Evaluation of discriminating fire sensors in two underground coal mines
Fire detection in underground coal mines using carbon monoxide (CO) based monitoring systems has been very effective in many mines. Many systems have been able to detect fires in early stages of development at very low CO levels. However in mines which use extensive diesel haulage and support vehicles, the systems have been less sensitive to early detection due to diesel exhaust contaminants elevating baseline CO levels. A new technology has been tested in two underground coal mines which is designed to discriminate between the CO produced by diesel engines and CO from a fire correcting the CO concentration based on the nitric oxide (NO) concentration. This paper discusses the results of studies completed by MSHA at two of these underground coal mines. The technology employs a complex mathematical computation which is continually accomplished to improve fire detection capabilities for dieselized underground coal mines. Findings have shown the technology to be effective in significantly reducing levels for alarms while avoiding a Chicken Little complacency for nuisance alarms. This technology could be used for fire detection in any underground mines which utilize diesel equipment and carbon monoxide based fire detection systems.
- Research Organization:
- Mine Safety and Health Administration, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20020987
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 8th US Mine Ventilation Symposium, Rolla, MO (US), 06/11/1999--06/17/1999; Other Information: PBD: 1999; Related Information: In: Proceedings of the 8th US mine ventilation symposium, by Tien, J.C. [ed.], 740 pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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