Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02577554 2013-08-13
64725-1056
MINE REFUGE
[0001] .-
FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to a refuge and
more particularly to a refuge for use in underground mines.
BACKGROUND
- [0003] Underground mines possess inherent dangers to
miners working in the mine. For one, air quality in
underground mines is often threatened by gases released into
the mine from the mined geological formation(s), and dust is
typically created by equipment used during the mining process.
Other occurrences, such as explosions and fires, also may.
compromise air quality. As a result, underground mines are
equipped with air ventilation systems which draw fresh air
into the mine to 'dilute and remove potentially harmful gases
(e.g., methane) and dust. Accordingly, fresh outside air is
circulated through the mine to bring breathable air to the
miners and to remove the gases and dust from the mine.
[0004] The safety of the miners in the mine can be -
threatened if the ventilation system fails to adequately
ventilate the mine due to an emergency. When mine ventilation
systems fail, miners in the mine are typically evacuated from
the mine until proper ventilation can be restored. However,
the miners can be placed in peril if they are unable to
quickly exit the mine. For example, the miners' exit route
may be blocked by fire, smoke, or debris, or the miners may be
too disoriented or too injured to escape. Miners trapped in
1
CA 02577554 2013-08-13
64725-1056
an underground mine without breathable air can find themselves
at great risk of substantial injury or even death.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, there is provided a mine
refuge for use in a mine comprising: a chamber sized and shaped
for occupancy by at least one miner; an oxygen supply adapted
to be installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the
chamber; and a carbon dioxide reduction system adapted to be
installed in the chamber for reducing carbon dioxide in the
chamber, the carbon dioxide reduction system being operable in
the mine without an electrical power source, said carbon
dioxide reduction system comprising a carbon dioxide absorbent
material, a blower, and a source of pressurized gas for=
operating the blower to move air in the chamber to said carbon
dioxide absorbent material for absorption of carbon dioxide in
the air.
[0005a] In another aspect, there is provided a mine =
refuge for use in a mine comprising: a chamber sized and shaped
for occupancy by at least one miner; an oxygen supply adapted
to be installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the
chamber; and a carbon dioxide reduction system adapted to be
installed in the chamber for reducing carbon dioxide in the
chamber, the carbon dioxide reduction system being operable in
the mine without an electrical power source; and a plurality of
wall members, a base and a roof, the wall members, roof, and
base cooperatively defining the chamber, wherein the wall
members are hingedly connected to the base.
[0005b] In still another aspect, there is provided a
mine refuge for use in a mine comprising: a chamber sized and
= 2
CA 02577554 2013-08-13
64725-1056
shaped for occupancy by at least one miner; an oxygen supply
adapted to be installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to
the chamber; and a carbon dioxide reduction system adapted to
be installed in the chamber for reducing carbon dioxide in the
chamber, the carbon dioxide reduction system being operable in
the mine without an electrical power source; a plurality of
wall members, a base and a roof, the wall members, roof, and
base cooperatively defining the chamber; and at least one crush
zone, each crush zone including a telescoping member adapted
for movement upon impact so that the impact is directed away
from the oxygen supply.
[0005c] In a further aspect, there is provided a
mine refuge for use in a mine comprising: a chamber sized and
shaped for occupancy by at least one miner; an oxygen supply
adapted to be installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to
the chamber; and a carbon dioxide reduction system adapted to
be installed in the chamber for reducing carbon dioxide in the
chamber, the carbon dioxide reduction system being operable in
the mine without an electrical power source, wherein carbon
dioxide is forced throughthe carbon dioxide reduction system
by oxygen from the oxygen supply.
[0006] In another aspect, a mine refuge for use in a
mine comprises a chamber sized and shaped for occupancy by at
least one miner and adapted to be substantially sealed. An
oxygen supply is installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen
to the chamber. A breathable air supply is installed in the
chamber for supplying a steady flow of breathable air and for
positively pressurizing the chamber to inhibit entry of
contaminated mine air into the chamber.
2a
CA 02577554 2013-10-08
64725-1056
[0007] In yet another aspect, a mine refuge for use
in a mine comprises a chamber sized and shaped for occupancy by
at least one occupant. A breathable air supply is adapted to
be installed in the chamber for supplying breathable air to the
at least one occupant of the chamber and to positively
pressurize the chamber. A carbon dioxide reduction system is
adapted for installation in the chamber for reducing carbon
dioxide in the chamber produced by the chamber occupants. A
regulator for the breathable air supply is adjustable to
selectively adjust the amount of air supplied to the chamber
based on the number of occupants in the chamber so that a
sufficient amount of breathable air is supplied to each
occupant for breathing and for maintaining the chamber at a
positive pressure to inhibit entry of contaminated mine air
into the chamber.
[0008] In still another aspect, a mine refuge for
use in a mine comprises a chamber sized and shaped for
occupancy by at least one occupant, an oxygen supply for
supplying oxygen
2b
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
,
to the chamber, and a carbon dioxide reduction system for
reducing carbon dioxide in the chamber. An explosion proof
box is mounted on the refuge.
[0009] Various refinements exist of the features noted in
relation to the above-mentioned aspects of the present
invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the
above-mentioned aspects of the present invention as well.
These refinements and additional features may exist
individually or in any combination. For instance, various
features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated
embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into
any of the above-described aspects of the present invention,
alone or in any combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of
a mine refuge of the present invention;
[0011] Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the mine refuge;
[0012] Fig. 3A is a front elevation of the mine refuge
with a door in a closed position;
[0013] Fig. 3B is the same view as Fig. 3A but with the
door in an opened position;
[0014] Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view
of an emergency exit window in the mine refuge;
[0015] Fig. 4A is a side elevation of the mine refuge
similar to Fig. 2 but showing another configuration of a
window;
[0016] Fig. 5 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1
except portions of the refuge have been broken away to show an
interior chamber of the mine refuge;
[0017] Fig. 5A is a perspective view similar to Fig. 5
but showing the refuge with a second door;
[0018] Fig. 5B is a perspective view similar to Fig. 5A
but showing the second door in an open position;
[0019] Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a
telescoping tube of a energy absorbing system;
3
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0020] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a refuge having
cross-formed roof panels;
[0021] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the mine refuge
having a protective pipe cage surrounding the refuge;
[0022] Fig. 9 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 8 but
metal plates are shown supported by the pipe cage;
[0023] Fig. 10A is a fragmentary perspective view of the
chamber showing a toilet in a stowed position;
[0024] Fig. 10B is a fragmentary perspective similar to
FIG. 10A but showing the toilet in a ready for use position;
[0025] Fig. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view similar
to FIG. 10A but showing another embodiment of a toilet;
[0026] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an oxygen supply
system;
[0027] Fig. 13 is an elevation view of a muffler for the
oxygen supply system;
[0028] Fig. 14A is an enlarged elevation view of a
portion of the mine refuge showing gauges for the oxygen
supply system being visible through a window in the mine
refuge;
[0029] Fig. 14B is an enlarged elevation view similar to
Fig. 7A but showing the gauges for the oxygen supply system
being visible from within the interior of the mine refuge;
[0030] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the mine refuge
with portions broken away to show a carbon dioxide reduction
system;
[0031] Fig. 16A is an enlarged perspective view of a
housing for a timer for the scrubber system;
[0032] Fig. 16B is an enlarged perspective view of the
scrubber system timer located in the housing;
[0033] Figs. 17 and 18 are schematics of a carbon dioxide
reduction system that is powered by the oxygen supply system;
[0034] Fig. 19 is a schematic of another embodiment of a
carbon dioxide reduction system that is powered by the oxygen
supply system;
4
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0035] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of another
embodiment of a mine refuge having an airlock;
[0036] Fig. 21 is an elevation view of a back wall of a
refuge of another embodiment having an explosion proof
container;
[0037] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a collapsible
embodiment of a mine refuge being in a collapsed condition;
[0038] Fig. 23 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 15
but showing one side wall of the collapsible mine refuge
erected;
[0039] Fig. 24 is a perspective of the collapsible mine
refuge with two side walls erected;
[0040] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the collapsible
mine refuge with the two side walls and an end wall erected;
[0041] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the collapsible
mine refuge with the two side walls, the end wall, and a roof
of the mine refuge erected;
[0042] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the collapsible
mine refuge in an erected condition;
[0043] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of another
embodiment of a collapsible mine refuge in a collapsed
position;
[0044] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the collapsible
mine refuge having a hand crank attached for raising the mine
refuge;
[0045] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the refuge of
Fig. 29 showing the hand crank being used to raise the
collapsed mine refuge;
[0046] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the collapsible
mine refuge in an erected position;
[0047] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a skid containing
materials for erecting a mine refuge;
[0048] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a chamber formed
by sealing off a portion of a mine, parts of the mine are cut
away to expose the chamber; and
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0049] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of still another
embodiment of a refuge having a cooling water tank.
