The Refuge One Air Centre is a self-contained system that is designed to provide oxygen at controlled rates, and to remove carbon dioxide from the air in an enclosed space. The unit does not depend on the compressed air pipeline, and in an emergency does not require an external electrical source.

The air within the Refuge Station is "processed" by the Refuge One Air Centre, as opposed to purging the Carbon Dioxide laden room air with "new air" from the compressed air. To effectively accomplish this, the air flow through the carbon dioxide scrubbers has to be at the same rate as required by the compressed air system.

To replenish the oxygen consumed by the occupants, oxygen from high pressure cylinders is injected at a metered rate (dependent on the number of occupants) into the blower circuit.

The Refuge One Air Centre's principle of operation is very similar to the Drager BG 174 self contained breathing apparatus. Whereas the Refuge One Air Centre sits in the middle of a sealed chamber (the Refuge Station), processing the air to remove Carbon Dioxide and replenishing the Oxygen, the BG 174 also operates in a sealed chamber, albeit closed circuit tubing.

At present, the Refuge One Air Centre comes in two sizes: One which process the air at a rate of 80 scfm (single bed unit) and the other which processes air at a rate of 160 scfm (double bed unit).

When 120-volt AC power is not available, the unit operates on internal long-life batteries to operate blowers. The batteries will operate the blower(s) continuously for a minimum of 36 hours. Under normal conditions, when the electricity is servicing the Refuge Station, the batteries are maintained under full charge.

Selection of the correct model size is directly dependent on the number of people the Refuge Station is being designed for. Each model has a standard built-in, stored supply of soda lime and oxygen. However, the capacity in hours can be extended by providing additional kegs of soda lime and cylinder of oxygen in the Refuge Station.

The obvious cost associated with the use of a Refuge One Air Centre is the capital purchase of the system. This factor may be overcome if a lease alternative was to be considered during the active usage period of the Refuge Station.

Additionally, there is a cost associated with the oxygen cylinders stored within the system. This would include the original purchase of the oxygen in the cylinder, and where the cylinders were provided by a compressed gas company, a lease or rental charge.

The ongoing maintenance/operating costs would include a minimal amount of time/labour to carry out preventative maintenance checks, and the occasional replacement of soda lime and oxygen cylinders (every 5 years). To help defer this cost, the soda lime could be utilized for training purposes, and the cylinder oxygen for normal welding activities.

Diagrams Of How The Refuge One Air Centre Operates (Requires Flash)

Diagrams Of How The Refuge One Air Centre Operates (Non-Flash)

Risks And Benefits To Using The Refuge One Air Centre

Performance Charts Of The Refuge One Air Centre