Radio frequency identification and tracking systems in hazardous areas

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems were originally developed in the 1960s and 1970s; these early systems used the concept of automatic data capture based on radio frequency transmission to identify rail cars, vehicles, personnel and animals. A typical RFID system comprises three elements: radio frequency transponders, a radio frequency reader unit, and a receiving and transmitting antenna. The author describes the two types of RFID system: those operating below 500 kHz and those operating above 500 kHz. The types of transponder used are described as is the Texas Instruments TIRIS RFID system. Design and certification considerations including causes of ignition, radio frequency sparks, electro-explosive detonators, transponders, readers, and antennas are discussed. Applications of RFID systems in coal mines are described