Mining Publication: Development of an Automated PC-Network-Based Seismic Monitoring System

An automated PC-network-based seismic data acquisition and processing system has been developed by NIOSH for use in mine safety studies. Several systems have been constructed and deployed in the field for testing and application. Current installations utilize multiple autonomous seismic networks located both underground and on the surface. Event locations, magnitude estimates, and other processed data are distributed for display and analysis on network nodes both underground and in the offices of mine engineers and management. System flexibility is derived from the system's distributed nature, compatibility with multiple analog-to-digital converters and operating systems, and user control over the automated processing. These systems are now being applied in studies designed to reduce hazards associated with roof falls, rock bursts, coal bumps, and mine collapse.