Heated Equipment ShelterCase Study
Fiberglass Equipment Shelter for Mining Applications
Mining operations rely on critical mechanical and safety systems that must function reliably in extreme environmental conditions. Knight Hawk Coal Mine in Pinckneyville, Illinois, recently installed a new air compressor to support a safety slide gate on a 4.3-mile conveyor system. This pneumatic system automatically stops coal flow during emergency events, protecting both personnel and equipment.
The Challenge
To ensure year-round operation, the compressor required a durable, climate-controlled enclosure capable of withstanding dust, moisture, temperature extremes, and corrosive conditions common in mining environments.
The Solution
Shelter Works engineered and manufactured a 6' (W) x 8' (D) x 8' (H) fiberglass equipment shelter designed for industrial use and easy installation.
Shelter Features
- Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Construction featuring Fiberbeam™ Technology and 1-1/2" closed-cell foam insulation in walls and roof.
- 6068 double doors for full equipment access.
- Factory-installed electrical that includes load center, receptacle, switch and LED light.
- Factory installed HVAC with HVAC with thermostatically controlled exhaust system and heater.
The shelter arrived fully assembled and pre-wired, allowing crews to place it on a concrete pad and connect power with minimal on-site labor.
Why Fiberglass Shelters are Ideal forMining Applications
Mining environments expose equipment to abrasive dust, moisture, vibration, and corrosive contaminants. Fiberglass shelters outperform traditional steel and wood structures in these conditions. Fiberglass offers:
- Corrosion Resistance - FRP does not rust, oxidize, or peel. This protects equipment from moisture and chemical exposure common in coal and mineral processing sites.
- Structural Durability - Composite construction resists impact, vibration, and environmental stress without warping or cracking.
- Thermal Efficiency - 1-1/2" foam insulation maintains stable internal temperatures, reducing heater runtime and protecting compressors and controls from freeze damage.
- Electrical Safety - Fiberglass is non-conductive, improving safety around energized equipment.
- Low Maintenance - FRP requires no repainting or corrosion treatment, reducing long-term operating and maintenance costs.
- Custom Sizing - The flexibility offered by FRP construction allows for shelters to be easily designed to meet individual application needs.
Reliable Protection For Critical Field Equipment
The fiberglass shelter provides a heated, ventilated, and secure environment for the air compressor that supports the mine’s conveyor safety system. The enclosure improves equipment reliability, reduces maintenance demands, and ensures continuous operation in harsh mining conditions.
“It was simple, clean and easy to install; there were absolutely no issues whatsoever”Lloyd Sanders - Senior Project Manager at Beumer Group
The Shelter WorksAdvantage
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