Optical fiber gas sensor for remote detection of methane gas in coal mines

Characteristic molecular and atomic absorption spectra in the middle infrared and near infrared regions are extensively used for chemical analysis and spectroscopic detection of gases. The absorption of electromagnetic radiation in this spectral region is due to the vibration-rotational bands of molecular structure. Various techniques have been developed for high resolution and high sensitivity absorption spectroscopic detection.; Optical gas sensors based on absorption of light by the vibrational-rotational energy levels of gas molecules at near-IR (1-1.8mum) wavelength have attracted considerable attention recently [1]-[4]. The advantages of fiber sensors are remote detection capability, safety in hazardous environments, immunity to electromagnetic fields, etc. The possible gases that can be detected are methane, acetylene, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc.; In this Dissertation, a particular one-channel optical-fiber-based CH 4 gas real-time monitoring system which can be deployed in mining complexes has been developed. A long-distance silica fiber link with double-pass gas sensor head has been employed in conjunction with a wavelength-tunable InGaAsP DFB laser diode at 1.64 mum (at R(6)line of the 2nu3 absorption band of methane) to realize highly sensitive remote interrogation of CH 4. By wavelength modulation with the DFB laser diode together with a self-designed processing circuit and data processing software, sensitivities of less than 0.1% (volume) and response time of less than 6 sec. have been achieved. Extensive tests have been carried out, and comparisons made with existing conventional CH4 gas detection systems, it is shown, that the performance of the optical fiber sensor system is generally better and is completely qualified for application in the coal mine safety monitoring.