The Key Role of Gas Detection Systems in Mine Refuge Chambers

Gas detection with CO, CO₂, and O₂ sensors from MSR-Electronic ensures safe underground mining operations in Turkey.

Where are Mine Refuge Chambers Used?

Mine refuge chambers are utilized in hazardous environments such as tunnel construction, underground mining, and petrochemical facilities. These chambers are safe, accessible, and monitored spaces designed to protect workers’ lives during emergencies. They offer both interior and exterior protection to maximize safety against explosions and fires.

MSR-Electronic gas detectors are used in these mine refuge chambers to safely monitor gas levels. They reliably detect dangerous gas concentrations and alert when the permitted oxygen levels drop.

Mine refuge chamber. Image Credit: ©AYSAN

In an underground mine near Izmir, the Turkish company AYSAN supplied mine refuge chambers equipped with MSR-Electronic gas detectors. These mine refuge chambers were designed to provide protection against fire and explosions.

In emergencies, the chambers are designed to utilize a compressed air line and liquid carbon dioxide. They operate on a closed circuit that includes a liquid carbon dioxide reservoir and compressed mine air, which helps cool down the air inside the chamber and cleanse it of toxic gases.

Mine refuge chamber. Image Credit: ©AYSAN

The chamber is visible from the outside, even in poor lighting, thanks to reflective stripes. It also features sirens to warn workers.

The door of the chamber is equipped with a double-locking handle system and a special seal. The double door system prevents toxic, suffocating air from penetrating the chamber. A pneumatic air lock system also stops toxic gases from penetrating the air stream that flows from the chamber door to the ground.

The chamber also features a filter system that converts compressed mine air into breathable air. As long as the mine air supply remains uninterrupted, the system is guaranteed to keep supplying the chamber with breathable air. If the air supply is interrupted or contaminated, making it unbreathable, the CO₂ and CO suppression system will activate.

How is Gas Detection Carried Out in Mine Refuge Chambers?

Gas sensors (model MC2) have been installed in the chambers to monitor CO, CO₂, and oxygen levels, ensuring that gas is safely monitored and people and plants are protected from hazardous gas concentrations.

MC2 gas sensors. Image Credit: ©MSR-Electronic GmbH

Dangerous, odorless gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide can form during underground mining. The gas detectors are able to alert workers to excessive levels of gas concentration early on so that permissible gas concentration limits are not exceeded. In response, the gas line valves will shut down immediately, and the gas supply will be interrupted.

Currently, an MC2 sensor unit is used to measure CO and O₂. This unit, in addition to the electrochemical sensor element and amplifier, includes a µC module, analog output, and power supply. The µC controller uses the sensor’s measurement signal to calculate a linear 4-20 mA signal (or 2-10 V); it also stores the relevant measuring values and sensor element data.

Thanks to X-Change Technology, calibration can be performed by simply exchanging the sensor unit (Plug & Play) or by using the integrated, convenient calibration routine directly at the plant.

MSR’s certified partner, AYSAN from Eskisehir, Turkey, will provide full support for and commission the gas detectors.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by MSR-Electronic GmbH.

For more information on this source, please visit MSR-Electronic GmbH.