[0050] Corresponding reference characters indicate
corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] Referring to Figs. 1-33, a mine refuge, indicated
generally at 10, for use in an underground mine is adapted to
receive and provide breathable air and shelter to miners in
the event of a mine emergency. The refuge 10 may be placed in
the underground mine M in close proximity to areas of the mine
in which miners are likely to be located (e.g., a face of the
mine, mine transit ways). As a result, the refuge 10 can be
quickly and easily accessed by miners should conditions in the
mine M warrant such action. For example, miners at the face
of the mine M (or elsewhere in the mine) may enter the refuge
should the air quality in the mine deteriorate and the
miners are unable to safely exit the mine through mine
passageways. It is to be understood that numerous refuges can
be placed in a single underground mine so that miners working
at various locations or traveling through the mine can quickly
and easily access one of the refuges. In short, the refuge 10
can be used to provide safe harbor to miners that are trapped
in the underground mine M.
[0052] The mine refuge 10 comprises side walls 12A, 12B,
a front wall 14, a back wall 16, a roof 18, and a floor 20
(broadly, "a base"). In the illustrated embodiment, the walls
12A, 12B, 14, 16, roof 18, and floor 20 are sufficiently
robust to withstand rigorous duty within the mine M,
especially in coal mines. In the illustrated embodiment, for
example, the walls 12A, 12B, 14, 16, roof 18, and floor 20
include a plurality of steel plates welded together to form
the refuge 10. It is to be understood that the walls, roof,
and floor can have different sized steel plate than those
disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this
6
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
invention or be made from other types of robust material
besides steel plates.
[0053] As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the front wall 14
includes a doorway 22 for entry into the refuge 10 by miners
(e.g., in the case of a mine emergency). A door 24 is
hingedly mounted to the front wall 14 of the refuge 10
adjacent the doorway 22. In the illustrated embodiment, three
hinges 26 are used to mount the door 24 but it is to be
understood that more or fewer hinges could be used. The door
24 is selectively pivotable about the hinges 26 relative to
the refuge 10 between a closed position (Fig. 3A) wherein the
door engages the front wall 14 of the refuge around the
doorway 22, and an open position (Fig. 3B) wherein the door is
swung outwardly away from the refuge for allowing miners to
enter and exit the refuge. The outwardly swinging door is
more resistant to failure caused by high pressures, which may
be present in a mine (e.g., pressures caused by an explosion
in the mine). It is understood that the door 24 could
alternatively be mounted in the doorway 22 such that the door
swings inwardly into the refuge.
[0054] The door 24 (and more generally the refuge 10) is
generally air-tight so that the refuge can be operated under
positive pressure, as further described below. To this end, a
rubber seal 28 is preferably attached to the door for sealing
against the front wall 14 all around the doorway 22 when the
door is closed. Handles 30, which are operatively attached to
a latching mechanism (not shown) used to releasably latch the
door 24 in the closed position, are mounted on each side of
the door so that the door can be opened from either outside or
inside the refuge 10.
[0055] With reference to Figs. 1, 3B, and 5, each of the
walls 12A, 12B, 14, 16 of this embodiment includes at least
one window 32 for allowing visual observation into and out of
the refuge 10. More specifically, the front wall 14 and each
of the side walls 12A, 12B includes two windows 32 and the
back wall 16 includes a single window. The windows 32 may be
7
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
made of "wire glass" or another strong, transparent material.
It is to be understood that the refuge could have more or
fewer windows, including no windows, and that the windows can
be arranged in different configurations than those illustrated
herein. It is also to be understood that the windows can have
different shapes and sizes than those illustrated herein.
[0056] As shown in Fig. 4, suitable seals or gaskets 34
are provided around each of the windows 32. In one
embodiment, the gasket 34 around at least one (or all) of the
windows 32 is an emergency exit rubber gasket, similar to that
used on buses and trains. In the illustrated embodiment, for
example, each of the windows 32 in the side walls 12A, 12B and
the back wall 16 are prepared as emergency exits. The windows
32 prepared as emergency exits include an emergency handle 36
that can be pulled to pull out a 'key' strip that holds the
rubber gasket 34 tight against the glass and window frame so
that the glass can be removed. Emergency exits are useful,
for example, in the event of a mine roof R fall or if the
doorway 22 is otherwise impassable. The window openings are
large enough to allow the miners to exit through the window
opening. It is also contemplated that a second door (not
shown) can be installed in the refuge to provide a secondary
or emergency exit.
[0057] The mine refuge 10 shown in Fig 4A includes
smaller windows 32' that are able to withstand greater
pressures than those illustrated in the previous figures. For
example, the windows 32' of this configuration can withstand
pressures of 15 psi or greater without failing. The windows
32' are installed in the refuge 10 in a manner similar to how
a windshield is installed in an automobile. More specifically,
the window 32' is slightly larger than the opening in the
refuge so that a periphery of the window overlaps the opening.
The window 32' is retained by Z-shaped members and is set in
RTV silicone rubber.
