Strata Worldwide recently announced that its newly developed Strata XP-AC battery-powered air conditioner for emergency refuge alternatives has been awarded 30 CFR Part 18 and Part 7 approval by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
The Strata XP-AC is used with approved refuge alternatives to provide a minimum of 96 hours of air cooling for individuals occupying the refuge alternative following a mine emergency. It was specifically designed to work with Strata’s inflatable Fresh Air Bay chambers but can be adapted for use with a wide range of refuge alternatives including built-in-place Safe Rooms.
“Strata engineers employed innovative technology to ensure that the power center and mechanical equipment remain isolated from the potentially explosive atmosphere during deployment,” explains David Maust, vice president and general manager of Strata Safety Products. “The air conditioner is designed to prevent potentially lethal heat and humidity build-up in a refuge alternative and create a comfortable, survivable environment.
Strata foresees global opportunities for these units to be able to assist mines experiencing highly elevated temperatures underground. The company has already sold close to two dozen units in the United States.
