Donbass Researchers Test Compact Device for Detecting Geological Faults in Mines
The new device helps prevent rock collapses.
Specialists at the Donetsk Institute of Mining Physics have tested a low-profile nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The device can detect in advance when a mine face is approaching a geological fault by analyzing hydrogen atom signals in coal. It facilitates the identification of faults and seam displacements, which are frequent causes of collapses.
The engineers achieved compactness and an affordable price by operating the amplifier in short pulses. This eliminated the need for a bulky cooling system. Data processing is carried out digitally.
The tests took place at Mine No. 22, Kommunarovskaya. There, the device detected a fault with a seam displacement of approximately one meter. Checks at other sites also revealed characteristic signal changes.