[0058] In another configuration (Figs. 5A and 5B), the
mine refuge 10 includes a second door 25 mounted in a doorway
8
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
23 in the back wall 16. The second door 25 is substantially
the same as the door 24 mounted to the front wall 14 of the
refuge 10 except that the second door swings inwardly into the
refuge. The second door 25 swings inwardly so that if
pressure is greater in the mine than in the refuge, the door
can be readily opened without having to overcome the mine
pressure. The inwardly swinging door 25 also facilitates a
better seal, therefore making it easier to maintain a positive
pressure within the refuge 10. Positively pressurizing the
refuge 10 is described in more detail below. The second door
25 can provide a secondary entrance into and exit from the
refuge 10 or can provide an emergency exit from the refuge,
e.g., in case of a roof collapse.
[0059] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the illustrated
refuge 10 is mounted on a mine duty skid 38 suitable for
repeated dragging or transporting to various locations in the
mine M, e.g., to follow the workers as the face of the mine is
advanced. The refuge 10 includes two hitches 40: one of the
hitches is adjacent the front wall 14 and the other hitch is
adjacent the back wall 16 for allowing the refuge to be
attached to a truck or other suitable equipment at either end
of the refuge for dragging the refuge through the mine M. The
skid 38 can include spaced openings 42 sized and shaped for
receiving forks of a forklift for lifting and transporting the
refuge 10. It is contemplated that the refuge can be mounted
in other ways including on rubber tires or rail wheels. It is
also contemplated that the refuge can be otherwise mounted,
e.g., on a truck, especially for mines with high clearance
such as high seam thickness mines. In low seam thickness
mines, the refuge can be skid free. That is, the floor of the
refuge can be placed in direct contact with the mine floor.
[0060] The height, length, and width of the refuge 10 can
be varied as desired to accommodate different number of miners
and different mine conditions. The illustrated mine refuge
10, for example, has a height H of about 5.5 feet, a width W
of about 8 feet, and a length L of about 10 feet. The height H
9
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
of the refuge 10 can be between about 8 feet and about 5 feet.
The height H of the refuge 10 can even be less than 5 feet to
facilitate dragging the refuge through a low underground mine,
especially through a low coal seam mine. In one embodiment,
the height H of the refuge 10 is sized to between about 75% to
about 95% the height of the mine M in which the refuge is
intended to be located. The width W of the refuge 10 can be
between about 12 feet (or even more) and about 7 feet (or even
less) depending on the conditions in the underground mine.
[0061] Typically, a refuge having two rows of seats is
sized such that one foot of length of refuge is provided for
each anticipated miner. For example, a 10 foot long refuge 10
(shown) having two rows of seats would be able to accommodate
up to ten miners whereas a 12 foot long refuge would be able
to accommodate up to twelve miners. A wider refuge having
three rows of seats is sized such that two foot of length of
refuge is provided for three miners. Thus, a 10 foot long
refuge having three rows of seats would be able to accommodate
up to fifteen miners whereas a 12 foot long refuge would be
able to accommodate up to eighteen miners. It is to be
understood that the refuge could have different heights,
widths, and lengths than those disclosed herein without
departing from the scope of this invention.
[0062] With reference still to Figs. 1 and 2, the walls
12A, 12B, 14, 16 and roof 18 of the refuge 10 have reflective
stickers 44 attached thereto to increase the visibility of the
refuge and thereby facilitate locating the refuge by miners
and mine rescuers in low light conditions, which are often
experienced in underground mines. Moreover, the walls 12A,
12B, 14, 16 of the refuge 10 or portions thereof can be
painted in a highly visible color (e.g. yellow, orange) to
also facilitate locating the refuge. It is contemplated the
other types of visual indicators (e.g., flashing lights)
and/or audio indicators (e.g., an alarm) can be used to
facilitate locating the refuge.
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0063] Referring again to Figs. 3A and 3B, the refuge 10
can include a tamperproof seal 46 that has to be ruptured
before entering the refuge. In the illustrated embodiment,
the tamperproof seal 46 is a frangible sticker that extends
between the door 24 and the portion of the front wall 14
adjacent the door (Fig. 3A). Thus, when the door 24 is
opened, the seal 46 is broken (Fig. 3B). The seal 46, while
not inhibiting entry into the refuge 10, is an inexpensive
inspection tool in that so long as the seal remains intact an
inspector knows that the refuge 10 has not been entered. If
the seal 46 is ruptured, however, the inspector will know that
a thorough inspection of the refuge 10 is needed to ensure
that its contents are in good working order and accounted for.
Accordingly, the seal 46 deters miners from entering the
refuge 10 except in the event of an emergency and, in the
event the refuge is entered, the ruptured seal provides
indication of such entry. It is to be understood that other
types of tamperproof seals besides stickers can be used.
[0064] With reference now to Figs. 5 and 6, the refuge 10
contains an energy absorbing system for protecting the
contents of the refuge by absorbing the force in the event the
refuge is impacted, e.g., if the refuge is hit by mine
equipment. The energy absorbing system comprises telescoping
tubes 48 (one being shown) that provide a crush zone 50 in the
refuge 50. In the event one of the ends of the refuge 10
(i.e., the front or back walls 14, 16) is impacted, the
telescoping tubes 48 will retract allowing the crush zone 50
of the refuge to collapse or to be crushed. The impact,
however, has less effect on the other portions of the refuge
than it would have if not for the crush zone 50. Moreover,
the crush zone 50 deflects the impact away from the oxygen
supply system 70 discussed below. It is to be understood that
more than one telescoping tube can be used and that multiple
telescoping tubes can be placed on both ends of the refuge and
on the sides of the refuge.
11
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0065] Fig. 7 illustrates a roof embodiment having cross-
formed roof panels 52 that also serve as an energy absorbing
system. The cross-formed roof panels 52, which are generally
arch-shaped, allow relief in the event the refuge 10 is
impacted (e.g., bent or collapsed) from the sides or ends of
the refuge. The cross-formed roof panels 52 do however
provide good vertical strength. If the refuge 10 is partially
crushed, the cross-formed roof panels will buckle uniformly
upward and with a fixed resistance. Without the cross-formed
roof panels, the roof of the refuge 10 would fold more easily
and in a more unpredictable manner. The cross-formed panels
52 can be used with, or without the telescoping tubes 48.
[0066] As shown in Fig. 8, the refuge 10 can be protected
from damage by enclosing the refuge in a pipe cage 54. The
illustrated pipe cage 54 is formed of 3 inch diameter steel
pipe but it is contemplated that other diameter steel pipe
and/or other robust materials can be used to form the cage.
The illustrated cage 54 is spaced about 2 inches from the
refuge so that the cage can be stressed without impacting the
refuge 10. Rigidity can be added to the cage 54 by attaching
roof debris protection plates 56 to the top of the cage (Fig.
9). The roof debris protection plates 56 also prevent debris,
which may fall from the mine roof R, from contacting and
potentially damaging the refuge 10.
[0067] With reference again to Fig. 5, the side walls
12A, 12B, front and back walls 14, 16, roof 18, and floor 20
cooperatively define an interior chamber 58 sized and shaped
for receiving at least one miner therein. A portion of one of
the side walls 12A and the roof 18 of the refuge 10 is broken
away in Fig. 5 to show the chamber 58. The illustrated
chamber, for example, is sized and shaped for receiving ten
miners therein but it is understood that the chamber can be
shaped to receive more or fewer miners. The illustrated
chamber 58 has a generally rectangular shape formed by the
front and back walls 14, 16, which are generally equally sized
squares, the side walls 12A, 123, which are generally equally
12
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
,
sized rectangles, and the roof 18 and floor 20, which are also
generally equally sized rectangles. It is to be understood
that the chamber can have other shapes and configurations
within the scope of the invention.
