Page 336 - Advanced Mine Ventilation

Measurement and Monitoring of 19

Mine Gases

Chapter Outline

19.1 Detection Methods 313
19.1.1 Methane Measurement 314
19.1.2 Oxygen Detectors 315
19.1.3 Carbon Monoxide Detectors 315
19.1.4 Oxides of Nitrogen 315
19.1.5 Radon 316
19.2 Monitoring of Mine Gas 318
19.2.1 US Mine Survey Results 319
19.2.2 System Manufacturers 319
19.3 Wireless Communication and Monitoring System 320
19.3.1 Intrinsically Safe CO Detectors 320
19.4 Special Arrangements for Monitoring in Mines Liable to Spontaneous
Combustion 320
19.4.1 Real-Time Monitoring 321
19.4.2 Tube Bundle 321
19.4.3 Gas Chromatography 322
References 323

Properties of mine gases were discussed in Chapter 13 of the book and their threshold
limit values were listed in Table 1.3. Correct measurement of the concentrations of
these gases and, in some cases, continuous monitoring of the concentrations is essen-
tial for the health and safety of coal mine workers. In some coal mining countries, it is
also a legal requirement.

19.1 Detection Methods

Detection techniques can be classified into the following categories:
1. Catalytic-oxidation detectors.
2. Electrochemical sensors.
3. Optical detectors.
4. Electrical conductivity using semiconductors.
5. Stain tubes: The concentration is usually read on a linear scale on the tube.

Advanced Mine Ventilation. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100457-9.00019-5
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.