Mining Publication: Use of Infrared Sensors for Monitoring Methane in Underground Mines
Original creation date: June 2008
Federal regulations require the use of methane monitors on all mining machines. All machine mounted methane monitors currently used in underground coal mines rely on catalytic heat of combustion sensors. As a comparison, although not currently approved for use on underground mining equipment, instruments with infrared sensors are evaluated in this study. Potential advantages of using infrared sensors include faster response time, long-term stability, and reduced maintenance needs. Tests conducted in the laboratory and at a full-scale model mine compare the performance of catalytic heat of combustion and infrared sensors operating under test conditions designed to simulate airflow conditions underground.
Authors: CD Taylor, JE Chilton, AL Martikainen
Conference Paper - June 2008
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20034156
Proceedings of the 12th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, Reno, Nevada, June 9-11, 2008. Wallace, Jr. KG. ed., Reno, NV: University of Nevada - Reno, 2008; :307-312
See Also
- Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Machine-Mounted Methane Monitors by Measuring Response Time
- Mine Communications Engineering and Compatibility Guidelines
- NIOSH Research for Monitoring and Controlling Methane at U.S. Underground Coal Mining Operations
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
- Remote Methane Sensors
- Safe and Economical Inerting of Sealed Mine Areas
- Ultra-Low Frequency Through-the-Earth Communication Technology
- Underground Coal Mining Disasters and Fatalities: United States, 1900-2006
- Use of a Test Box to Measure Response Times for Machine-Mounted Monitors
- 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