[0068] The illustrated chamber 58 also includes
accommodations for receiving ten miners therein for an
extended period of time (e.g., 100 hours). As shown, the
chamber 58 has ten seats 60 in a two row configuration for
providing each of the miners a place to sit down. It is
contemplated that any number of seats may be included within
the chamber or that the seats can have different arrangements.
For example, a wider refuge (e.g., 12 feet wide) may be
provided with three rows of seats. It is to be understood
that one or both rows of seats could be replaced with benches.
It is further understood that the refuge could be provided
without seats. For example, refuges designed for low coal
seams may have a height of about 24 inches, which is too low
to accommodate a miner in a seating position. Instead, the
miners would need to be in a prone or near prone position in
the refuge.
[0069] Moreover, the chamber 58 includes an area for
allowing at least some of the miners received in the chamber
to lay down to sleep or otherwise rest. In the illustrated
configuration, a sufficient amount of floor 20 space is
provided between the seats 60 for allowing at least one of the
miners room to lie down to sleep. A back board (not shown)
can also be provided for lying across one of the rows of seats
to provide additional sleeping space. If benches are used
instead of seats, miners can lie down on the benches. It is
understood that some miners will be able to sleep while seated
and/or that the miners will sleep in shifts. Accordingly, the
chamber does not need to have sufficient space to allow all of
the miners sufficient space to lie down and sleep at the same
time. However, a chamber with sufficient space for doing so
would not be outside the scope of this invention. It is
contemplated that other types of sleeping arrangements can be
13
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
provided for in the chamber (e.g., hammocks that can be
suspended from the roof).
[0070] As shown in Fig. 5, space is provided under each
of the seats 60 for storage. Storage containers 62 can be
placed in this space for storing provisions (i.e., water,
food, carbon dioxide scrubbers as described below, self-
rescuers, etc.) beneath the seats 60. The storage containers
62 can contain other items as well. For example, reading
materials (e.g., books, magazines), pencils, paper, games,
playing cards, flashlights (e.g., 300 hour permissible
flashlights), toilet paper, first aid kit, splints, backboard,
and/or refuge repair materials (e.g., acrylic windows, duct
tape) can be stored in the storage containers. It is to be
understood that more or fewer items can be provided in the
containers.
[0071] As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, a waste receptacle
(e.g., a chemical toilet 64) is also stored under the seats
60. In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet 64 can be
pulled out from under the seats 60, used, and slid back under
the seats until it is needed again. In one embodiment, the
toilet 64 can be a chemical toilet containing a chemical
solution for neutralizing any waste therein. In another
embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11, a toilet 64' can be piped
and thereby drained to a location outside of the refuge 10.
In this embodiment, a drain pipe 66 fluidly connects the
toilet 64' to a location outside the refuge. A valve 68
blocks the drain pipe 66 when not in use to inhibit the loss
of pressure within the chamber 58 or allow potentially
contaminated air outside the chamber from entering the
chamber. A removable seat (not shown) can be placed over the
toilet 64' when it is not in use. It is to be understood that
other types of waste receptacles or toilets could be used in
the refuge.
[0072] The interior walls of the chamber 58 may be
painted white (or other suitable colors) for lighting
14
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
efficiency. Lights powered by various means may be mounted
inside and/or outside the chamber.
[0073] With reference to Figs. 5 and 12-14B, the refuge
includes an oxygen supply system 70 for supplying oxygen to
the miners during use of the refuge. The illustrated oxygen
supply system 70 includes a plurality of oxygen cylinders 72
(five being shown), at least one purge cylinder 74 (three
being shown), a manifold 76, a flow meter 78, an oxygen
regulator 80, and a muffler 84. The oxygen cylinders 72 are
connected to the manifold 76, and a single line 86 from the
manifold is in turn connected to the flow meter 78 and the
oxygen regulator 80 (Fig. 12). The regulator 80 includes a
"contents" gauge 82 (e.g., a pressure gauge) that displays the
remaining pressure in the oxygen supply system 70 (Figs. 14A
and 14B). In one example, the cylinder pressure goes from
approximately 2200 PSI to 0 PSI at whatever flow rate is
selected for the regulator 80. It is understood that in some
configurations of the refuge the purge cylinders and muffler
can be removed from the oxygen supply system.
[0074] Referring again to Fig. 5, the oxygen cylinders 72
of the oxygen supply system 70 are stored under the seats 60.
In the illustrated configuration, five "K" sized oxygen
cylinders 72 are stored under the row of seats across from the
row of seats having the storage containers 62 thereunder. It
is contemplated that the oxygen cylinders 72 or additional
cylinders may be stored near the roof 18 or elsewhere in the
refuge 10 (e.g., see Fig. 20). It is contemplated that the
refuge can have more or fewer oxygen cylinders.
[0075] A cylinder restraining system 90 (broadly, "an
oxygen supply support system"), also located under the seats
60 in the illustrated configuration, maintains the oxygen
cylinders 72 and their respective valves in position to
inhibit or prevent the cylinders and valves from impacting
each other or other objects (Fig. 12). In other words, the
cylinder restraining system 90 holds the cylinders 72 in place
and thereby protects them from damage. In the illustrated
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
embodiment, the purge cylinders 74 are also held in place by
the cylinder restraining system 90.
[0076] As shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, 14A, and 14B, one of the
windows 32 in the front wall 14 may be used to quickly check
the status of the oxygen supply system 70 and the provisions
in the chamber 58, e.g., to make sure they have not been
tampered with. This facilitates keeping the chamber 58 sealed
and the tamperproof seal 46 intact except in an emergency. By
remaining sealed, there is less chance that anyone may tamper
with the chamber 58, e.g., provisions and the oxygen supply
system 70. It is also contemplated to have just one
"contents" gauge at the window, visible from inside and
outside, or to have two gauges at the window.
[0077] As mentioned, the oxygen supply system 70 is used
to provide oxygen and thus breathable air to the miners
received within the chamber 58 of the refuge 10. The oxygen
supply system 70 can adjusted to correlate the amount of
oxygen being supplied into the chamber 58 to the number of
miners located in the chamber. Too little or too much oxygen
supplied to the chamber 58 may be detrimental to the miners'
health. For example, too little oxygen may cause hypoxia.
Too much oxygen, on the other hand, may cause oxygen toxicity,
create a fire hazard and at the least consume the limited
supply oxygen available.
[0078] The rate at which oxygen is supplied to the
chamber 58 can be regulated using a selector 92 (Fig. 14B).
