RU2813850C1 - Switching point to self-rescuers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mining.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to points of switching to standby self-rescuers. Point for switching to standby self-rescuers includes an inlet compartment, an outlet compartment and at least one main compartment including cells for standby self-rescuers and a container for used self-rescuers. Inlet and outlet compartments include doors. Each of the compartments includes a compressed air source and an air supply system. Compartments are connected by an air supply system and include at least two electric pneumatic valves and air shower nozzles. Inlet of one electric pneumatic valve is connected to the shaft air network, the inlet of the other one is connected to the compressed air source. Outlets of electropneumatic valves are combined into a single air line with nozzles for air supply throughout the volume of the switching point. Compressed air cylinder is used as compressed air source. Inlet and outlet compartments additionally include an automation system. Automation system includes at least two magnetic reed switch sensors for monitoring the state of the door, which are installed on the doors of the inlet and outlet compartments. Includes atmosphere state control system, including air state sensors in switching point. Air condition sensors are oxygen sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, methane sensor, temperature sensor and pressure sensor. Automation system is connected to the atmosphere state monitoring system and additionally includes warning plates, wherein depending on the atmosphere state monitoring system readings, the visualization on the said plates changes. In addition, it includes pressure sensors located along the air flow in front of the electric pneumatic valves. Automation system is connected to pressure sensors and configured to switch air supply between electropneumatic valves based on readings of pressure sensors. Each electropneumatic valve has a bypass channel with a valve for manual activation of air supply.

EFFECT: increased safety of miners due to reliable operation of the fresh air supply system for the whole volume of the switching point.

10 cl, 3 dwg

Description

Field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to the mining industry and is intended for storing backup self-rescuers and protecting underground personnel from the effects of harmful factors in the mine atmosphere when switching to backup self-rescuers when leaving remote areas in emergency situations, as well as for resting mine rescuers during emergency response. State of the art

[0002] Self-rescuers in mines and other underground structures play an important role in ensuring the safety of workers in case of emergency situations. However, they are often designed to operate for 30 minutes. Thus, to ensure the safety of workers located in areas of the mine remote from the surface during emergencies, it is necessary to equip mines with switching points for backup self-rescuers. Switching points are special areas or rooms supplied with air into which workers can enter to safely change the self-rescuer. It is important that they are easily accessible and easy to use so that workers can quickly switch to a backup air source and save their lives in the event of an emergency.

[0003] There is a known utility model “Switching point for self-rescuers” (patent No. 198980 with priority dated May 22, 2020, bulletin No. 22 published on August 5, 2020), containing a housing that consists of sections hermetically connected to each other, in at least one of which there is a compartment with reserve self-rescuers, a compartment for used self-rescuers, in at least one of the sections there is a compressed air cylinder and a blowing chamber, while in the upper part of the blowing chamber there is a tube with nozzles for creating an air shower, connected to a compressed air cylinder air through an air supply control device, and the outer sections are equipped with cabinets for placing medical equipment for providing first aid to victims, communications and fire extinguishing equipment.

[0004] A significant disadvantage of the known device is that the switching point for self-rescuers is supplied with fresh air only at the switching points, and not throughout the entire volume of the point, which affects the unsatisfactory state of the air atmosphere at the point, especially in the outer sections.

[0005] Known Switching point for self-rescuers (patent No. 211370, with priority dated 11/30/2021, published 06/01/2022, bulletin No. 16), containing a housing in which open chambers are installed for changing self-rescuers, each of which is connected through a valve to a source fresh air under pressure and contains containers for reserve and used self-rescuers, equipped with input and output vestibules with sealed doors, and sources of compressed air are located in the vestibules to create a breathable atmosphere at the point, contains a network air input fitting, which is connected to the first input of the three-way valve, a source of fresh air under pressure is connected to the second input of the three-way valve, and the output of the three-way valve through a filter is a condenser, an electric valve and an adjustable throttle are connected to the fresh air supply nozzles, while the three-way valve is controlled automatically, and the item additionally contains an autonomous air curtain of input and output modules.

