A Pneumatic Sampling Fire Detection System in an Underground Haulageway

A multipoint fast response fire detection system for underground haulageways, the concept of which was developed by the US Bureau of Mines (BOM), has been designed and fabricated by Brunswick Corporation and is undergoing field testing at Plateau Mine in Price, UT. The system is composed of a centrally located sampling station which draws air from various haulageway locations through tubing where the sample is analyzed by a smoke detector. Any generated alarm signal, as well as system performance data, is transmitted to an aboveground monitoring station from the smoke detector. The system description, basic design parameters used, the control system design, and the data retrieval system utilized are presented.