The selector 92 allows the miners within the chamber 58 to
select the proper flow of oxygen for the number of miners
received in the chamber. Typically, the flow of oxygen from
the oxygen cylinders 72 is about 0.5 liters per minute (LPM)
per occupant. As a result, the miners can use the selector 92
to adjust the oxygen flow as measured by the flow meter 78 to
the correct flow rate. In one embodiment, a placard 94 is
provided within the chamber 58 that provides the proper flow
rates for the potential number of miners in the chamber. For
16
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
. .
example, the placard 94 can be used to provide the following
information.
Number of Miners Flow Meter Setting
1 0.5 LPM
2 1.0 LPM
3 1.5 LPM
4 2.0 LPM
2.5 LPM
6 3.0 LPM
7 3.5 LPM
8 4.0 LPM
9 4.5 LPM
5.0 LPM
11 5.5 LPM
12 6.0 LPM
13 6.5 LPM
14 7.0 LPM
7.5 LPM
16 8.0 LPM
17 8.5 LPM
18 9.0 LPM
19 9.5 LPM
10.0 LPM
21 10.5 LPM
22 11.0 LPM
23 11.5 LPM
24 12.0 LPM
12.5 LPM
26 13.0 LPM
27 13.5 LPM
28 14.0 LPM
[0079] The total volume of oxygen provided in the refuge
varies depending on the size of the chamber 58 and thereby the
17
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
number of miners for which the chamber is adapted to receive.
In other words, larger chambers adapted to receive more
miners will be provided with a greater volume of oxygen than
smaller chambers adapted to receive fewer miners. In the
illustrated embodiment, the chamber is provided with five "K"
size cylinders 72 which are able to provide enough oxygen to
miners for at least about 100 hours. This quantity of
oxygen would be able to provide 5 miners enough oxygen for at
least about 200 hours, and 20 miners enough oxygen for at
least about 50 hours. Thus, the duration that the oxygen
supply will last is directly dependent on the number of miners
received the in the chamber 58. It is contemplated that more
or fewer oxygen cylinders 72 can be provided in the chamber to
select the number of hours of oxygen supply for a given number
of miners.
[0080] It is also contemplated to include masks that can
be used to supply breathable air to miners in the refuge. The
masks can be used as the primary source of breathable air to
the miners. That is, during use of the refuge, each of the
miners therein would don a mask in order to receive oxygen.
Optionally, the masks can be provided as a secondary or backup
means of breathable air for the miners. In this arrangement,
breathable air would be provided to the entire refuge but the
mask could be selectively worn by the miners. Miners in the
refuge can don the oxygen masks if the air quality in the
refuge becomes contaminated. A particular occupant with
respiratory, heart, or other health problems might wear one to
provide additional oxygen or better quality air than in the
chamber environment.
[0081] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 12,
three purge cylinders 74 are also located under the row of
seats and disposed in the cylinder restraining system 90. The
purge cylinders 74 contain breathable air and are used to
positively pressurize the chamber 58. The purge cylinders 74
can be rapidly evacuated to purge the chamber 58. Rapid
purging of the chamber 58 is effective to quickly provide
18
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
breathable air conditions within the chamber by reducing any
potential contamination in the air that may enter the chamber
(e.g., if the door 24 had been opened). The muffler 84 is
provided to dampen the noise associated with rapidly
evacuating one or more of the purge cylinders 74 (Fig. 13).
It is contemplated that the chamber can be provided with more
or fewer than three purge cylinders.
[0082] The purge cylinders 74 can be adjusted to a
suitable flow rate using a selector 96 to maintain a positive
pressure within the chamber 58. For example, the chamber 58
can be maintained under a positive pressure of about 0.1 to
about 2 IWG. The positive pressure ensures that potentially
contaminated mine air does not enter the chamber 58 as
explained in move detail below. With reference again to Fig.
1, a pressure relief vent 98 is located in the refuge 10 for
venting and ensuring that the pressure within the refuge does
not become excessive. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent
98 is located on the door 24 of the refuge 10 but it is
contemplated that the vent can be located elsewhere. The vent
includes a hinged steel flap that is spring biased by a
calibrated spring to the closed position. A rubber seal is
provided to prevent leakage adjacent the flap.
[0083] In addition, a pressure relief valve 100 extends
outward from one of the side walls 12A to ensure the pressure
inside the chamber does not become too great. The pressure
relief valve 100 can be set to open at a threshold value
(e.g., 0.1 to 2 IWG), and to remain shut or return to a shut
position under a pressure equal to or less than the threshold
valve. In one embodiment, the rubber gaskets 34 around one or
more of the windows 32 may provide an automatic emergency
pressure relief, e.g., where the oxygen or purge air flows too
rapidly into the chamber 58. It is understood that the
pressure relief valve 100 can be mounted on any wall of the
refuge and may have other configurations. It is also
contemplated that the pressure relief valve 100 can be
eliminated in some configurations of the refuge.
19
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0084] Referring to Fig. 15, the chamber 58 also includes
a carbon dioxide reduction system 102 or "scrubber" to capture
carbon dioxide expelled by the miners during respiration or
otherwise present in the chamber 58. In the illustrated
embodiment, the reduction system 102 is a passive system
including carbon dioxide absorbing sheets 104. The sheets
include lithium hydroxide contained in a web (e.g.,
polyethylene or the like), such as available from Micropore of
Newark, Delaware under the tradename EXTENDAIR CO2 absorbent
curtain. The sheets 104 may be in packaged rolls, similar to
rolls of paper towels. The reaction of the low pH carbon
dioxide and high pH lithium hydroxide results in a generally
neutral reaction product, lithium carbonate. The packaged
sheets 104 can be stored under the seats 60, e.g., as
illustrated in Fig. 15, in one or more of the storage
containers 62, or in other ways. The minimum number of sheets
104 exposed during use of the chamber 58 depends on the number
of miners in the chamber. Instructions can be provided in the
chamber 58 indicating the minimum number of sheets 104 to be
exposed per the number of miners received in the chamber. It
is also contemplated that the number of sheets exposed can be
fixed and not dependent on the number of miners received in
the chamber.
[0085] With reference still to Fig. 15, the sheets 104
can be suspended in generally vertical direction (i.e.,
curtain-like) from the top of the chamber 58, e.g., from a
"roof rack". The rack may include clips, wires, cables, rods
or the like disposed near the ceiling of the chamber 58. In
the illustrated embodiment, the rack includes long rods 106
extending adjacent the ceiling from the back wall 16 to the
front wall 14. The sheets 104 can be suspended by draping the
sheets over the rods 106 or using hangers 107 as is shown in
Fig. 15. Other positions and orientations of the carbon
dioxide absorbing sheets are also contemplated (e.g.,
horizontally between the rods).
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0086] The carbon dioxide absorbing sheets 104 should be
replaced after a predetermined interval. To this end, a timer
108 is provided in the chamber 58 that can be set by one of
the miners in the chamber (Figs. 16A and 16B). The timer 108
can be set for a predetermined time after which the absorbing
sheets 104 should be replaced. The timer 108 is provided with
an alarm that is activated upon the timer running out (i.e.,
reaching zero) to notify the miners in the chamber 58 that it
is time to replace the carbon dioxide absorbing sheets 104.
