NO20151735A1

NO20151735A1 - A tunnel emergency life support system

Info

Publication number: NO20151735A1
Application number: NO20151735A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Hein De Groot; Øyvind Lund; Petter Torbal
Original assignee: Eureka Pumps As
Priority date: 2015-12-16
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2017-06-19
Also published as: EP3181811A3; EP3181811A2

Description

A tunnel emergency life support system

Field of the invention

The invention concerns the field of emergency life support systems in tunnels. In particular, the invention concerns a tunnel emergency refuge system as set out by the preamble of claim 1.

Background of the invention

Road tunnels and railway tunnels normally provide for efficient and safe transportation, both for the cargo operators and individual motorists. Road tunnels are widely used in the industrialized world, and millions of people daily rely on their safety. A number of European road tunnels are several kilometres long, for example: Lærdal, Norway (24.5 km); St. Gotthard, Switzerland (16.9 km); Arlberg, Austria (14.0 km); Fréjus, France (12.9 km); Mt. Blanc, France (11.6 km); Gudvangen, Norway (11.4 km); Folgefonna, Norway (11.2 km); Jondal, Norway (10.0 km); Oslofjord, Norway (7.4 km).

While many modern tunnels comprise two tubes, several tunnels have only one tube. The tunnels listed above are all in the latter category, and have bidirectional traffic.

In the event of a fire inside a tunnel, caused for example by a collision between vehicles or by a defective vehicle (e.g. overheated brakes), conditions vital to human survival (e.g. visibility, air (oxygen), temperature) are deteriorating rapidly. Time is of the essence, and lives are often lost in such accidents, before the arrival of rescue personnel and/or due to inadequate or missing life support systems inside the tunnel.

Several evacuation and refuge device are known, of which JP2002035147 A and WO 2014/016443 Al describe typical solutions. The prior art systems and devices pertain, however, to tunnels håving two tubes, and where escape tunnels are formed at regular intervals, forming cross-connections between the two tubes. If, for example, a fire occurs in one tube, motorists can leave their vehicles and escape on foot to the adjacent tube, via escape tunnels.

Current European directives stipulating minimum safety requirements for road tunnels, require that tunnels must have emergency exits that allow users to leave the tunnel without their vehicles and reach a safe place in the event of an accident or fire. According to the Official Journal of the European Union, L 201/63-64, issued 7.6.2004, examples of such emergency exits are: direct exits from the tunnel to the outside;

cross-connection between tunnel tubes;

exits to an emergency gallery;

shelters with an escape route separate from the tunnel tube.

Compliance with these directives has proven to be costly, highly complex, or in some cases, even impossible. This is particularly the case for tunnels håving only one tube, and even more so for undersea single-tube tunnels.

It is therefore a need for an improved tunnel emergency life support and evacuation system.

Summary of the invention

The invention is set forth andcharacterized inthe main claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

It is thus provided a tunnel emergency refuge system,characterized byone or more refuge shelters inside a tunnel, and at least one air supply system configured for compressing air, arranged outside the tunnel and fluidly connected to the refuge shelters via one or more air supply lines.

The refuge shelter may be thermally insulated and sealed to prevent ingress of gases from inside the tunnel, and may comprise an air lock.

In one embodiment, the refuge shelter is a refuge compartment built on site inside the tunnel, as a free-standing structure, or a compartment partly or entirely formed in the matter in which the tunnel is formed.

In one embodiment, the refuge shelter is a mobile refuge module, which is a stand-alone unit with means enabling movement out of and into the tunnel, and comprising releasable connection means to the air supply lines. The mobile refuge module may be a standard freight container, for example an IMO-type container.

In one embodiment, the system comprises heat-sensor means arranged outside a tunnel opening and configured for controlling a road barrier and providing information to information means.

In one embodiment, the system comprises sensor means arranged at various locations inside the tunnel, and configured for providing information to tunnel information means.

In one embodiment, the air supply system is configured for compressing air to a pressure up to 300 bar.

The invented system provides a flexible and reliable refuge system, providing a safe

shelter for motorists in the tunnel. The refuge compartments and mobile refuge modules are receiving a direct and continuous supply of fresh breathing air from the compressors in the air supply system outside the tunnel, for a virtually unlimited period of time. The invention is paiticularly useful in undersea, single-tube, tunnels where evacuation shafts cannot be constructed. The use of compressors ensures a reliable supply of compressed fresh air, which is more advantageous than a conventional, low-pressure, ventilation system in the hostile environment caused by a tunnel fire.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferential forms of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective-sectional view, illustrating an embodiment of the invented system installed in a tunnel through a terrain formation; Figure 2 is a perspective-sectional view, illustrating an embodiment of the invented system installed in a tunnel through a terrain formation and partly below water; Figure 3 corresponds to figure 2, but illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invented system; Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating principles of the invented system; Figure 5 is a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment of the invented system;

Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged pictures of certain sections of figure 5; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tunnel opening with the invented system, also illustrating certain traffic control devices.

