Mining Publication: Through-the-earth Electromagnetic Trapped Miner Location Systems. A Review
Original creation date: July 1985
In its role of providing technical assistance to the mining industry, the Bureau of Mines Tuscaloosa Research Center has conducted research to develop trapped miner location systems that would aid in locating miners trapped by underground mining disasters. Efforts to produce electromagnetic systems for the location of trapped miners underground and to communicate with them were surveyed, from the 1920s to 1981. Theoretical studies of through-the-earth electromagnetic transmissions are described as well as studies of the electrical characteristics of various rocks, minerals, and soil. Several trapped miner location systems are reviewed including the Westinghouse systems, the DEVELCO system, and an automated three-dimensional location system, and the phase difference of arrival technique. Tangential research relevant to trapped miner location systems is described. A comprehensive bibliography covering all aspects of trapped miner, through-the- earth electromagnetic location, and communications systems is appended.
Authors: WE Pittman, RH Church, JT McLendon
Open File Report - July 1985
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10004821
Open File Report: 127-85, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, 1985; :57 pp
See Also
- An Electromagnetic System for Detecting and Locating Trapped Miners
- Mine Communications and Tracking Glossary
- Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
- Technology News 497 - "You Are My Sunshine": A New Video Release From NIOSH on the Sunshine Mine Fire
- Through-The-Earth Wireless Real-Time Two-Way Voice Communications
- Two-Way, Through-the-Earth Emergency Communication System for Trapped Miners and the Surface
- Ultra-Low Frequency Through-the-Earth Communication Technology
- Waveform Generator-Package and Receiver: Mancarried and Helicopter Receiver Portion
- Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program