Abstract
An experimental multisensor system has been used to provide an early unambiguous indication of a fire or heating in a mine by monitoring the gaseous products evolved. The system could distinguish between the gases evolved from a fire and those evolved from diesel engines or from explosives. The methane and total flammable gas content were also measured. Six sensors of three different types in combination with oxidizing layers and absorbent traps were used. Sensors based on electrical conductivity changes in lead phthalocyanine were used to provide a measure of NO 2 and NO x . Sensors based on conductivity changes in single crystals of ZnO were used to indicate CO and total products of combustion/heating, and catalytic sensors were used to measure the CH 4 and the total flammable gas levels. The system has been used on a sampling system at the surface of a mine. The potential of multisensor systems for unambiguous indications of a hazardous situation has been demonstrated. The problems associated with setting up a more complex system that would automatically indicate the presence of a hazard on the basis of a combination of sensor responses are briefly discussed.
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