially for use in refuge chambers.
master Sentro 8 system is located in the main safety chamber to monitor five gases plus temperature, humidity and pressure, and the secondary Sentro 8 system is located outside the chamber to measure four to seven gases plus relative pressure. Within the air lock or transition space before entering the main chamber there are two Sentro 1 gas detectors to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide. All equipment uses universal data communications with standard Modbus protocol. There are large LCD read-out displays and programmable visual and audible alarms and the entire system is capable of 106 hours operation from a UPS power supply.
Trolex has also produced a transportable refuge chamber monitoring system, the SentryTM. This stand-alone unit, also available with a frame for sturdy mounting on uneven terrain, is based on the proven Sentro 8 integrated monitoring station and features 8 monitoring modules for 5 gases. This self-contained unit has an integral carrying handle and a stainless steel skid panel base plate for protection and is immensely rugged.
Measuring 290mm high by 250mm wide and 190mm deep, this portable monitoring system weighs just 4.8Kg, is an intrinsically safe design with a protected power supply switch and provides up to 100 hours operation from a sealed removable lead acid battery pack.
In both the transportable and fixed systems, the data collected by the environmental monitoring system is displayed in the refuge chamber in real time, so miners know when it is safe to leave their temporary sanctuary.
Specialising in gas detection and gas monitoring systems, machine condition monitoring, environmental control and gas recovery monitoring systems, Trolex offers a wide range of control and display equipment to provide a complete mine-wide monitoring system.
Further information on portable and fixed refuge chamber monitoring systems is available from Trolex on 0161 483 1435, email [email protected] or by visiting the company’s website at www.trolex.com
