Study on external protective system of waterproofing refuge chamber in Guilaizhuang gold mine

Refuge stations, which have positive impact on facilitating escape for those miners trapped underground by a fire, explosion or rock collapse, need further perfection and research as respect to waterproofing function at present in China when in case of mine floods. A waterproofing refuge station, which designed for surviving 50 miners for at least 96 hours, along with its waterproofing, airtight, and other essential requirements has been proposed in Guilaizhuang gold mine in Shandong province according to practical situation under mine. Focusing on its external protective system of the water-proof refuge station, critical items (water-proof door, bulkhead, and lining included) were systematically presented in the paper. Some specifics, like exhausting and draining under water, were also take into consideration in the research. Accordingly a waterproofing evacuation unit, emergency evacuation unit, and emergency drainage unit were designed. Tests and simulation results indicated that the refuge station behaving good positive pressure maintenance, air-tight property, and water-proof performance.