Distributed temperature measurements using optical fibre technology in an underground mine environment

This article experimentally examines the applicability of a temperature measuring and monitoring system using distributed temperature sensing by means of an optical fibre in an underground mine environment. The temperature distribution along an optical fibre can be detected by measuring the Raman backscattering of the stokes and anti-stokes lines. The distributed temperature sensing system provided valuable information for the mine safety control and the mine ventilation system. In addition, it proved to be capable of measuring air temperature in the entire mine with an accuracy of 1 °C and within the distance resolution of 1 m. The heating and cooling processes could be detected and the rate of heat generation at any location of the mine could be accurately determined from the temperature measurements. This technology has the potential to be linked to other measuring devices of an underground mine environment in order to develop a safer ventilation control system.