[0006] The known Point provides for the supply of fresh air to the entire volume of the Point both from the air network of the mine and from compressed air cylinders. The disadvantage of the utility model is the use of a three-way valve as an air supply switch, the electric drive of which must be made in an explosion-proof design for use in a mine. The use of a three-way valve negatively affects the safety of personnel, since in the event of malfunction or breakdown, for example, jamming, a situation arises where the entire fresh air supply system fails. In addition, there is no provision for manual switching of the three-way valve and manual supply of fresh air from the mine air network or from cylinders.

The essence of the invention

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to create a point for switching to self-rescuers, providing increased safety for miners when switching to backup self-rescuers.

[0008] This problem is solved by the claimed invention by achieving such a technical result as increased safety due to the reliable operation of the fresh air supply system for the entire volume of the switching point. The declared technical result is achieved, including, but not limited to, thanks to:

• use of electric pneumatic valves as a compressed air supply device;

• connecting at least two electro-pneumatic valves to compressed air sources and to the mine air network;

• the presence of air shower nozzles in each of the compartments of the switching point.

[0009] More fully, the technical result is achieved by the point of switching to backup self-rescuers. The switching point includes an inlet compartment, an outlet compartment and at least one main compartment, including cells for reserve self-rescuers and a container for used self-rescuers. In this case, the inlet and outlet compartments include doors, and each of the compartments also includes a source of compressed air and an air supply system. The compartments are connected by an air supply system. The air supply system includes at least two electro-pneumatic valves and air shower nozzles. Moreover, the input of one electro-pneumatic valve is connected to the mine air network, and the input of the other is connected to a source of compressed air; the outputs of the electro-pneumatic valves are combined into a single air duct with nozzles for supplying air throughout the entire volume of the switching point.

[0010] The presence of nozzles in each compartment allows air to be effectively distributed throughout the entire volume of the switching point. The use of electro-pneumatic valves significantly increases the reliability of the switching point, which directly affects the safety of miners when switching to backup self-rescuers. Connecting at least two electro-pneumatic valves to compressed air sources and to the mine air network allows you to choose a source of fresh air in case of accidents. Thus, the combination of these technical solutions ensures the achievement of the stated technical result.

[0011] The source of compressed air may be a compressed air cylinder.

[0012] The input and output compartments may further include an automation system. In this case, the automation system may include at least two magnetic reed sensors for monitoring the door status, installed on the doors of the input and output compartments. This allows an alert to be sent to the mine dispatcher in the event of a switching point being opened.

[0013] Also, the switching point may further include an atmosphere control system, including air condition sensors at the switching point. In this case, air condition sensors can be an oxygen sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a methane sensor, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The automation system in this case may include warning signs and be connected to the atmospheric monitoring system, and depending on the readings of the atmospheric monitoring system, the visualization on these signs may change. In this way, personnel can be alerted as to whether the atmosphere inside the switching point is breathable.

[0014] The air supply system may further include pressure sensors located along the air flow in front of the electro-pneumatic valves. The automation system can then be connected to pressure sensors and configured to switch air supply between electro-pneumatic valves based on pressure sensor readings. This may allow switching between cylinder air supply and mine air supply automatically based on the presence of air in the mine air network or cylinders.

[0015] Also, each electro-pneumatic valve can have a bypass channel (bypass) with a tap for manually turning on the air supply. This will allow you to switch the air supply.

Description of drawings

[0016] The subject matter of this application is described point by point and clearly stated in the claims. The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] In FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a switching point for backup self-rescuers in a longitudinal section, according to the present invention (left view).

[0018] In FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the switching point for backup self-rescuers, according to the present invention (top view).

[0019] In FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a switching point for backup self-rescuers in a longitudinal section, according to the present invention (right view).