The stiffness of the carbon dioxide absorbing sheets 104 can
also serve as an indicator as to when the sheets need to be
replaced. The sheets 104 in an unspent condition tend to be
pliable but stiffen as the lithium carbonate is formed. Thus,
once the sheets 104 become generally stiff they should be
replaced with new sheets. The spent sheets 104 can be placed
on the floor 20 of the chamber 58 where any remaining lithium
hydroxide can be available for absorbing carbon dioxide.
[0087] As mentioned above, about 0.5 liters per minute of
oxygen are provided for each miner received in the chamber 58.
It is estimated that for every 0.5 liters of oxygen inhaled
by each of the miners about 0.4 liters of carbon dioxide is
exhaled. Thus, for example, about 4 liters of carbon dioxide
will be exhaled every minute if 10 miners are received in the
chamber. The exhaled carbon dioxide is absorbed by the carbon
dioxide absorbing sheets 104 and converted to lithium
carbonate, a solid. As a result, the net volume of gas in the
chamber 58 is decreased, which would result in the chamber
having a negative pressure. To compensate for the loss volume
and provide a positive pressure within the chamber 58, in one
embodiment the purge cylinders 74 are bled at a constant rate
that is greater than the volume of gas being consumed by both
the miners and the absorbent sheets 104. Even in the
situation where the oxygen masks are being used to provide the
miners with breathable air, it would be advantageous to
maintain the refuge at a positive pressure to compensate for
the oxygen being consumed by the miners.
21
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0088] In other embodiments, the carbon dioxide reduction
system 102 includes a calcium-based soda lime, through which
air within the chamber must be forced to be treated (Figs. 17-
19). For example, the soda lime includes combinations of
hydroxides such as sodium, calcium, and potassium. One such
product is commercially available from W.R. Grace of Columbia,
Maryland, U.S.A. under the trademark SODASORB CO2 absorbent.
The soda lime can be changed out, as necessary, during use of
the chamber 58. Containers (not shown) of soda lime may be
sealed in storage and include a mechanism allowing miners to
unseal the contents and expose them to air during occupation.
[0089] Air, along with the carbon dioxide therein, can be
forced through the reduction system 102 in a variety of ways,
for example, by a blower 110. The blower 110 may be powered
electrically, by oxygen from the oxygen cylinders (e.g., as
shown in Figs. 17-19), or by the miners. If electric power is
used, the motor and other components may be contained in an
explosion-proof container such as the one illustrated and
described with respect to Fig. 21. The container prevents any
spark that may occur in or around the motor from igniting
potentially flammable gas (e.g., methane) that may be present
in the chamber 58.
[0090] Alternatively, pressure reduction caused by
release of the oxygen may power the blower 110. In one
example, the oxygen release powers an air cylinder, diaphragm
or turbine (e.g., an oilless turbine). These may include a
venturi tube to increase flow through the system. The
"scrubbed" air may be directed to miner breathing masks (not
shown). In a related example in which the miners wear masks,
their exhalation is channeled to the reduction system 102.
(The "scrubbed" air from the system may also be channeled back
to the mask for inhalation.) Or the scrubbed air may be
vented to the chamber atmosphere and the masks adapted to
receive the chamber air and force the exhalation to the
scrubber.
22
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0091] Examples of oxygen powered blowers 110 or "air
pumps" are shown in Figs. 17-19. An oxygen piston cylinder
112 (the smaller piston cylinder on the right as viewed in the
figures) powers an air piston cylinder 114 (the larger piston
cylinder on the left as viewed in Figures 17 and 18). In
another embodiment, the air piston cylinder can be replaced by
a diaphragm device 116 (see Fig. 19), or a bellows. Other
configurations are contemplated, including without limitation
a fan driven by an oxygen powered turbine. Generally, the
oxygen piston cylinder 112 is powered by the oxygen being
released from the oxygen supply system 70 and operates with
the air piston cylinder 114 to pump air through the scrubber
bed or "absorbent tray" 128.
[0092] More particularly, a device such as a mechanical
linkage 122 (shown in Figs. 17-18) shifts a four way valve 118
at each end of the piston stroke. In the first valve
position, an oxygen cylinder rod 120 is extended (Fig. 17).
When it reaches the end of its stroke, the valve 118 shifts
and the rod 120 begins to retract. At the other end (full
retraction, Fig. 18), the linkage 122 causes the valve 118 to
shift again to move the rod 120 back. As the rod 120 is
forced into the air piston cylinder 114 by the oxygen piston
112, the rod end atmosphere check valve 124 is drawn open by
the low pressure in the cylinder and air is induced into the
rod side of the piston. Simultaneously, the rod side chamber
discharge valve is forced closed by the relatively greater
pressure in the refuge chamber 58. Also, a blind end chamber
check valve 126 is forced open and the air in the blind end of
the air piston cylinder 114 is being forced into the chamber
58, and the blind end atmospheric valve is closed to prevent
the cylinder air from going back to the atmosphere. This all
reverses when the rod 120 is pulled from the cylinder. As can
be seen, this design is double acting, meaning that every
stroke from the flow of oxygen causes air to be pumped into
the chamber 58.
23
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[0093] As indicated above, the oxygen flow is generally
determined by the number of miners received in the chamber.
Thus, the power available for the blower 110 or "air pump" is,
by default, also determined by the number of miners. As the
oxygen requirement increases, the pump runs faster and pumps
more air through the carbon dioxide scrubber bed (the
absorbent tray 128 as shown). In another embodiment or as a
failsafe for the above, a hand crank or bellows (e.g.,
accordion-style) can be provided so that the miners within the
chamber 58 can power the blower.
[0094] It is also contemplated that a sufficient number
of purge cylinders 74 can be provided to eliminate the carbon
dioxide reduction system 102 from the chamber 58. In this
embodiment, the purge cylinders 74 are used to generate a
positive pressure within the chamber 58 and generate
sufficient air movement within the chamber so that the carbon
dioxide is evacuated from the chamber through the vent 98.
Moreover, if the mine M has mine air lines running in the area
in which the refuge 10 is placed, the mine air line can be
connected to the refuge for supplying breathable air to the
chamber 58. The mine air can supplement the purge cylinders
74 and/or the oxygen cylinders 72.
[0095] The oxygen supply system 70 and carbon dioxide
reduction systems 102 can be adapted to provide breathable air
and/or a suitable chamber environment for more than at least
about 48 hours, preferably, more than at least about 75 hours,
and most preferably more than at least about 100 hours
depending on the application.
[0096] Embodiments of the chamber 58 are adapted to
provide breathable air and/or suitable environment with no
power. The chamber 58 can perform without any outside air
supply, water, or electrical power, and the chamber can also
run without battery or other electrical power. In other
words, no power, battery or otherwise, is required to run the
chamber 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the refuge 10 does
24
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
include a permissible, thru-hull telephone 130 for connecting
to the mine's telecommunication system, if available.
[0097] It is contemplated to mount a workbench or
cabinets (not shown) on the outside of the refuge 10, e.g., on
the back wall 16. It is also contemplated that the chamber 58
can function as an underground office.
[0098] The refuge 10 can be used by miners in the event
of a mine emergency who are unable to safely exit the mine M.
