Market applications for Blu Vu’s Rebreather technology exist in a variety of other areas. These include mine rescue, fire fighting, and hazardous environment (HAZMAT) applications.
Mining Rebreather
Rebreathers were originally developed in the 1700s as safety equipment for the mining industry. Mine collapses, underground fires, and toxic gas accumulations experienced by miners all demanded a supply of safe breathing gas. However, it is impossible for a miner to carry an adequate supply in open circuit cylinders, due to the weight and bulk of the equipment. Rebreathers provide superior performance, as the efficiency of this equipment far surpasses open circuit options.
Recent mining disasters, such as those occurring in Tallmansville, West Virginia (January 2006) and Quecreek Mine, Pennsylvania (2002) have focused attention on mine safety. This attention has resulted in safety reviews by state mining boards, senate hearings, and new legislation, such as that enacted in Illinois July 24, 2006. One of the generally recognized shortcomings in mine safety is lack of adequate life support apparatus, including multi-person shelters and individual life support apparatus. Blu Vu, with it’s patented technology, can provide solutions to both of these needs.
Fire Rebreathers
Fire fighters generally use rebreathers in fires where more than 30 minutes of air is needed. Existing air tanks last about one half hour, while rebreathers can last several hours without a substantial weight penalty. High rises and large building fires require gas supplies with extended durations for fire fighters. In these cases, the additional time could mean the difference between life and death.
Hazard Rebreathers
Rebreathers also play a part in industrial safety applications, where people work in hazardous environments. Recently Blu Vu was contacted to provide a Rebreather solution for a large multinational corporation looking to increase efficiency while working in underground access tunnels. Industrial settings, such as sewage treatment plants and underground work locations, often accumulate toxic gases. When these environments need to be accessed, either the entire volume must be ventilated, an expensive and time-consuming job, or workers must wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Blu Vu’s technology can provide solutions to these and many related applications… solutions unmatched by any others. |
