Shendong Coal has recently constructed and put into operation its first fire-resistant temporary refuge chamber for single tunnel excavation at the Wulanmulun Coal Mine. This project provides valuable technical reference for establishing temporary refuge chambers in single tunnel excavation faces across Shendong Coal’s operations.
Located 1,500 meters along the 22204 return airway and 1,000 meters from the excavation face, the chamber measures 4.8 meters in effective depth and 5.8 meters in width, featuring a flared shape. It can accommodate no fewer than 20 persons for emergency shelter. The chamber was constructed using full-face one-time excavation, with initial support provided by bolt-mesh, anchor cables and W-steel straps, followed by cast-in-place concrete support and shotcreting as secondary support. A blast-proof door secures the entrance. The chamber is equipped with monitoring and control, personnel positioning, compressed air self-rescue, water supply rescue, communication and liaison, and video surveillance systems, along with one-way drainage and exhaust valves. It is stocked with essential supplies including compressed biscuits, drinking water, compressed oxygen self-rescuers, and first-aid kits. Without any external support, the chamber offers a rated protection time of no less than 96 hours, capable of withstanding high temperatures from fires, thereby providing a secure space for evacuees to don self-rescuers or take refuge.
Moving forward, the mine will comprehensively summarize the experience gained, scientifically optimize design parameters, and increase investment in refuge facilities. These efforts will advance the implementation of temporary refuge chambers in single tunnel excavation faces, not only serving as a valuable reference for the development of full-scope safety infrastructure at Shendong Coal, but also promoting the industry to explore the in-depth integration of ESG principles with coal safety production.
