On March 11, 2022, we conducted a cave survey activity that was different from the conventional method of caving rope approach: with the support of ASAT, the mobility of a mini version powered ascending device ACE-31 was tested in a confined cave space .

We know that caves have unique environments that are different from industrial work sites: dark, complex terrain, narrow, muddy, waterlogged, etc.

There is also a very special way of arranging rope routes: single rope, frequent establishment of halfway points to avoid friction between rocks and ropes, long-distance multi-section traverse routes, frequent use of natural anchors, various offset points, etc.

Traditionally, powered ascending devices are not suitable for use in such complex environments, we conducted this activity to test the performance of powered ascending devices in harsh environments.

1. Testing cave options:

The small shaft is located in Simatai, Xiayunling, the hole is a level II small shaft, and there is a narrow crack in the middle of the level II shaft, which is suitable for the preliminary test of powered ascending device.

2. The rope route features:

The cave as a whole has only two levels of descent. The entrance of the cave is a 40m depth vertical shaft with a length of 6m and a width of 4m. There is a 20m shaft at the side of the middle depth. The branch cave is connected with the main cave by a horizontal narrow crack. To ensure the safety of the test, a single rope system is used for personal travel, and a double rope system is used for powered ascending device travel, with a total of 6 intermediate points.

3. The performance of powered ascending device in the cave:

The performance of the ASAT mini powered ascending device in the cave can be summarized as follows:

1) It is very labor-saving to ascend and descend over long distances and transport materials.

2) With the aluminum alloy housing, the powered ascending device is not easy to be damaged by bumped to the rocks.

3) The intercom function between the host and the remote control provides an effective means of communication for distances.

4) ASAT’s Waterproof Powered Ascender ACE-12 is adaptabe to mud and ice ropes (we have briefly tested it in other activities before, but this requires further and more detailed testing).

5) The over-the-point operation is general, this is not the advantage of the powered ascending device.

6) The powered ascending device is not suitable for passing through a large section of frequent traverse lines.

7) The powered ascending device is not suitable for passing through super narrow cracks.

4. Personally recommend how the powered ascending device is applied in the cave:

1) Large-scale Tiankengs system, personal travel and material transportation in the ascent and descent of hundreds of meters, use portable mini-type powered ascending device.

2) In general cave rescue systems in large or medium shafts, the powered ascending device at a fixed position is used to lift the stretcher and the wounded at an appropriate position (the powered ascending device does not move with the stretcher, but is placed at the anchoring position for lifting operation), which will be very effective. To improve rescue efficiency, the intercom function of the remote control can be used as a communication device.

3) Pay attention to the power level of the device and ensure that there is a backup power supply.

Summarize:

On the whole, as a personal travel, material transportation and even rescue application in large cave shafts, Tiankengs and other environments, the advantages of powered ascending device are also very significant.