Page 342 - Advanced Mine Ventilation

Measurement and Monitoring of Mine Gases 319

A recent report [5] surveyed 235 US mines and major findings are presented below.

19.2.1 US Mine Survey Results
These mines had 204 CO systems and 33 AMS systems. The parameters monitored
and number of sensors are listed in Table 19.3 [5].
It is apparent that the CO systems make up the majority. It may be because it
is cheaper and has fewer regulatory requirements for inspection, operation, and
maintenance.

19.2.2 System Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of the monitoring systems in the United States, but the
four major manufacturers are (1) Pyott-Boone, (2) AMR, (3) Conspec, and (4) Matrix.
Table 19.4 shows their share of the market.

Table 19.3 Distribution of Monitors in US Mines

Parameter Monitored Percent of Mines Number of Sensors
CO 100 2e300
CH 4 17 1e20
O 2 6 1e20
NO 1 1e3
H 2 2 1e3
Smoke 2 1e14
Air velocity 9 1e20
Heat 2 4e191

Table 19.4 Manufacturers of the Monitoring Systems

Average Number of
Manufacturer Number of Systems Installed CO Sensors/System
Pyott-Boone 161 27
AMR 32 54
Conspec 25 84
Matrix 15 45
Others 9 NA