Detailed description of preferential embodiments

The following description may use terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "back and forth", "up and down", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "forward", "rear", etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invented system installed in, and in a connection with, a tunnel 5 through a terrain formation G, such as a hill, mountain or other physical structure. Located in the vicinity each tunnel opening 5a, 5b, and outside of the tunnel, are air supply systems la,b. Each air supply system la,b is connected to enclosed refuge compartments 7 inside the tunnel via air supply lines 8, in a manner which will be described below. Figure 2 shows the same embodiment as in figure 1, but installed in relation to a tunnel 5 which partly also extends under a body of water W. It should be understood that the refuge compartment 7 is an enclosed room, with thermal insulation and thus providing a safe refuge for travellers in the event of a fire inside the tunnel. The refuge compartments 7 may be purpose-built shelters of e.g. reinforced concrete, or may be shelters formed in pockets in the tunnel walls. The internal surfaces (walls, floor, ceiling) are sealed with an impervious membrane, to prevent ingress of toxic and/or hot gases and furnes. Insulated fire doors, in combination with an air-lock, are provided. Breathable, fresh, air from outside the tunnel is supplied into the refuge compartment 7 via the air supply lines 8. The air supply lines 8 are pipes provided with thermal insulation in order to withstand the extreme heat generated by a fire inside the tunnel. Alternatively, the air supply lines may be embedded inside, or placed behind, concrete walls or in culverts below the roadway. Each refuge compartment 7 is ventilated by extract fire dampers and safety valves, in a manner known in the art. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the invented system, installed in relation to a tunnel 5 which extends under a body of water W and through a terrain formation G. In this embodiment, the stationary refuge compartments 7 described above with reference to figures 1 and 2, are replaced by mobile refuge modules 6. The mobile refuge compartments may be placed in purpose-built pockets in the tunnel wall, or in the main tunnel bore, alongside the roadway (dimensions permitting). Breathable, fresh, air from outside the tunnel 5 is supplied into the mobile refuge module 6 by the air supply systems la,b, via the air supply lines 8. The air supply lines 8 are pipes provided with thermal insulation in order to withstand the extreme heat generated by a fire inside the tunnel. Alternatively, the air supply lines may be embedded inside, or placed behind, concrete walls or in culverts below the roadway. The air supply lines 8 are dimensioned in a manner well known in the art. Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the invented system. Air supply systems la,b are arranged outside the tunnel 5. Each air supply system la,b comprises in the illustrated embodiment an air supply unit 2a,b, an air bottle cascade 3a,b (optional), and a pressure control unit 4a,b. The air supply unit 2a,b comprises (not shown) an air inlet, air compressor, and power and control systems to operate the air supply system. This equipment is well known in the art. The air compressor enables the air supply unit to deliver fresh air from outside the tunnel, to the refuge compartments 7 and/or mobile refuge modules 6 for a virtually unlimited period of time.

The air supply unit may also comprise an emergency power generator and air filling equipment (for e.g. fire fighters). Air supply lines 8a,b extend from each air supply system la,b (in the illustrated embodiment located in the vicinity of respective tunnel openings 5a,b) and into mobile refuge modules 6 inside the tunnel 5. Reference numbers 8a', 8b' indicate bypass lines from the air supply unit to the pressure control unit, as the air bottle cascades 3a,b are optional. Inside the tunnel, the air supply lines are connected to each mobile refuge module 6 (as indicted by the arrows in figure 4). Although not illustrated, it should be understood that power, control, and sensor cables may run from the air supply systems la,b outside the tunnel, to each mobile refuge module 6 inside the tunnel.

