Gas Detection 3
Fast On-Site Mine Safety Analysis using a Micro Gas Chromatograph
Numerous mine disasters with loss of many lives continue to occur today. This fact dramatically emphasises the importance of fast and accurate determination of the mine atmosphere, to provide early warning of hazards in day-to-day mine operations. Accurate determination is also important for ensuring safety after an accident has happened. This article describes a method for fast on-site analysis of mine gases in less than 100 seconds using a micro gas chromatograph equipped with four independent column channels.
The right carbon dioxide level is of importance for the safety of the mine workers and rescue personnel. Moreover, the results for carbon dioxide and ethane are also used in the combustibility calculations by SIMTARS.
We all can recall the news bulletins reporting a mine accident and, in some cases, the many lives that are lost. Globally, mining disasters continue to occur almost every week from explosion, fire, flood or collapse [1]. Therefore, an early warning system for fast analysis of the mine atmosphere is extremely important for day-to-day mining activities. Moreover, a complete overview of the gases in the mine, after an accident, is essential to determine if the mine is safe for a rescue team to enter.
Author Details: Darren Brady
Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station
(SIMTARS)/Queensland
Government Goodna, Australia Tel: +61 7 3810 6316
Email:
darren.brady@
simtars.com.au Web:
www.simtars.com.au
Remko van Loon Agilent Technologies, Inc.,
Middelburg, the Netherlands Tel: +31 118 671000
Email:
remko.van-loon@
agilent.com Web:
www.agilent.com/chem/microgc
Analytical conditions for quad channel Micro GC.
First, it is necessary to check for explosive gases in a mine environment. During the formation of coal beds some gases, mainly methane and some ethane and hydrogen, are trapped in the coal. When these coal beds are then mined the gases are released, which can pose a danger as methane and other mine gases, when mixed with oxygen from the air, are highly explosive. To prevent explosion hazards, it is necessary to monitor flammable gases such as methane, hydrogen, and the C2 hydrocarbons. A second reason for mine gas analysis is to ensure the absence of carbon monoxide and the right oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the mine atmosphere, which is critical for the safety of mine workers and rescue teams. Third, analysing the gases in a mine can predict spontaneous combustion or detect the early stages of a fire. Spontaneous combustion could occur when internal heat, produced by chemical reactions in the coal, is generated faster than it can be lost to the surrounding environment – which can be monitored by measuring specific gases in the mine. Hydrogen and ethylene are formed when temperatures rise above 100°C, and the presence of low concentrations of these gases gives an indication of fire or elevated temperatures. Detecting possible hazards early increases the chance of successfully dealing with the problem. The Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS), based in Queensland, Australia, has been providing and supporting gas monitoring systems based on gas chromatographs to the mining industry for over 20 years. Further, SIMTARS offers services,
Agilent 490 Micro GC with quad channel cabinet housing.
support, and training to mining companies to reduce the risks of mine explosions and help them after a mine disaster. This article describes the methodology and equipment used to provide a complete, fast, and on- site analysis of the gases collected from an underground mine.
www.envirotech-online.com
IET September / October 2012
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