[0020] These figures are illustrated by the following positions:

Position 1 - inlet compartment;

Position 2 - main compartment;

Position 3 - output compartment;

Position 4 - cylinders for purging and creating excess pressure at the point;

Position 5 - cylinders for blowing doors;

Position 6 - pressure sensors;

Position 7 - electro-pneumatic valves;

Position 8 - oil and water separator;

Position 9 - overpressure valve;

Position 10 - junction box;

Position 11 - telephone;

Position 12 - bypass channel (bypass);

Position 13 - cells for reserve self-rescuers;

Position 14 - container for used self-rescuers;

Position 15 - fire extinguishers;

Position 16 - uninterruptible power supply;

Position 17 - control panel for the compressed air supply system;

Position 18 - distribution box;

Position 19 - nozzles for blowing the entire volume of the switching point;

Position 20 - pedal;

Position 21 - switching table;

Position 22 - oxygen, carbon monoxide, methane sensors;

Position 23 - folding bench;

Position 24 - first aid kit;

Position 25 - medical splints, stretchers;

Position 26 - magnetic reed switch sensor for monitoring the door status;

Position 27 - lamps;

Position 28 - external temperature and level sensor;

Position 29 - nozzles for individual airflow;

Position 30 - ball valve;

Position 31 - outdoor lighting fixtures;

Position 32 - acoustic signaling device;

Position 33 - end post.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] The following detailed description of the invention sets forth numerous implementation details designed to provide a clear understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the present invention can be used with or without these implementation details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures and components are not described in detail so as not to unduly obscure the features of the present invention.

[0022] In addition, from the above discussion it is clear that the invention is not limited to the above implementation. Numerous possible modifications, alterations, variations and substitutions, while retaining the spirit and form of the present invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0023] The point for switching to backup self-rescuers contains a housing. The housing includes an input compartment 1, an output compartment 3 and at least one main compartment 2, including cells for backup self-rescuers 13 and a container for used self-rescuers 14. In this case, the input 1 and output compartments 3 include doors, and each of the compartments (1, 2 , 3) also includes a compressed air source and an air supply system. Compartments (1, 2, 3) are connected by an air supply system. The air supply system includes at least two electro-pneumatic valves 7 and air shower nozzles 19. Moreover, the input of one electro-pneumatic valve 7 is connected to the mine air network, and the input of the other 7 is connected to a source of compressed air, the outputs of the electro-pneumatic valves 7 are combined into a single air duct with air supply nozzles 19 throughout the entire switching point.

[0024] The switching point is designed for operation in super-category methane gas, threatened by sudden emissions of coal and gas, hazardous by the explosiveness of coal dust, threatened by rock bursts, coal mines. It is possible to use the invention in other industries where there is a threat of an emergency situation with the formation of an atmosphere unsuitable for breathing.

[0025] The use of electropneumatic valves is justified by their advantages in comparison with other types of valves. First, they provide highly accurate airflow control, making them useful in complex systems that require precise control of airflow parameters. Second, electro-pneumatic valves consume less energy than hydraulic or pneumatic valves, resulting in lower operating costs. In addition, they provide a quick response to changes in system parameters, which allows you to quickly adjust the air flow and prevent emergency situations. Also, electropneumatic valves can be remotely controlled, which allows you to control the air flow from afar and automate processes. And the most important advantage of electro-pneumatic valves within the framework of the present invention is their high reliability and durability due to the absence of external moving parts that can wear out or break.

[0026] The described configuration is sufficient to achieve the technical result claimed in the invention, however, it is possible to have additional elements of the switching point described below. Their inclusion in the switching point ensures the achievement of additional technical results or helps to increase efficiency in achieving the stated technical result.

[0027] In FIG. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a switching point for backup self-rescuers, including both the main components described above and additional elements, the purpose of which is disclosed below.

