Mining Publication: Using Ultrasonic Anemometers to Evaluate Face Ventilation Conditions
Original creation date: February 2007
Authors: EE Hall, CD Taylor, JE Chilton
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20031823
2007 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, February 25-28, Denver Colorado, preprint 07-096. Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2007 Feb; :1-5
The fact that methane ignitions continue to occur at the mining face indicates that monitoring with machine-mounted methanometers does not always indicate the presence of high methane concentrations. Methane concentrations at the face change quickly due to changes in airflow. By measuring these changes in airflow, it may be possible to predict changes in face methane levels more quickly. Currently there are no techniques or instruments to accurately measure airflow inby the mouth of the ventilation curtain or tubing. Tests conducted in the NIOSH ventilation test gallery compare the data provided by one-, two-, and three-axis ultrasonic anemometers. The effects of changes in airflow direction and turbulence on instrument readings are discussed, and guidelines are given for selecting the type of instruments to be used for monitoring airflow near the mining face.
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20031823
2007 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, February 25-28, Denver Colorado, preprint 07-096. Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2007 Feb; :1-5