Portable Fresh Air Bay
The Portable Fresh Air Bay is a completely powerless, inflatable refuge
chamber that deploys rapidly to provide 96 hours of breathable air to miners
trapped underground. High pressure compressed air cylinders inflate and
fill the Bay with fresh air. Medical grade oxygen cylinders and a CO2
scrubber maintain fresh, breathable air inside the chamber.
The Portable Fresh Air Bay is folded and stored in an explosion resistant steel container called the Strata Products Fresh Air Bay Skid. The Portable Fresh Air Bay , gas cylinders, CO2 Scrubber and all other supplies are stored as a single unit within the Strata Products Fresh Air Bay Skid, providing ease-of-mobility.
Fully Inflatable
In an emergency, miners locate the Skid and activate air flow using the master control valves. A hinged door on the end of the Skid is opened to expose the folded Fresh Air Bay. Inflation is then initiated by opening a valve located next to the Bay and the unit unfolds as it inflates. Compressed air flows into air-tight structural beams to hold the tent erect out of the Skid and into the main compartment to maintain a positive pressure and fill it with breathable air.
The Fresh Air Bay inflated out of the Fresh Air Bay Skid.
Technical advancements of the Portable Fresh Air Bay include:
- Fresh, Breathable Air Supply System-Provides up to 96 hour air supply from medical grade oxygen and compressed air cylinders.
- CO2 Scrubber System-Patent pending Active CO2 Scrubber powered by compressed air removes carbon dioxide using soda lime chemicals.
- Explosion Resistant Fresh Air Bay Skid-Explosion resistant, steel container used to house and protect entire system. Constructed on a skid base for easier mobility. Highly visible with bright yellow paint and reflective decals.
- Air-Lock Entry-Air-lock entry is a separate compartment used to minimize contaminants entering the main chamber. If the ambient mine air is not safe for breathing, miners enclose themselves first in the Air-Lock entry and flush out air contaminants before entering the main chamber. When the Bay is already occupied, the Air-Lock entry allows additional miners to enter without deflating or jeopardizing the quality of the air in the main chamber.
- Robust Construction-Constructed from durable, flame retardant material that is MSHA approved. Edges are welded to be air tight and the high-quality construction is intended for long term use. Double-layered f loor for increased strength.
- Standard & Custom Sizes-Portable Fresh Air Bays are available in standard & custom sizes to meet individual customer needs. This includes custom length and heights of the structure. Standard sizes: 10-Man, 16-Man, 20-Man, 25-Man, 30-Man & 36-Man.
- Air-Tight Design-Air-tight chamber design provides immediate supply of breathable air upon entry.
- Drinking Water & Food-Includes food & drinking water in storage compartments.
- Powerless Cooling Option-Powerless cooling systems are also available if necessary to control the temperatures inside the Bay.
- MSHA Approved Gas Detector-MSHA approved gas detector used to monitor air quality inside the chamber. A sampling pump can be used to test air outside the chamber. (CO2 levels can be easily calculated by subtracted O2 levels from 100). Optional CO2 detecting monitors also available.
- MSHA Approved Flashlights-MSHA approved flashlights for internal use.
- Highly Reflective Signage-Highly reflective signage and an MSHA approved flashing light assist in locating the chamber.
- Moves Readily-Built-in fork lift guides, lifting facility and skid base assist with moving & relocating the refuge chamber.
- Environmental Toilet-Toilet & waste bags in a private compartment with external waste disposal.
- Cushioned Seating & Storage Areas-Cushioned seating for all occupants & storage areas for additional supplies/equipment.
- Fire Extinguisher-Chamber includes fire extinguisher.
Strata Safety Fresh Air Bay Wheel and Hitch Package
Due to the heavy weights of the fully kitted Fresh Air Bay Skids, Strata Safety Products has engineered a robust wheel and hitch package to be added during construction or retrofitted at a later date. These additions will greatly assist in the moving of the units into and around the mines and will significantly reduce wear and tear.
Fresh Air Bay with wheel and hitch package.
Each Skid is fitted with a double axle and four 21” x 8” x 15” smooth rubber tires. Standard ground clearance is 3”. Custom set up to increase or decrease ground clearance is available.
The removable steel hitch plate may be attached to either end of the Skid by way of welded clevis plates and pins. This facilitates the pulling or pushing of the unit.
Download the brochure on the Portable Fresh Air Bay.
Contact us for more information on the Strata Portable Fresh Air Bay or to discuss your safety requirements with a sales engineer.