It should be understood that the air supply systems la,b may supply several mobile refuge modules 6 in the tunnel (illustrated by dotted lines in figure 4). It should also be understood that set-up shown in figure 4 is equally applicable to the embodiment described above with reference to the stationary refuge compartments 7

In case of an accident and fire occurring at a location A in the tunnel, motorists could seek refuge in the mobile refuge modules 6 and the air supply systems la,b would be activated. Fresh air, from outside the tunnel, is then drawn into the air supply units 2a,b (indicated by "L" in figure 4). The air is pressurized by one or more compressors (for example up to 300 bar) and fed via the supply lines 8a', 8b' to respective pressure control units 4a,b and then into the tunnel. Pressurized air may also be diverted to the air bottle cascades 3a,b (control valves not shown). As an example, the system operating pressure may be in the region of 300 bar (e.g. to fill the bottles), while the pressure control unit may limit the pressure in the air supply lines to the refuge shelters to e.g. 50 bar. Breathable, fresh, air is thus supplied into each mobile refuge module 6 at an appropriate pressure

Although the invention shall not be limited to two air supply systems la,b, as illustrated - and may in fact work with only one air supply system - the dual (or multiple) configuration, including the location of the different air supply systems la,b at opposite tunnel openings 5a,b, provides valuable redundancy and flexibility during operation.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 provides a further illustration of the invented system. In this variant, three mobile refuge modules 6 are interconnected via an air supply line 8 inside the tunnel 5. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that power, control, and sensor cables may run from the air supply systems la,b outside the tunnel, to each mobile refuge module 6 in the tunnel. Each mobile refuge module may be fitted with seats 9 and other amenities andUtilities, such as first-aid equipment, water, etc. Each refuge compartment 7 is ventilated by extract fire dampers and safety valves, in a manner known in the art.

In one embodiment, the mobile refuge module is a standard freight container, for example a 20' to 40' freight container, accommodating approximately 20 to 50 persons, depending on the internal layout.

Each mobile refuge module comprises an air-lock 10 with fireproof and thermally insulated doors (not shown). Each mobile refuge module 6 comprises passive fire protection, for example in the form of external and internal insulation (e.g. mineral wool) and/or sprayed thermal insulation. All doors are sealable to prevent ingress of fire gases or other furnes.

The system is configured to maintain an over-pressure, in the region of e.g. 50 Pa. Fire dampers close automatically in the event of a fire (sensor controlled).

An advantage with the mobile refuge modules is that they may be removed from the tunnel for upgrades, repairs and refurbishment. Rescue personnel may also perform rescue drills on mobile refuge modules outside the tunnel, thereby not disrupting traffic through the tunnel.

Figure 8 illustrates an air supply system la placed outside a tunnel opening 5a, and how the invented system may be integrated with a sensor-based information system for the motorists, as well as a traffic control system. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 8, infrared (IR) sensor 12 are fitted on the tunnel wall and configured to detect vehicles with very hot components (e.g. overheated brakes, incipient fires, etc). The IR sensors 12 are connected to a central command centre, but also to an information display board 13 outside the tunnel and to information display boards 15 inside the tunnel (internal boards 15 may be arranged at regular intervals in the tunnel). Motorists may thus be warned of an imminent hazardous situation and may be advised to not enter the tunnel, or - if already in the tunnel - to leave their vehicle and seek refuge in an mobile refuge module 6 or refuge compartment 7. A barrier 14 may also be activated to prevent motorists from entering the tunnel. Senor dusters 16 (for detecting smoke, flames, elevated temperatures, air flow speed and direction, etc.) may also be arranged at regular intervals in the tunnel, and integrated with the invented system. Communication may be via wires, as described above, or via wireless means.

Although the invention has been described with reference to road tunnels, it should be understood that it also applies to other tunnels, for example railway tunnels.

Claims

1. A tunnel emergency refuge system,characterized byone or more refuge shelters (6, 7) inside a tunnel (5), and at least one air supply system (la, lb) configured for compressing air, arranged outside the tunnel and fluidly connected to the refuge shelters (6, 7) via one or more air supply lines (8, 8a, 8b).

2. The system of claims 1, wherein the refuge shelter (6, 7) is thermally insulated and sealed to prevent ingress of gases from inside the tunnel, and comprises an air lock (10).

3. The system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the refuge shelter is a refuge compartment (7) built on site inside the tunnel, as a free-standing structure, or a compartment partly or entirely formed in the matter (G) in which the tunnel is formed.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the refuge shelter is a mobile refuge module (6), which is a stand-alone unit with means enabling movement out of and into the tunnel, and comprising releasable connection means to the air supply lines.

5 .The system of claim 4, wherein the mobile refuge module (6) is a standard freight container, for example an IMO-type container.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising heat-sensor means (12) arranged outside a tunnel opening (5a) and configured for controlling a road barrier (14) and providing information to information means (13).

7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising sensor means (16) arranged at various locations inside the tunnel, and configured for providing information to tunnel information means (15).

8. The system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the air supply system (la, lb) is configured for compressing air to a pressure up to 300 bar.