Applicability of distributed optical fiber sensing for a longwall face

Real-time sensing of mine gases is critical to safety in underground coal mines, as changes in the atmosphere can occur quickly and lead to explosive environments. Over the last century of sensing development for underground coal the persistent challenges in sensor design are ruggedability and permissibility for underground coal mines, especially given US regulation. In particular, longwall gob represents a highly dynamic and high risk area which is difficult to access and characterize in real time. This paper details the current state-of-the-art in gas sensing in underground coal mines, and describes optical fiber sensing. Additionally, the applicability of optical fiber sensing technology for continuous and distributed sensing of gases at the longwall face, is presented, along with preliminary design for a full face sensor.