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Mining Publication: Laser Ignition of Flammable Gas
Keywords: Coal dust Ignitions Methane Nonionizing radiation Regulations
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. Contact NIOSH Mining if you need an accessible version.
Original creation date: March 1999
Authors: TH Dubaniewicz, KL Cashdollar, WD Monaghan
Conference Paper - March 1999
Download PDF Document (0.50 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20024431
Proc International Laser Safety Conference, 1999, Orlando, Florida: Laser Institute of America, 1999 Mar; :309-318
Emerging laser technologies are quickly gaining acceptance in the workplace. Besides the risk of human exposure, one safety concern with the more intense lasers is the potential for ignition of flammable gases, vapors, dusts, fibers, or flyings often found in hazardous (classified) industrial settings. In underground coal mines, lasers are being considered for remote measurement of explosive methane gas. Current federal safety regulations for underground mines contain no specific guidance for evaluating the safety of optoelectronic components such as diode lasers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting research to help provide a scientific basis for developing appropriate safety guidelines for optical equipment in the presence of flammable methane gas and/or coal dust. One phase of the study is an experimental evaluation of methane-air ignition by laser heated small particles. Minimum observed igniting powers for laser energy delivered by 200-, 400-, and 800-micro m core diameter fiber optic cables and directed onto selected targets in methane-air atmospheres were 0.6, 1.1, and 2.2 W, respectively. Comparisons are made with other ignition phenomena including heated wires.
Image of publication Laser Ignition of Flammable GasConference Paper - March 1999
Download PDF Document (0.50 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20024431
Proc International Laser Safety Conference, 1999, Orlando, Florida: Laser Institute of America, 1999 Mar; :309-318
See Also
The Brookwood Disaster and Electrical Requirements for Hazardous (Classified) Locations
Coal Dust and Methane
Coal Mine Explosion Prevention
Continuous Wave Laser Ignition Thresholds of Coal Dust Clouds
Ignition of Methane-Air Mixtures by Laser Heated Small Particles
Lasers
Lightning Propagation Through the Earth and its Potential for Methane Ignitions in Abandoned Areas of Underground Coal Mines
Methane-Air Mixtures Ignited by CW Laser-Heated Targets on Optical Fiber Tips: Comparison of Targets, Optical Fibers, and Ignition Delays
NIOSH Research for Monitoring and Controlling Methane at U.S. Underground Coal Mining Operations
Technology News 530 - Frictional Ignition of Methane-Air in the Presence of Liquid Hydrocarbons
Threshold Powers and Delays for Igniting Propane and Butane-Air Mixtures by CW Laser-heated Small Particles
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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