Intrinsically safe laser-based system for continuous measurement of low-frequency vibration of mine shaft installations

Proper condition of the mine shaft equipment is of vital importance both in view of production and safety. In some cases, this state can be adversely by the changing geological conditions in the shaft surroundings so that special precautions are necessary for reliable operation of the shaft. In the paper, an intrinsically-safe measuring system, approved for gassy mine use, based on the laser vibration sensor has been presented including its construction and operational characteristics. Examples of application have also been given related to measurements of low-frequency vibration events and of displacements both in the surface and underground parts of the shafts.