The Strata ERC is a complete safety system designed to provide immediate refuge and
<br>breathable air in the event of an emergency that compromises the quality of breathing air in
<br>the working environment. They serve as a cache of clean, breathable air, ideal for any situation
<br>where workers could become trapped. Chambers are intended to be an alternative option
<br>when escape is not possible.
Strata has been a global leader in underground emergency refuge since late 2006, and was the first company in the United States to introduce a completely powerless chamber for underground coal mines. We now offer numerous portable chamber designs, specialized kits for permanent safe rooms, government approved breathing air systems and various communications and gas detection options for refuge structures. To date, we have placed over 1600 chambers into service across 21 countries worldwide
• Coal Mines
• Metal/Non-Metal Mines
• Tunnels
• Chemical Plants
• Surface Operations
An optional entrance compartment can be created by adding a secondary steel door or heavyweight PVC curtain. This compartment prevents contaminants from entering the chamber when the main door is opened during initial entry. An optional active purge system can be installed to flush the airlock using compressed air prior to entering the main chamber.
Each chamber is equipped standard with forklift guides, and lifting eyes for lifting with a crane. An optional hardened skid plate can be added for sliding the unit into place. A crash bar is fitted around the structure to minimize damage when transporting underground. Special lifting eyes and attachments can be supplied to lower vertically down a shaft or for hanging beneath an elevator car, if required.
An optional package with wheels and a tow bar can be added to facilitate easier mobility. Wheels are constructed of solid rubber. For rough terrain, a high clearance wheel mounting option can be added that provides 16" of clearance beneath the chamber.
Chambers have large reflective signs fitted to all sides to identify the unit and direction to reach the entrance. A reflective band around the chamber enhances visibility.
Storage space is provided under the seats and on overhead shelving. Seats are constructed from a high-grade, humidity resistant padding and materials for durability.
In case of a secondary emergency, such as a rock fall blocking the main chamber entrance, an inward opening hatch is fitted to provide a secondary escape route.
Exterior Safety Yellow or White (customer preference) corrosion resistant coatings are available. The interior coating is a non-toxic low VOC material suitable for human exposure.
Oxygen cylinders are fitted with individual flow-rate valves set according to the number of occupants. This controls the amount of oxygen released into the environment. Occupants monitor the oxygen levels and make adjustments to the flow as necessary.
<br>A new automated oxygen system that measures oxygen levels in the chamber and automatically adjusts the oxygen flow to keep the level within a 19.5% to 22% range is now available. This system removes the <br>human factor from the critical control of oxygen.
If the ERC is connected to an external source of compressed air, and there is the possibility of carbon monoxide being drawn into the inlet of the compressor system, Strata offers a unique CO detection and diversion system. Using a continuous sensor, if CO is detected in the compressed air entering the chamber, an audible alarm will sound and a valve will automatically re-direct the air flow to the outside of the chamber. ERC’s with this feature will require activating the onboard Breathing Air System in place of the compressed air.
Strata offers several options for removing CO from the main chamber of the ERC. A stand-alone battery powered CO converter that runs continuously for up to 72 hours on a single battery or replaceable cartridges using precious metal catalysts that can be customized to address any expected CO levels.
A fully automatic battery backup system consisting of high storage capacity AGM batteries and specialized multi-stage chargers is standard on all ERC’s requiring autonomy. The systems are normally connected to local power to maintain the charge on the battery but will automatically and seamlessly switch to battery power should the local power be disrupted. The battery bank is sized to provide power to operate air conditioner(s), CO2 scrubber, lighting systems, atmospheric monitoring gas detectors and communication system (upon request) for the designed duration. The units are equipped with standard transformers capable of adapting a wide range of available AC power voltages and frequencies to feed the onboard power requirements. The transformers are flexible and can be easily re-configured should the available power change.
Low power consuming 24-volt LED lights are mounted inside the chamber. Additionally, RED and BLUE 24-volt LED indicator lights are mounted on the outside to signal occupancy and emergency conditions. An external siren can be activated from inside the chamber to indicate an emergency and help locate the chamber audibly should smoke be present.
