Wireless sensor network application in monitoring mine
gases using XBEE technology

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have gained a significant attention globally in current scenario. A WSN is a special ad-hoc, multi hop and self-organizing network that basically consists of a large number of nodes that are arranged in a wide area in order to monitor the phenomena of interest. Apart from real time gas monitoring system, WSN can be of potential use in a variety of medical, environmental and scientific applications. Wireless sensor network undoubtedly, has saved many lives from highly poisonous and dangerously flammable gas in underground mining areas. The concentration of mine gases, may vary due to different factors such as turbulent dispersion, diffusion and leakage in the subsurface ventilation systems. Therefore, it is important to sense, measure and monitor the concentration levels of undesirable and poisonous gases in subsurface atmosphere for the safety of underground miners as well as mines. A real-time monitoring system, such as Xbee technology, can assist in gaining control over the mining environment. Thus, the main objective of the project is to design an efficient real-time monitoring system of maximum detectable range so that various leaked mine gases could be identified easily. The mechanism basically consist of two parts. At first unit, transmission of information is done by the Arduino Uno board after sensing different gases, which would be displayed in the LCD unit. The X-CTU software would be used to assign Xbees as transmitter and receiver as coordinator and router. In the second unit, results would be analysed using Arduino IDE software. This would enable the users to establish accurate monitoring and preventive protocols for the proper management of flammable gases