In-mine Experimental Investigation of Temperature Rise and Development of a Validated Thermal Simulation Model of a Mobile Refuge Alternative

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations require underground coal mines to use refuge alternatives (RAs) to provide a breathable air environment for 96 hrs. One of the main concerns with the use of mobile RAs is the heat and humidity buildup inside the RA. The accumulation of heat and humidity can result in miners suffering heat stress or even death. To investigate this issue, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted testing on a training ten-person, tent-type, RA in its Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) in a test area that was isolated from the mine ventilation system. The test results using sensible and latent heat showed that the average measured air temperature within the RA increased by 20.6°F (11.4°C) and the relative humidity approached 90 %RH. The test results were used to benchmark a thermal simulation model of the tested RA. The validated thermal simulation model predicted the average air temperature inside the RA, at the end of 96 hours, to within 1°F (0.6°C) of the measured average air temperature.