MineARC Systems, with operations in the US and Chile, has been awarded the ‘Global Safety Initiative of the Year’ accolade at the 2015 International ITA Awards for its new Compressed Air Management System (CAMS), which has been designed specifically for refuge chambers in the mining, tunneling and petrochemical industries.
One key feature of CAMS is a unique, integrated gas toxicity monitor with auto shut-off. The gas toxicity monitor is programmed to activate a solenoid valve at the air intake, which automatically shuts off compressed air if oxygen levels in the airline fall below 19 percent. Once activated the CAMS auto-shut off solenoid valve will remain closed for the remainder of entrapment, thereby ensuring no toxins enter the chamber through the airline.
Yet another feature of CAMS is the flood protector. Accidental flooding of a refuge chamber can often occur due to human error or excessive condensation from the compressor, causing catastrophic and costly damage to the interior of the chamber. In the event of water ingress to the compressed airline, the flood protection valve will seal closed preventing any water from entering the chamber. The water pressure will seal the valve shut until the water source is eliminated and the filter is drained.