The Strata ERC’s are equipped with a DC powered air conditioner that runs directly off the battery bank. No complicated or inefficient conversion from DC to AC is necessary. The industrial air conditioners are uniquely designed to handle the high quantity of moisture produced by humans in a confined space. Specialized insulation can also be added for high temperature external environments.
A variety of toilet configurations are available to handle the inevitable calls of nature. Privacy and cleanliness are keys to maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
Individually packaged emergency water and special food bars are provided to maintain people for the duration of confinement. Food and water is stored beneath the seats and has a 6-year shelf life.
A 20lb (9kg) ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher is mounted and secured outside the airlock compartment. Additional units available upon request.
A first aid kit to suit the number of occupants is included. A compact foldable stretcher can be provided as an option.
Strata Segmented ERCs are constructed and delivered in segments to be assembled underground. This design optimizes transportation and handling and helps to overcome entry shaft and/or handling restrictions possible at individual operations.
Low-profile units have reduced heights to accommodate low seam heights. These are most commonly the Strata Fresh Air Bay inflatable units, as they offer greater flexibility at lower height, easier maneuverability and natural heat dissipation.
Tunneling-specific ERCs are designed and constructed to be narrower in width to suit the tunneling environment. Tunneling chambers can be mounted directly onto Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), onto rails or placed within the tunnel while operations are active.
Strata offers a small (4- to 6-person) compact chamber that is designed to stay close to the working section for quick and easy deployment.
Powerless Chambers – Steel and Inflatable Strata offers completely powerless, steel walkin and inflatable chambers that are ideal for explosive/gassy environments. Onboard oxygen, compressed air cylinders and an air-powered carbon dioxide scrubber provide breathable air for up to 96 hours of occupancy. The Fresh Air Bay inflatable unit is an explosion-resistant skid that houses all cylinders, equipment and supplies, along with the highly durable inflatable tent. In an emergency, the tent is inflated, filling to full size with clean air.
Designed to train staff in using the camera and built-in equipment.
The Strata Change-Over Station (COS) is a walk-through, transitional chamber that offers workers a temporary nontoxic environment in which to exchange personal breathing air units during an evacuation. It functions as a storage cache for SCSRs or other personal breathing devices in the case of an emergency.
The COS has an entry and exit door and is intended to provide a clean, well-lit area in which workers can safety exchange their breathing air apparatus, communicate, rest and rejuvenate during self-evacuation. The COS includes an air filtration system for a mains airline connection, as well as an onboard battery and air supply backup. Backup supplies can be provided for an excess of 24 hours.
• Onboard oxygen and air cylinders
• CO2 scrubbing system
• Storage rack for up to 50 self-rescuers
• Mine maps
• Communications system
• First aid kit
• Water
The Strata Safe Room is a pre-constructed refuge room equipped with Strata’s refuge equipment and supplies to sustain life for workers trapped in emergency situations. Breathable air can be provided through a borehole from the surface, compressed mine air with a high-quality air filtration system, or oxygen cylinders with alternative forms of CO2 scrubbing.
• Battery-powered or air-powered active scrubber with fans to circulate air through soda lime filled cartridges
• Soda lime curtains hung in room and passively absorb CO2 out of the air
• Collection of 3-9 oxygen cylinders per skid
• Multiple skids can be used for additional cylinders
• Regulators and flow meter valves included
• Up to 3,300 cubic feet (93,000 L) of oxygen available per module
• Operates on mine power or battery backup
• Minimum of 48 hours continuous cooling
• Explosion-resistant access door that can withstand 15psi overpressure
• Airlock and purge air system
• Auxiliary battery power with 24 hours of additional power
• Lighting and alarm kit including LED interior lighting, LED exterior flashing beacon, alarm, batteries and charger
• Benches
• Food and water
• First aid kit
• Communication device
• Flashlights
• Gas monitors
• Portable toilet
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