Improved stench warning systems for mines

Conference · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Prepr., Soc. Min. Eng. AIME; (United States)

OSTI ID:6152211

Pomory, W H; Thimons, E D

This report describes research leading to the design, prototype fabrication, and succesful in-mine proof-of-concept testing of two improved stench fire warning systems for underground noncoal mines. The stench system, widely used in underground noncoal mines to warn of fire or other emergency suffers several serious shortcomings, including the toxicity of the odorant leading to debility in miners; reactivity of the odorant with iron oxide, resulting in unreliable warning because the odor may fade when transported long distances in steel pipe; lack of control over the rate at which agent is released into the airstream, resulting in some work areas receiving unbearably high stench concentrations and other areas being missed altogether; lack of visual indication of system status, valve positions, or proper system operation; and excessively long stench transit times. In 1979, the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, began research to upgrade the stench warning system. Two systems were subsequently developed which offer significant advantages over current systems.

• Research Organization: Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• OSTI ID: 6152211
• Report Number(s): CONF-840218-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Prepr., Soc. Min. Eng. AIME; (United States) Journal Volume: 84-51
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420600* -- Engineering-- Safety Engineering-- (-1987)
422000 -- Engineering-- Mining & Underground Engineering-- (1980-)
AIR POLLUTION MONITORS
COAL MINERS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ENGINEERING
FIRE PREVENTION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MINERS
MINES
MINING
MONITORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
OPTIMIZATION
PERSONNEL
SAFETY
SAFETY ENGINEERING
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
UNDERGROUND MINING
US BUREAU OF MINES
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS