Air Monitoring Equipment Increases Safety In Coal Mining Industry

By Author: Conspec Controls
Total Articles: 15
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The coal mining industry holds risks no matter what precautions are taken. Unstable fault lines and the buildup of toxic and combustible gases are a constant threat to miners. In January of 2006, a coal mining disaster in Sago, West Virginia, was a bitter reminder for everyone in the industry of just how unpredictable and dangerous their job is. Thirteen miners were trapped after a methane explosion took place during the early morning shift.While no one knows exactly how it happened, there are many theories and hypothetical causes. The most common theory claims a passing thunderstorm and stray lightning bolt struck a methane-well in the area and subsequently caused a portion of the mine to collapse. More information that offers juxtaposition with this first theory was the occurrence of the thunderstorm at the time of the event. Thunderstorms produce low atmospheric pressure which tends to force the lighter methane gas out from underground areas.While exact details are unknown, additional collapse damage was also theorized to be attributed to other extraneous factors. The explosion trapped the miners and forced them to rely on ...
... emergency oxygen supplies. Initial drilling where the miners were believed to be during the search and rescue, discovered high levels of carbon monoxide gas. This news was extremely discouraging to rescuers and family members. Four days later, when rescuers finally reached the miners, only one person found was alive. The lone miner’s account of the horrific accident included a description of the mine being filled with thick smoke and fumes, making breathing conditions nearly unbearable. He also recalled that four of the emergency oxygen packs ended up malfunctioning. The actual carbon monoxide levels found in the area where the miners were trapped was 400 ppm. The cause of death of the miners was later determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Since 2006, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has diligently worked to prevent future mining disasters. New MSHA approved technology and safety standards are constantly being implemented to promote safety of miners as well as increase response time should anything happen. Atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS) provide the ability to better monitor CO and other toxic and combustible gases in mines and other confined underground work areas. The Ethernet-based communication network enables the end-user the ability to control all the processes for underground mining operations, including ventilation and gas detection systems. New systems also have optic isolators to eliminate downtime due to lightning. While technology can’t guarantee disasters such as the one in Sago, WV won’t happen, it can significantly lessen overall risk and improve chances of survival.

This article is provided by Conspec-Controls.com - A gas detection company that specializes in Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector.