What is the purpose of the automatic methane detector installed on the armoured face conveyor tailgate drive motor?

• A. To detect the general body concentration of methane at the tailgate drive motor
• B. To monitor oxygen levels around the tailgate drive motor
• C. To detect carbon dioxide around the tailgate drive motor
• D. To monitor methane only at the main exhaust line

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that this detector is placed to monitor methane in the air around the tailgate drive motor itself. Methane can seep or be released near that equipment, and sparks or heat from the motor or its controls can ignite it. An automatic detector here gives an early warning if methane levels rise, so ventilation can be increased or the motor can be shut down to prevent an ignition. It’s about sensing the gas in the immediate environment of the equipment, not about measuring oxygen levels or carbon dioxide, and not limited to the main exhaust line where gas pockets around the machinery could be missed.