Mining Environment Detection System

Details

• Personal Author:
  Marquis B
• Description:
  In Phase I, SRD demonstrated the successful design and implementation of a solid-state sensor array, coupled with advanced algorithms, capable of autonomous operation and real-time, detection, identification, and quantification of four mining gases including methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) within mining conditions. SRD exposed the sensor array to gas scenarios that simulated two mining conditions including sudden release of a mine gas via a gas pocket and gradual release of gas from fissures or from daily exposure. To focus on an early warning detector, gas testing focused on low, high and critical levels for each mining gas. SRD used the sensor array response data, obtained from all gas testing, to implement a hierarchical algorithm approach to first detect, then identify, and finally quantify each mine gas. The Phase I performance metrics of the sensor array, coupled with algorithms, was determined including detection times (10-30 seconds), precision (76.7-97.5%), accuracy (87.8-97.7%), and Probability of False Alarms (0-5.5%). The Phase I sensor array and algorithms operated autonomously, without any calibration, while providing precise and accurate detection, identification, and quantification of each mine gas within seconds with no false alarms except for lower CO2 levels. SRD also integrated and verified a gore water/particulate filter along with a custom flame arrestor to mitigate harsh, and potentially explosive, conditions within mines. SRD also evaluated and verified that a commercial off the shelf (COTS) 900 MHz wireless module demonstrated superior transmission range and was successfully implemented to form a 4-node mesh network that extends wireless transmission range. It is anticipated that a larger mesh network would relay sensor array data to a single base station from any point within a mine, allowing the mine to be chemically mapped and monitored for impending dangerous conditions. In Phase I, SRD has established the necessary technical foundation to build upon in Phase II to focus on designing, constructing, verifying, and field-testing prototype mine detectors. The Phase I results demonstrate the sensor array, algorithm, and wireless mesh network, will dramatically improve occupational safety and health of mine workers by chemically mapping the entire mine to provide early warning of possible explosive conditions. The base station will receive early warning of impending threats and precise locations to allow mine workers to be directed through a safe evacuation route. SRD's mining detectors will be low-cost (approx. $500-$750) and small enough to wear or carry and be mounted in fixed locations or on machinery. Each detector will have integrated wireless transmission communications and support real-time, continuous self-diagnostics to extend operational lifetime. The simple power ON / power OFF detector operation will not require any calibration, saving mine workers time to focus on other safety gear. In Phase II, SRD will construct, verify, and field test prototype mine detectors in two separate field test trials, within an active mine, for a spiral development to ensure the prototype mine detectors meet the required performance specifications. The results of the Phase II prototype field testing will drive the Phase III path toward commercializing a mine detector. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Mining Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Equipment Design Explosive Atmospheres Explosive Gases Gas Detectors Mine Gases Monitoring Systems Sensors
• Series:
  Grant Final Reports
• Publisher:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Final Grant Report
• Place as Subject:
  Maine ; OSHA Region 1
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  OEP - Office of Extramural Programs
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1-62
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20060504
• NTIS Accession Number:
  PB2021-100196
• Citation:
  Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, R43-OH-009563, 2012 Mar; :1-62
• Contact Point Address:
  Brent Marquis, Director of Science and Technology, Sensor Research and Development Corporation, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473
• Email:
  bmarquis@srdcorp.com
• CAS Registry Number:
  Carbon dioxide (CAS RN 124-38-9) ; Carbon monoxide (CAS RN 630-08-0) ; Methane (CAS RN 74-82-8) ; Oxygen (CAS RN 7782-44-7)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2012
• NORA Priority Area:
  Mining
• Performing Organization:
  Sensor Research and Development Corporation, Orono, Maine
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20110901
• Source Full Name:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• End Date:
  20120229
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:54c08a1b37ea84fae7ddd5ce03f5fa8732d23d597b64d226372bc7cace8a57d5cedd63bf32276754f419c3215cc12f5d22c17ab8049065efec52968bed31b849
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/219000/cdc_219000_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.85 MB ]