Robotic canaries in the coal mine
The tragic coal mining accidents in West Virginia last month have prompted the mining industry and federal government to take a new look at what role regulations and new technologies could play in reducing the risks of another underground mining disaster. And UMR professor Larry Grayson, chair of UMR's mining and nuclear engineering department, is leading one effort.
Last month, Grayson was picked to lead an independent commission to improve mine safety and prevent tragedies such as those at the Sago and Melville mines in West Virginia. As Grayson points out in this recent National Geographic story, technology -- from robotics to virtual reality training -- could be the key to reducing the risk of future mining accidents.
In the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader article announcing his appointment to head the independent commission, Grayson said coal mines need better technology to find and track miners after a fire or explosion.
"We'll also be looking at other technology, such as having refuge chambers and oxygen stations, with food and water in them," Grayson said. "There may even be portable oxygen devices you drag behind you as you work farther into the mine. It's really amazing to me that these haven't been used before."
Grayson told National Geographic that coal mining could use other types of technology, such as:
Radio communication systems based on "leaky feeder" technology. This involves the placement of cables underground that "leak" radio signals, allowing for trapped miners to talk to rescue teams. But the cables would need to be able to withstand an explosion or collapse, Grayson says.
Gas sensors and pressure sensors deployed more widely throughout mines. "Sensors placed throughout a mine at strategic locations and tied into a communication system can alert more people to the accumulation of hazardous gases, an impending roof collapse, or a compromised ventilation system in time to evacuate."
Virtual reality simulators to train miners in how to operate heavy equipment.