Seismic Detection of Trapped Miners Using In-Mine Geophones

A seismic system which utilizes in-mine geophones to detect trapped miners has been developed. Tests at the Bureau of Mines safety research mine at Bruceton, Pennsylvania, and at two operating mines indicate such a system has a maximum detection range in excess of 1,000 feet. The system is fieldworthy and portable and requires less than 30 minutes to set up and check. Real-time detection is possible.