710333Advanced TDLS System for CO2 & Blackdamp Detection in MinesClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKCarbon Dioxide (CO2) builds up daily in coal mines from oxidation of coal, human respiration, rock blasting, fires, rotting timbers, etc. Without adequate air ventilation in all areas of the mine to dilute excess CO2, a ”blackdamp” atmosphere can build up where the oxygen level is depleted and CO2 levels can increase up to 20%, creating an immediate human asphyxiant risk due to displacement of oxygen. Under this project OptoSci proposes to examine the feasibility of using various novel laser, optical fibre and gas sensor designs in addition to signal processing schemes to allow intrinsically, safe, low maintenance monitoring of CO2 over hundreds of points to the sensitivity levels required by mine regulations.