The application of open path infra-red detectors in underground coal mines

摘要

The overall aim of the project was to identify and select the most 'promising' of the existing, commercially available infra-red 'open path' methane detection and measurement systems for use in underground coal mines and to demonstrate it in a simulated mine environment. Research issues that were to be addressed included the cross-sensitivity of such systems to gases other than methane, their speed of response, sensitivity to airborne coal dust and to water droplets and films, and the effects of vibration. Issues of safety including their 'Certifiability' for use in explosive gas atmospheres in Australian underground coal mines and their 'Approvability' for use in hazardous zones in New South Wales coal mines were also to be considered. In addition, potential applications of infra-red 'open path' gas detection and measurement systems in underground coal mines were to be identified.