Mine Gas Detection Methods

and their Monitoring

Introduction
• The principles on which the detection methods are based include
catalytic oxidation, electrochemical, optical (non dispersing infrared
and interferometer type), electrical conductivity (semiconductors),
and chemical adsorbents.
Catalytic-oxidation detectors

Catalytic-oxidation detectors are used to measure the concentration of

combustible gases, most notably methane and carbon monoxide, by
measuring either the heat generated during the oxidation process or
the change in resistance in an electrical circuit (Wheatstone bridge).
• In the Wheatstone bridge
principle, one leg of the bridge is
used to burn the gas, thus
heating that leg and causing an
imbalance in the bridge
resistance, which is proportional
to the concentration of the
combustible gases present.
 Electrochemical sensors
• Electrochemical sensors have found
application in determining the
concentration of oxygen, carbon
monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxides of
nitrogen. In these sensors, the gas being
measured reacts with a special electrode
in an electrolyte. This reaction generates
an electrical current that is proportional to
the concentration of the gas present.
 Optical detectors
Optical detectors are basically of two
types. The nondispersive infrared
detector is based on the principle that
different gases absorb light at specific
and distinct wavelengths. By passing light
through a gas mixture and measuring the
amount of absorption, the concentration
of the gas is determined.
• The second type, the interferometer, is based
on the difference in the index of refraction
between two gases. Basically, a beam of light is
split, with one part passing through a chamber
filled with air and the other passing through a
chamber filled with an unknown gas mixture.
The difference in the velocity of the two beams
is proportional to the concentration of the gas
of interest (usually methane).
Semi Conductor Gas Detection
The newest method of gas
detection, electrical conductivity,
uses special types of elements
(semiconductors) that change
resistance in the presence of
certain gases.
Stain Tubes
The last method of gas detection, stain
tubes, uses the reactive properties of gases
and chemicals to cause color changes in the
chemical. These color changes are
proportional to the gas concentration,
measured as either the length or the
intensity of stain.
Handheld Detectors

The most commonly used type of

instrument in the mining industry,
handheld detectors, are small and
lightweight. They are used to spot
check the air quality at various
locations underground.
 Safety Lamps

Introduction:

Safety Lamps The flame safety

lamp is the oldest type of gas
detector. For many years it was
the only means available to check
for methane. It is also useful for
checking for oxygen deficiency.
Where to use:

Flame safety lamp will not burn in methane-free air

having an oxygen content of less than approximately
16%. In environments containing methane, a flame
safety lamp will continue to burn at lower oxygen
concentrations. However, at oxygen contents of less
than 13%, the lamp will be extinguished regardless of
the methane content of the air. It should be recalled
that at an oxygen content of approximately 13%,
there may be a loss of consciousness if the exposure
is prolonged.
Precautions

Flame safety lamps should be clean, in good condition, and properly

assembled, because numerous accidents and explosions have
reportedly been caused by defective lamps. Flame safety lamps should
never be opened underground and should be relit only in intake air.
One common type of flame safety lamp is shown in Fig. Today the
flame safety lamp is seldom used except for assessing oxygen
deficiency.
Methane Detectors
• Methane Detectors Handheld methane detectors or methano meters
use two basic methods of detection: catalytic oxidation and optical
interferometry. Catalytic-oxidation detectors operate on the
Wheatstone bridge principle. In addition to detecting methane, this
type of detector is sensitive to higher hydrocarbons such as ethane
and propane, hydrogen, and other flammable gases.
• If these gases are present, they cause erroneous high readings. In
addition to being affected by other flammable gases, the catalytic-
oxidation detector is also sensitive to oxygen deficiency. Tests have
shown that this type of detector should not be used when the oxygen
content of the air falls below approximately 10%.
Detectors for Carbon Monoxide and Other
Toxic Gases
• Detectors for Carbon Monoxide and Other Toxic Gases All toxic gases
found underground are detectable using colorimetric indicator tubes
(stain tubes). These devices usually consist of a mechanical pump, a
limiting orifice that regulates the airflow rate, and a glass tube that
contains a chemical reagent that is sensitive to the gas of interest
 Gas Detection Methods
Gas Symbol Detection Methods
Methane CH4 Flame safety lamp
Catalytic oxidation
Thermal conductivity
Oxygen O2 Liquid absorption
Stain tubes
Paramagnetic analyzers
Carbon dioxide CO2 Liquid absorption
Stain tubes
Optical interferometer
Carbon monoxide CO Electrochemical sensors
Catalytic oxidation
Hopcolyte optical IR Metal
oxide semiconductor Stain
tubes

Oxides of nitrogen NO Electrochemical sensors

Stain tubes
 Gas Detection Methods
Gas Symbol Detection Methods
Hydrogen sulfide H 2S Electrochemical sensors
Metal oxide semiconductors
Stain tubes
Sulfur dioxide SO2 Electrochemical sensors
Stain tubes

Hydrogen H2 Stain tubes

Radon Rn Radiation detectors

Monitoring

The term gas monitoring implies continuous or cyclic measurement of a gaseous

contaminant as opposed to gas detection, which implies intermittent checks for
contaminants. Two types of monitoring systems are used underground:

1.Machine-mounted Monitors

2. Area Monitors

Monitors may be used for protection from a safety hazard such as fires or explosions or
for protection from a health hazard such as a toxic gas.
1.Machine-mounted Monitors

Machine-mounted methane monitors are required in coal mines on all

electric face-cutting equipment, continuous miners, longwall face
equipment, and loading machines. The function of these monitors is to
detect methane liberated during the mining process and to protect the
miner by giving warn
2. Area Monitors

In area monitoring, contaminant concentrations, airflow quantities,

temperature, and relative humidity are measured at fixed locations. In
addition to the monitors, these systems incorporate telemetry
equipment to transmit the signals to other locations where data
analysis and output and alarm monitoring take place