In use, the miners open the door 24 to the refuge 10 using
the handle 30 thereby rupturing the tamperproof seal 46 and
providing access to the chamber 58 of the refuge. After the
miners have entered the chamber 58 and shut the door 24, the
chamber 58 can be purged of any potential harmful mine air by
opening one or more of the purge cylinders 74. The purge
cylinder 74 provides breathable air that is rapidly released
to quickly and effectively provide breathable air to the
chamber 58 while forcing potentially harmful mine air out of
the chamber through the vent 98. The muffler 84 will dampen
the noise of rapidly releasing the breathable air from the
purge cylinder 74. Once the chamber 58 has been purged, the
miners should adjust the flow rate from the purge cylinders 74
using the purge air selector 96 to provide and maintain a
positive pressure within the chamber.
[0099] Using the oxygen selector 92, the miners start and
adjust the rate at which is oxygen is supplied to the chamber
58 by the oxygen cylinders 72. The oxygen flow rate is set to
a predetermined rate based on the number of miners in the
chamber 58. Typically, the flow of oxygen from the oxygen
cylinders 72 is set to about 0.5 LPM per miner. The miners
can increase or decrease the oxygen flow rate using the
selector 92 if miners enter or leave the chamber during its
use.
[00100] The miners also need to activate the carbon
dioxide reduction system 102. In one embodiment, the miners
remove a predetermined number of the absorbing sheets 104
stored under the seats 60, open them, and hang them from the
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
rods 106 provided above the seats. The miners can set the
timer 108, which will sound an alarm, to notify the miners to
replace the absorbing sheets 104. In addition to or instead
of setting the timer 108, the miners can periodically feel the
absorbing sheets 104 to determine if they have become stiff.
Once the absorbing sheets 104 become stiff, the miners should
replace them.
[00101] Once the oxygen supply system 70 and carbon
dioxide reduction system 102 are in operation, no additional
input is needed by the miners until the absorbing sheets 104
of the carbon dioxide reduction system need to be replaced,
which is typically hours. In addition, depending on the
severity of the event that resulted in the miners taking cover
in the refuge 10, the miners may be trapped in the mine and
thus the chamber 58 for a substantial period of time. As a
result, the chamber 58 is provided with a sufficient number of
seats 60 for each of the miners to sit down and rest. In
addition, some of the miners can even lie down and sleep,
e.g., on the floor 20 between the row of seats 60.
[00102] Moreover, essential items are provided in the
chamber 58 to sustain the miners for a substantial period of
time (e.g., 100 hours). These items include, but are not
limited to, food, water, flashlights (e.g., 300 hour
permissible flashlights), a toilet, a first aid kit, splints,
backboard, and refuge repair materials (e.g., acrylic windows,
duct tape). Other items for helping the miners pass the time
and divert their attention are also provided in the chamber
58. For example, the storage containers 62 can include
reading materials (e.g., books, magazines), pencils, paper,
games, playing cards and the like. As a result, the miners
can remain inside the chamber 58 for a substantially long
period of time (e.g., 100 hours or more). The miners should
remain in the chamber 58 until they are rescued or can
otherwise safely exit the mine M.
[00103] Fig. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a mine
refuge 210 defining an interior chamber 258 similar to the
26
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
mine refuge 10 illustrated in Figs. 1-19 but including an
airlock 332 extending forward from a front wall 214 and an
oxygen supply system 270 being located adjacent to a back wall
216. The airlock 332 may be advantageous because the miners
may not all enter the refuge 210 at the same time. The
airlock 332 reduces the adverse effect on the chamber
environment when more miners enter the chamber 258. A
mechanism (i.e., a vent 298), such as an automatic mechanism,
may be included for purging the air in the airlock 332. With
such mechanism, the miner entering would enter the airlock
332, close an outside door 224, and then purge the air from
the airlock prior to opening an inside door 224' and entering
the interior chamber 258 of the refuge 210. This could
include forming the doors 224, 224' so as to allow significant
leakage around the doors. The leakage would allow air flow
through the inside door 224', through the airlock 332, and out
the outside door 224 to thereby purge the airlock after some
period of time. That period of time may depend on how much
oxygen or clean air is being introduced into the chamber 258,
which causes the chamber to be under positive pressure and
forces air out around the doors 224, 224'. Other mechanisms,
such as one-way valves, are contemplated. It is noted that
the interior door 224' swings inward into the mine refuge 210
whereas the exterior door 224 swings outward away from the
mine refuge. Parts corresponding to those in Figs. 1-19 are
indicated by the same reference numbers plus "200".
[00104] In another embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 21, a
refuge 410 can include an explosion proof box 534 mounted to
an exterior of the refuge, e.g., a back wall 416 of the
refuge. The explosion proof box 534 allows otherwise non-
permissible items to be placed safely in the mine M. In the
illustrated embodiment, the explosion proof box 534 includes
an air conditioning unit 536, an inverter 538, and a battery
540 for supplying power to the air conditioning unit. It is
understood that the explosion proof box 534 can contain
electrical items other than those disclosed herein.
27
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
[00105] The air conditioning unit 536 can be selectively
activated, such as by an on/off switch (not shown), by the
miners in the chamber 458 of the refuge 410 to cool the
chamber. The air conditioning unit 536 can be operatively
connected to a methanometer 542 so that if the methane level
in the chamber 458 reaches a predetermined level (e.g., 1%)
the air conditioning unit could not be activated and, if
activated, would shut off. Upon the methane level falling
below the predetermined level, the air conditioning unit 536
can be activated to cool the chamber. It is contemplated that
the methanometer 542 can be separate from the air conditioning
unit 536, for example, a handheld methanometer. Instructions
not to operate the air condition unit 536 if the methane level
within the chamber 458 is above or raises above the
predetermined level can also be provided in the chamber.
[00106] The air conditioning unit 536 is preferably
designed to cool and circulate air within the chamber 458. In
other words, the air conditioning unit 536 does not draw mine
air into the chamber 458. As a result, a door 424 to the
chamber 458 should remain shut during operation of the air
conditioning unit 536 to prevent mine air from being drawn
into the chamber by the air conditioning unit. Instructions
not to operate the air conditioning unit 536 with the door 424
to the chamber 458 open can be provided. In another
embodiment, the air conditioning unit 536 is operatively
connected to the door 424 so that when the door is opened, the
air conditioning unit is automatically shut off. The air
conditioning unit 536 can either be automatically restarted or
manually restarted upon closing of the door 424. Parts
corresponding to those in Figs. 1-19 are indicated by the same
reference numbers plus "400".
[00107] In an embodiment shown in Figs. 22-27, a refuge
610 is adapted for constructed in the mine M, rather than
being pre-manufactured as in Figs. 1-19. A "skid" or base 638
includes all or most of the components of the refuge 610 (Fig.
22). Walls 612A, 612B, 614, 616 and a roof member 618 are all
28
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
hinged together so that there are no loose walls or roof
members. To construct the refuge 610, a right side wall 612A
is rotated upward about its hinge 744 to a generally vertical
orientation (Fig. 23) and an opposite left side wall member
612B is likewise rotated upward (Fig. 24). A back wall 616,
hinged to the left wall 612B, is rotated into position in Fig.
