Results of Manned Shelter Testing in Underground Mines

Thomas Daley; Ken Worobec

doi:10.4271/2009-01-2576

In the event of a mine emergency that prevents escape, shelter and await rescue may be the best option. Shelter systems have been used in numerous applications over the decades; fall out shelters, control room shelters, and submarine escape compartments to name a few. This paper will report the atmosphere control capabilities of manned shelter tests conducted at the Logan, West Virginia coal mine in September 2007 and at the Cameco McArthur River uranium mine in August 2008. Micropore teamed with Mine Lifeline LLC to support the Logan test and with Cameco Corp. to conduct the McArthur River test.

For these manned tests, carbon dioxide was controlled by deploying ExtendAir® brand CO2 absorbent lithium hydroxide curtains manufactured by Micropore, Inc.. Oxygen was supplied into the shelter from high pressure cylinders via pressure regulators. The ExtendAir® lithium hydroxide curtains and the make-up oxygen were set out based on a predetermined schedule. A common goal of these tests was to demonstrate the proper function of the atmosphere control system and validate the deployment schedule for carbon dioxide control curtains and make-up oxygen.

This paper will report the carbon dioxide concentrations and ExtendAir® absorbent curtain performance over the course of the test. Ambient oxygen concentration and oxygen supply rate will also be reported. Both tests were completed successfully. The refuge chambers maintained a life supporting atmosphere with comfortable ambient temperature and humidity.

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Results of Manned Shelter Testing in Underground Mines 2009-01-2576

SAE MOBILUS