Hi Jamie
Speaking re coal mines in the 1950's (in NSW Australia)
Carbon Monoxide: Presence of CO was detected by the use of canaries...The
concentration was estimated by colour comparision using a "Colormetric"
detector tube supplied by MSA (US). Also ( in theory it was possible to use
the blood from a dead canary to determine blood saturation and thus
concentration could be worked out by factoring in exposure time..I still
have one of the test kits to I have never seen it used. Otherwise one took
a gas sample and it was sent to a laboratory for analysis
Carbon Dioxide: In general it was not considered necessary to detect CO 2
as such but rather for the absence of oxygen which was done by the reduction
in illuminating power of a oil flame lamp.
Sulphur Gasses: It was supposed to tarnish silver coins and I think there
was a detector paper but can't rember the actual chemical (perhaps lead
iodide ?)
Regards
John
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2004 10:32 PM
Subject: Mine gas detection 1950s
> Dear List:
>
> I'm just doing a bit of research around a particular problem. and could do
with a bit of detail.
>
> I'd like to know what sort of methods of gas detection CO/CO2/sulphur
gases would be available to workers and rescue teams at pyrites/sulphide
mines in particular in the 1950s. I remember hearing of lamp flame tests but
have forgotten the exact indicators, were there also test paper type
detectors available? Any help gratefully received
>
> Jamie Thorburn
>
|