[0028] In the inlet compartment 1 there are cylinders 4 with compressed air for purging and creating excess pressure inside the point, and a separate cylinder 5 for blowing the doors when opening. Also on the left side of the entrance there are pressure sensors 6, electro-pneumatic valves 7 and an oil and moisture separator 8, and on the right side there is an overpressure valve 9, a connection box 10 and a telephone 11 for communication with the mine dispatcher. The pneumatic system for blowing and maintaining excess pressure inside the point is connected to the mine compressed air network. If there is no air in the network (it is turned off due to an emergency, it is out of order, etc.), it automatically switches to an autonomous air supply from cylinders. In case of failure of both electro-pneumatic valves or lack of power supply, it is possible to supply fresh air to the point manually using bypass valves 12 located near the electro-pneumatic valves, and fresh air through the bypass channel (bypass) enters the air network of the switching point.

[0029] In the output compartment 3 there are cells for backup self-rescuers 13, a container for used self-rescuers 14, fire extinguishers 15, uninterruptible power supply network converters 16, a cylinder 5 for blowing doors when opening and an overpressure valve 9. In addition, the system control panel is located there compressed air supply 17 and distribution box 18.

[0030] Each main compartment 2 has cells for backup self-rescuers 13, a container for used self-rescuers 14 and an autonomous source of fresh air 4 (compressed air cylinder). Nozzles 29 are installed above the switching head for airflow. Air is supplied from the cylinder to the nozzles using tap 30, which is opened by pressing the pedal 20 located below with your foot.

[0031] The main equipment is a compressed air cylinder, cells for storing reserve self-rescuers, a container for used self-rescuers and a table 21 for switching - located on one side of the main compartment for the purpose of free passage through the compartment. There are 22 oxygen, carbon monoxide, and methane sensors installed under the table. On the opposite side there are folding benches 23, which can be used for short-term rest of personnel in exceptional cases during switching. Above the bench there is a basket for a first aid kit 24, and under the folding bench there are medical splints and a stretcher 25.

[0032] Air is supplied to the switching zone to create an air shower by pressing the foot pedal 20. With the help of a spring-loaded rod, the ball valve 30 is opened, through which air enters the blowing nozzles 29. When the pedal is released, the ball valve closes through the rod and return spring and the air supply stops. The presence of compressed air in the cylinder is monitored according to the readings of the pressure gauge installed on the cylinder.

[0033] At the switching point, magnetic reed sensors are installed to monitor the status of the door 26 on the entrance and exit doors, connected to the mine dispatcher console, in case of unauthorized opening of the doors. Next to the door in the input and output compartments there are 27 lamps mounted on rotating brackets. Outside, the switching point is also equipped with 31 lamps, which are located above the entrance and exit doors.

[0034] The switching point has explosion-proof cable entries.

[0035] The PPS switching point is equipped with an atmosphere monitoring system with oxygen, carbon monoxide, methane, temperature and pressure sensors.

[0036] The switching point has an Automation System designed to operate the point in automatic mode in the event of an emergency in the mine. The automation system controls the compressed air supply system at the point and monitors the state of the atmosphere both inside and outside the point. The automation system is in standby mode.

[0037] The Automation System includes:

- control panel 17;

- intrinsically safe power supplies 16;

- electropneumatic valves 7;

- pressure sensors 6;

- distribution box 18;

- end post 33;

- magnetic reed switch sensor for monitoring the status of the door 26;

- acoustic signaling device for automatic warning alarm 32;

- junction box 10;

- lamps 27, 31;

- a set of radio sensors 22 for aerogas control: methane CH4, oxygen O2, carbon monoxide CO.

- external radio pressure and level sensor 28;

- intrinsically safe warning signs.

[0038] The switching point for self-rescuers and its automation system operate as follows.

[0039] When an emergency occurs, the mine emergency warning system is triggered, a signal is sent from the mine dispatcher station to the switching point and an acoustic sound warning device installed on the outside of the station is turned on.

[0040] A group of underground personnel approaches the point, breaks the seal on the front door, opens the front door, and a signal is sent to the mine dispatcher that the point has been opened (the door status monitoring sensor is triggered), and the internal lighting and air supply are also automatically turned on.

