Petrochemical Plants Escape Chute

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Petrochemical Plants Vertical and Slide Escape Chutes

SPECIFICATION VERTICAL THREE LAYERED CHUTE SYSTEM

Industrial Vertical Escape Chute System is a floor mounted evacuation system designed to be installed in a cut-out. The escape chute system enables personnel trapped at height within a control tower to evacuate safely to ground level via the vertical three layered chute system that protects the evacuees from direct flame impingement, heat flux and combustion products while descending to ground level.

The DM-76 is a simple - mechanical free fall system reducing risk of failure to the lowest possible level. To deploy the system the individuals wishing to escape to ground level open the chute container lid, turn the control handle clockwise 90o, this releases the escape chute container lower trap door. The escape chute, free falls to deck level and the first individual transits down to deck level in less than 60 seconds.

For severe weather environments the system can be fitted with electrical heat tracing to ensure availability on demand even in the harshest of conditions.

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM

The system is comprised the following main components:

Qty 1 x Chute container with lower trap door, hinged lid and hydraulic dampened arms. The chute container depth (excluding the lid) can vary dependent upon the length of chute required to be packed inside, however the standard dimensions are:

890mm x 890mm x 1219mmH (35’’ x 35’’ x 48’’H). Height can vary dependent on control tower chute height.

Three Layered Vertical Escape Chute designed to support a dead weight of 2 tonnes. Heat resistant to 600o C, melting point 800o C. The chute length varies dependent upon the height of the control tower above the deck exit location. Note: 1 meter air gap is required at the bottom for evacuees to exit

2.0 Chute Container

The system is comprised a deck mounted chute container into which the chute, is packed. The container is fabricated from powder coated mild steel.

The main chute container is painted red with the lower trap door safety yellow and red chevrons and the words ‘Escape Chute’. In all cases an epoxy three coat preparation and painting system is provided with supporting fabrication and painting certificates, metal mill test reports, welding certs, UV and UT reports provided. All paint applications are suitable for offshore marine environments.

The deck mountable chute container requires a cut out of approx. 900m x 900m (35.4” X 35.4”) or fits into a deck mounted support frame (supplied as an option by RSS and has a hydraulically dampened lid and lower trap door. The lid assembly is safety yellow and decaled with red chevrons and the wording ‘Escape Chute’. A serial number identification plate is provided and lists the system serial/model number with the date of manufacturer and RSS emergency contact telephone numbers.

3.0 Vertical Three Layer Chute

Layered Vertical Escape Chute designed to support a dead weight of 2 tones and heat resistant to 650 degrees with a melting point of 800 degrees. The Chute length varies dependent on operating height; however in all cases a one meter air gap is required at deck level for evacuees to exit the chute.

Layer 1

The outer ‘Flame-resistant’ layer Is there to protect the individual from the flames and radiated heat. This layer can withstand a constant temperature of 650oC, and starts to melt at 800oC.

There is a space between the outer and middle layer designed to reduce the radiated heat transferred to the middle & inner chute layers.

Layer 2

The middle ‘braking’ layer, this is fitted with a series of stainless steel coiled springs sewn into the material. These springs have a small diameter designed arrest descent as the individual descends. Descent speed through the chute is adjusted by the individual extending or withdrawing arms & legs.

The evacuee only needs to apply pressure on the chute's interior wall with legs and arms, the more pressure, the more you slow down, less pressure and you will speed up. In all cases descent speed is controlled and safe.

Layer 3:

The Inner Layer - Support layer this is the layer that is connected to the storage/deployment device, and holds the chute in place; it can withstand the dead weight load of 2 tones.

4.0 Material Specification

INNER CHUTE LAYER:

MATERIAL : Polyester

WARP : Polyester

Breaking Tenacity : 185.2 Tensile Strength (Kgf) (C.R.E. Grab Method)

Breaking Tenacity : 82.7 Tearing Strength (Kgf) (C.R.W. Tongue Method)

Flame Resistant : None

Decomposing Temperature : 260 Degrees "C"

WEFT : Polyester

Breaking Tenacity : 184.9 Tensile Strength (Kgf) (C.R.E. Grab Method)

Breaking Tenacity : 80.4 Tearing Strength (Kgf) (C.R.W. Tongue Method)

Flame Resistant : None

Decomposing Temperature : 260 Degrees "C“

MIDDLE CHUTE LAYER:

MATERIAL : Nylon 1901

WARP : Nylon 1901

Breaking Tenacity : 52.0 Tensile Strength (Kgf) (C.R.E. Grab Method)

Breaking Tenacity : 3.0 Tearing Strength (Kgf) (C.R.W. Tongue Method)

Flame Resistant : None

Decomposing Temperature : 215 Degrees "C"

WEFT : Nylon 1901

Breaking Tenacity : 51.9 Tensile Strength (Kgf) (C.R.E. Grab Method)

Breaking Tenacity : 2.8 Tearing Strength (Kgf) (C.R.W. Tongue Method)

Flame Resistant : None

Decomposing Temperature : 215 Degrees "C"

MATERIAL : Stainless Steel Springs AIS 1304

Breaking Tenacity : 150 Kgf/mm2 (1471N/mm2)

OUTER CHUTE LAYER:

MATERIAL : Electro Glass, Fiber Glass (Gray / Silver)

Weight : 440g/m2

Softening Point : 800 Degrees "C"

Temperature Limit for Continuous use : 550 to 600 Degrees "C"

Tensile Strength - WARP : Over 174.0Kgf/2.5cm (1705N)

Tensile Strength -WEFT : Over 128.0Kgf/2.5cm (1254N)

Please contact for full details on the DM-76

The RSS DM-76 and DM-78 chute systems are designed or use on Petrochemical plants and most commonly used for evacuation from coker units in cases of emergencies such as fire or explosion. RSS offer two types of chute systems for use on petrochemical plants, these are as follows:-

DM-76 is the vertical three layered chute system which provides a heat protected enclosed environment that enables evacuation from heights in a safe and controlled descent to ground level. Ideal for rapid evacuation from Petrochemical Coker Units in a heat protected chute. Dependent on each application location and customers specific safety philosophy the three layered vertical chute system is the most rapid and safest means of escape from heights to ground.