25. The roof member 618 is hinged to the left side wall 612B,
and as shown in Fig. 26, is rotated into generally horizontal
orientation. A front wall 614 is hinged to the right side wall
612A and is rotated into its vertical orientation as shown in
Fig. 27.
[00108] The joints/hinges 744 between the various wall
members 612A, 612B, 614, 616 and roof members 618 may be
sealed by suitable means. As one example, each joint includes
a flange turned outward that contacts a gasket (e.g., a rubber
seal similar to a "man door" rubber seal) on a matching
flange. It is also contemplated to have no seal and let the
joints serve as relief valves.
[00109] The hinges 744 may be "piano-type" hinges as
shown, but many other types of hinges and joints are
contemplated. The completed refuge 610 is shown in Fig. 27,
and optionally includes any or all of the components described
above, including seats 660, provisions, an oxygen supply
system 670, and a carbon dioxide reduction system 702. Note
the various components may be made more compact, e.g., the
seat backs may be folded down when the refuge is in the
collapsed position of Fig. 22.
[00110] Other configurations are contemplated, including
those where there are loose wall or roof members (i.e., not
hingely connected). It is also contemplated to use the roof
member as a "skid" or base. Parts corresponding to those in
Figs. 1-19 are indicated by the same reference numbers plus
"600".
[00111] Figures 28-31 illustrate another embodiment of a
refuge 810 adapted for construction in the mine M. A "skid"
or base 838 includes all or most of the components of the
29
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
refuge 810 in a collapsed position (Fig. 28). In this
embodiment, a hand crank 946 is adapted for connection to a
hitch 840 adjacent a front wall 814 of the refuge 810 and for
raising the refuge from the collapsed position. A cable 948
or the like can be attached to the hand crank 946 and a hook
950 on the refuge 810. As the hand crank 946 is turned, the
refuge 810 is raised from the collapsed position to an erected
position (see Figs. 30 and 31). One or more prop rods (not
shown) can be used to secure the refuge 810 in the erected
position and prevent the refuge from being collapsed. Parts
corresponding to those in Figs. 1-19 are indicated by the same
reference numbers plus "800".
[00112] In another embodiment shown in Figs. 32 and 33, a
skid or base 1038 includes an oxygen supply system 1070, a
carbon dioxide reduction system 1102, and/or provisions as
described above, in combination with "Kennedy stopping"
building materials. Such materials may include panels 1152, a
jack 1154, sealants, headers, footers, and other materials.
The panels 1152 and jack 1154 are illustrated on the skid 1038
in Fig. 32. Suitable materials are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. Nos. 2,729,064, 4,483,642 (reissued as 32,675), 4,547,094
(reissued as Re. 32,871), 4,695,035, 4,820,081, 5,167,474,
5,412,916, 5,466,187, 6,220,785 and 6,264,549, and U.S. App.
No 10/951,116 (overlapping panels), all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It is
understood that other type of stopping materials (e.g.,
concrete blocks, brattice cloth) can be used in combination
with the skid 1038.
[00113] As shown in Fig. 33, the panels 1152 can be used
to section off a portion of the mine M to form a chamber 1058.
In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 1152 extend
vertically from a floor F of the mine M to a roof R of the
mine, and horizontally between the mine side walls W. The
panels 1152 cooperate with the walls W, roof R, and floor F of
the mine to define the chamber 1058. In the illustrated
embodiment, only one of the chamber 1058 walls is formed using
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
, 0
the panels 1152 but it is to be understood that the panels
1152 can be used to form additional walls, including all four
walls. The erected panels 1152 include a door 1156 for
allowing miners to enter and exit the chamber 1058.
[00114] The panels 1152 can extend upward from the skid
1038 instead of from a floor F of the mine M. Tops of the
panels 1152 may extend to or into a roof R of the mine M,
though an intermediate member (i.e., a roof member) may also
be used. The joints between panels 1152 and between the
panels and the mine may be sealed as described in any of the
listed patents, or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,324,
which is also incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference. It is also contemplated that the panels may be
formed as pre-connected sections, similar to that described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,813, which is also incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference. It is also contemplated to use an
overcast, or portions thereof. An overcast is shown in the
'549 patent, among others. It is also contemplated to use the
materials in combination with excavated portions of the mine,
e.g., by building the chamber into a hole or "manhole" dug
into the rib or floor of the mine for refuge. Parts
corresponding to those in Figs. 1-19 are indicated by the same
reference numbers plus "1000".
[00115] This embodiment and the other embodiments that are
adapted for construction inside the mine (the embodiments
shown in Figs. 22-33 may be especially useful for mines with
smaller passageways, e.g., "low coal" mines where movement of
a taller refuge would be problematic. It is contemplated that
these refuges can be constructed at a location outside of the
mine and transported into the mine. It is also contemplated
that the refuges can be constructed before or after an event
occurs which warrants the use of the refuge. It is preferred,
however, to have the refuges constructed beforehand and thus
ready for use in the event of a mine emergency.
[00116] Fig. 34 shows a mine refuge 1210 of yet another
embodiment including a supply of cooling water stored in a
31
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
water tank 1360 that can be used to cool the refuge 1210. In
the illustrated embodiment, the water tank 1360 is disposed on
a roof 1218 of the refuge 1210. As a result, gravity can be
used to distribute or "trickle" water over the outside of the
refuge 1210. The outside of the refuge 1210 may be covered by
cloth, sponge or the like to wick the water around the refuge.
Parts corresponding to those in Figs. 1-19 are indicated by
the same reference numbers plus "1200".
[00117] The various refuge embodiments described herein
can be made sufficiently robust to withstand rigorous duty
within a mine, especially in coal mines. The various
components can be made to withstand repeated dragging around
the mine and mistreatment by the mine workers. All of the
embodiments can be advantageously constructed to require no
electric power, no air supply, or no water supply.
[00118] It is recommended that the refuges deployed in the
mine be periodically (e.g., weekly, monthly) inspected for
visual signs of damage, to ensure the tamperproof seal is
unruptured, and to verify the amount of oxygen available in
the oxygen supply system is sufficient. It is also
recommended that a deployed refuge be factory recommissioned
after a period of about 5 years. During the recommissioning,
the oxygen and purge cylinders should be removed and
hydrostatically tested, the provisions replaced, and any
damage to the refuge repaired. It is contemplated that the
recommissioning can be performed after different time periods
and can be done on an as needed basis should the refuge
warrant it.
[00119]When introducing elements of various aspects of
the present invention or embodiments thereof, the articles
"a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there
are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising",
"including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean
that there may be additional elements other than the listed
elements. Moreover, the use of "top" and "bottom", "front"
and "rear", "above" and "below" and variations of these and
32
CA 02577554 2007-02-06
other terms of orientation is made for convenience, but does
not require any particular orientation of the components.
[00120] As various changes could be made in the above
constructions, methods and products without departing from the
scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and
not in a limiting sense. Further, all dimensional information
set forth herein is exemplary and is not intended to limit the
scope of the invention.
33