[0041] All electrical equipment of the point operates from the mine power supply system, and in case of damage or absence, from uninterruptible power supplies located inside the point. The power supply is switched automatically.

[0042] Air supply is provided both from the mine air network and from an independent air supply system (from cylinders). Air is supplied to the point through electro-pneumatic valves, one of which is connected to the mine air network, and the other to compressed air cylinders. In front of the electro-pneumatic valves there are pressure sensors that monitor the presence of air in the mine air network or in the cylinders. The air supply from the mine network is a priority, and if there is no air in it, the air supply is switched through an electric pneumatic valve from the cylinders. Switching of electro-pneumatic valves is carried out automatically. If air supply is automatically impossible (lack of power supply, failure in the automation system, etc.), then one of the group of miners who enters manually opens the valve on the bypass connected either to the mine air network or to the cylinders.

[0043] When a group of underground personnel enters the site and the front door closes, a red sign on the outside will light up with the words “DO NOT ENTER.”

[0044] If the atmosphere inside the point is suitable for breathing, then a green display with the inscription “SWITCHING” is lit in the main compartment. In this case, personnel can freely remove the used self-rescuer and switch to the reserve one. If the atmosphere inside the point is not suitable for breathing, a red sign with the inscription “SWITCH ONLY UNDER THE SHOWER” is lit. In this case, switching to backup self-rescuers is carried out only using individual airflow above the table.

[0045] Having switched, the miners gather in the exit compartment and leave the switching point as a group. After the door of the exit compartment closes behind the last of the group, a green sign with the inscription “ENTER” lights up on the outside of the entrance compartment and the next group of people can enter to switch to self-rescuers.

[0046] Thus, due to the presence of both manual and automatic switching, an additional technical result is achieved that increases efficiency in achieving the stated technical result - increasing the safety of miners when switching to self-rescuers. This is ensured by creating conditions at the switching point for safe switching to backup self-rescuers by automatically or manually turning on the supply of fresh air from the mine air network or from compressed air cylinders, or from an individual autonomous source (cylinder) directly at the switching point.

[0047] These application materials provide a preferred disclosure of the implementation of the claimed technical solution, which should not be used as limiting other, private embodiments of its implementation that do not go beyond the scope of the requested legal protection and are obvious to specialists in the relevant field of technology.

Claims (10)

1. A switching point for backup self-rescuers, including an inlet compartment, an outlet compartment and at least one main compartment, including cells for backup self-rescuers and a container for used self-rescuers, wherein the inlet and outlet compartments include doors, and each of the compartments includes a source of compressed air and an air supply system, and the compartments are connected by an air supply system, including at least two electro-pneumatic valves and air shower nozzles, and the input of one electro-pneumatic valve is connected to the mine air network, and the input of the other is connected to a source of compressed air, the outputs of the electro-pneumatic valves are combined into a single air duct with nozzles to supply air throughout the entire volume of the switching point. 2. Switching point according to claim 1, characterized in that the source of compressed air is a compressed air cylinder. 3. Switching point according to claim 1, characterized in that the input and output compartments additionally include an automation system. 4. Switching point according to claim 3, characterized in that the automation system includes at least two magnetic reed sensors for monitoring the door status installed on the doors of the input and output compartments. 5. Switching point according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes an atmosphere control system, including air condition sensors at the switching point. 6. Switching point according to claim 5, characterized in that the air condition sensors are an oxygen sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a methane sensor, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. 7. Switching point according to paragraphs. 3 and 6, characterized in that the automation system is connected to the atmosphere control system and additionally includes warning signs, and depending on the readings of the atmosphere control system, the visualization on these signs changes. 8. Switching point according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes pressure sensors located along the air flow in front of the electro-pneumatic valves. 9. Switching point according to paragraphs. 3 and 8, characterized in that the automation system is connected to pressure sensors and is configured to switch the air supply between electro-pneumatic valves based on the readings of the pressure sensors. 10. Switching point according to claim 1, characterized in that each electric pneumatic valve has a bypass channel with a tap for manually turning on the air supply.