Method and apparatus for providing controlled atmosphere in mobile mine refuges

Abstract

A system, device and method for rapid delivery of clean air to occupants of a deployed mine refuge from a surface source after the refuge has been deployed and before the self-contained air has been consumed or before the temperature in the refuge has increased to hazardous levels in which a drilling rig is used to a borehole in close proximity to the mine refuge's underground location and a supply duct is lowered through the borehole to the underground mine near the refuge; upon hearing an alarm sounded by the system, a refuge occupant would exit the refuge, using existing personal breathing protection, to retrieve the duct and connect it to the mine refuge.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates broadly to providing an atmosphere such that it supports life in spaces that, absent such action, constitute respiratory and / or thermal hazards to person occupying mobile refuges in underground mines. More particularly, this invention relates to methods and apparatus for extending life supporting conditions in mine refuges that have been occupied after an accident.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Mine refuges, also known as mine shelters, safe havens, mine chambers and refuge alternatives, are mobile emergency structures designed to isolate occupants from hazardous environments that result from an accident which contaminates the air in the mine such that it threatens survival. As mine refuges are relocated within the mines, their position is noted on mine survey maps to aid in rescue. Current art includes provision for creating and maintaining safe atmosphere inside the mine refuge using self-contained...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention taught herein provides for rapid delivery of clean air to occupants of a deployed mine refuge from a surface source after the refuge has been deployed and before the self-contained air has been consumed or before the temperature in the refuge has increased to hazardous levels.

[0007]According to the preferred embodiment, a drilling rig would place a borehole in close proximity to the mine refuge's underground location. A supply duct can be lowered through the borehole to the underground mine near the refuge. Upon hearing an alarm sounded by the system, a refuge occupant would exit the refuge, using existing personal breathing protection, to retrieve the duct and connect it to the mine refuge. The tube allows for the supply of clean air and could be equipped with communication capacity to provide or supplement the exchange of critical information between those taking refuge and those attempting rescue.

Problems solved by technology

The currently available methods for providing safe atmosphere in mine refuges are limited to those life supporting systems provided prior to the occupancy in an emergency, generally less than 96 hours.

In addition, while provisions are routinely made to identify the location at which mine refuges are located, and often for access to emergency borehole drilling equipment to reach the location, no means of connecting a deployed refuge to reliable external breathing air is known.

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