DM-78 is our inclined netted chute system and like the DM-76 provides a means of evacuation from height to ground level in a safe and controlled heat protected environment, however as the DM-78 is an inclined chute evacuation times are slower than with the DM-76 vertical chute system and require more physical exertion from the evacuees as they are descending the chute at an inclined angle and this requires a much longer chute to cover the inclined distance from the evacuation height to the ground.

SPECIFICATION BAKER STYLE INCLINED CHUTE SYSTEM

The DM-78 provides a vehicle for personnel who are required to evacuate from heights in an emergency event, such as fire.

The DM-78 is a reliable method of descent to ground from heights up to 200ft. The chute design incorporates an outer layer for the first 60ft that is heat resistant providing protection from heat and flame impingement, smoke & gas. Personnel descend through the chute with ease, requiring very little physical exertion. Lower yourself into the chute and descend to the ground in a safe and controlled manner.

Enables a large volume of personnel to evacuate from the evacuation location without exposure to flame/heat or smoke. Transit time varies but each person will spend approx 60 seconds transiting the evacuation point to ground level dependent on chute length.

Designed to be low maintenance, offering evacuation solution that is available on demand. The floor mounted chute container is designed to offer additional protection from heat flux and ensures that the chute system is available in most fire related events.

The chute container is designed with an external mild steel cover that protects the chute and associated hardware, a dual set of access doors are provided that allows ease of access to the system.

An internal structural frame is provided and this houses all internal operational

components. The chute is stored at the front lower section of the container and is overhung ready for deployment in an emergency event. Very little day-to-day maintenance is required of the system other than visual inspections of the chute container, greasing of key components and visual inspections of the chute position to ensure it is in the fully recovered position.

An anti-foul screen has been provided to avoid birds from nesting in the top chute entrance and helps to keep the chute system clean and in a useable condition.

Purpose built Steel Frame:

The purpose built steel frame is hot dip galvanized after all welding and drilling has taken place. This allows for maximum weather resistance.

Outer Weather protection shell:

The outer shell is constructed of steel sheeting which incorporates a set of double access doors. These doors allow access to the deployment handle and entrance to the chute.

Full Operational Instructions:

Full operational instruction located in Section 3 of this manual. These instructions must be adhered to in all cases.

Note: Only Trained personnel should deploy and recover the chute system.

Operating the DM -78 System:

Open the double doors and remove the anti-foul screen. Deployment of the chute is achieved by pulling down the red deployment bar that is located at head height as you walk in. The chute will then deploy to the landing zone. At the landing zone there must be one person allocated to locate the chute onto the landing frame. Once the chute is firmly attached to the landing frame it is now ready for evacuation.

All evacuees must be trained prior to using the escape chute; this is covered under the training section. In all cases evacuees must enter the chute by lowering their body up to their waist into the chute keeping arms against their chest and legs in a crawl position. After fully entering the chute use arms to control descent speed, if you are descending to fast sit upwards and you descent speed will reduce.

The DM-78 is suitable for evacuees wearing heavy steel capped shoes, boots, coveralls, tool belts and hard hats, evacuees wearing breathing apparatus can also use the chute with ease.

Please note:

The DM-78 is a netted chute and as such some minor snagging could occur while in the chute from protruding objects such as tools in belts or tool bags used around waistlines. If you do become snagged (do not panic) keep calm and un snag yourself and proceed through the inclined chute to ground level as per you're training . If you are unable to free yourself you may seek assistance from the evacuee directly behind you.

This procedure should be covered under the training provided while the RSS engineer is on-site. The escape chute is a critical safety device and as such it is imperative that staff receive familiarization training.

Escape Chute Retrieval Procedure.

With the chute in the fully deployed position the following procedure needs to be followed to ensure proper retrieval of the escape chute.

1. Deploy the retrieval hook by operating the air winch located on top of the main structural frame. The hook must deploy all the way down the landing area of the escape chute. Note: a second person will be required to carry the hook to the landing area as the hook will be deployed vertically to the ground.

2. Secure the retrieval hook to the top of the exit gate.

3. Unlatch the exit gate from the landing area framework.

4. Operate the air winch in reverse to retrieve the chute.

5. Once the chute has been retrieved to its storage position secure in place by fitting the retaining ropes into the rope holders. Ensure the deployment wires are installed correctly under the retaining ropes to ensure correct deployment.

6. Replace the anti-foul screen and close the double doors.

Monthly Service and Inspection Regime:

1. Check pneumatic pulley to ensure air supply is constant.

2. Make a visual inspection of u-clamps at entrance to chute within top main container reporting any finding and escalate as required to the customer or RSS

3. Check to ensure anti-foul cover is in position over the entrance to the escape chute.

4. Check to ensure main overhead winch cable is not sagging or bowing.

5. Check that deployment wire and ropes are in the correct position

Lower Chute Mounting Frame:

6. Check to ensure main overhead winch cable is not sagging or bowing.

7. Check that deployment wire and ropes are in the correct position

Please contact us for full details on the DM-78

For more information, please call and one of our representatives, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Tel: 281 676 8008 Fax: 281 676 8033

Email: sales@rssusservices.com

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