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Mining Contract: Post-Accident AMS System
Keywords: Communications Personnel tracking Ventilation monitoring systems
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Contract #
200-2009-31502Start Date
9/1/2009End Date
9/29/2013Research Concept
The objective is to develop a robust, intrinsically safe system that will incorporate atmospheric monitoring, two-way communications, and miner tracking, all in a single network.Topic Areas
Atmospheric Monitoring
Emergency Communications and Tracking
Contract Status & Impact
This contract is complete. To receive a copy of the final report, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.
An Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) depends on a functioning ventilation system to have fresh-air entries. When the mine fan stops, the mine has 15 minutes to either re-establish the fan or start evacuating all personnel. After 15 minutes, the mine is considered hazardous, and all underground AC mains power must be de-energized, which shuts off external power to the AMS. However, the internal batteries of the AMS remain in place, and these are not intrinsically safe. A paradox to the design of current Atmospheric Monitoring Systems is that at the time monitoring is needed most the system must be shut off.

This work developed and tested an intrinsically safe AMS that can stay operational post-event. The 30 CFR Part 23 compliant system uses power stations with only intrinsically safe outputs. All system components connected to the power stations are intrinsically safe. Using this approach, the mine fan no longer determines when the system is de-energized. In addition, the electrical cables connecting the systems components no longer need to be maintained in any specific location.

The developed system handles combinations of atmospheric monitoring (carbon monoxide, oxygen, methane), personnel tracking, and two-way communications. The incorporation of these components into a single network is critical to rescue efforts in that this approach allows all necessary system to remain operational simultaneously.


See Also
Advanced Tutorial on Wireless Communication and Electronic Tracking: Appendix B
Advanced Tutorial on Wireless Communication and Electronic Tracking: CT System Safety
Advanced Tutorial on Wireless Communication and Electronic Tracking: Electronic Tracking Systems Performance
Development of a Uniform Methodology for Evaluating Coal Mine Tracking Systems
Medium Frequency Radio System Modifications for Refuge Chamber Situational Awareness
Mine Communications and Tracking Glossary
Mine Communications Engineering and Compatibility Guidelines
Radio System Modifications for Improved Mine Safety (Medium Frequency)
Technology News 544 - New Measurement Tool to Validate Wireless Communications and Tracking Radio Signal Coverage in Mines
Through-The-Earth Wireless Real-Time Two-Way Voice Communications
Page last reviewed: July 18, 2016
Page last updated: January 6, 2014
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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