Mining Publication: Optically Powered Remote Gas Monitor

Original creation date: January 1995

Authors: TH Dubaniewicz, JE Chilton

Report of Investigations - January 1995

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20024778

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations 9558, NTIS stock number: PB95-236808, 1995 Jan; :1-8

Many mines rely on toxic gas sensors to help maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This report describes a prototype monitoring system developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) that uses light to power and communicate with several remote toxic gas sensors. The design is based on state-of-the-art optical-to-electrical power converters, solid-state diode lasers, and fiber optics. This design overcomes several problems associated with conventional wire-based systems by providing complete electrical isolation between the remote sensors and the central monitor. The prototype performed well during a 2-week field trial in the USBM Pittsburgh Research Center Safety Research Coal Mine.

Image of publication Optically Powered Remote Gas Monitor
Report of Investigations - January 1995

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20024778

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations 9558, NTIS stock number: PB95-236808, 1995 Jan; :1-8


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