Detector, Gas
Object number93.211.1
Manufacturer
Weston Electrical Instrument Corporation
Date1930-1939
Mediummetal, plastic, glass, leather
Credit LineGift of Department of Labor and Mine Safety
DescriptionMethane detector. Metallic silver-colored oval design, with electrical cord running from bottom to battery hook-up. Adjustable leather hand-strap on back. Semi-circular meter to measure percentage of methane in atmosphere. Two knobs on either side: one to put air sample into chamber, the other to adjust the opening of the battery circuit. Air sample in the chamber would pass over a heated filament.Dimensions5.5 x 2.5 x 4.25 in. (14 x 6.4 x 10.8 cm)MarksText "Permissable methane gas detector indicating type approval No. 809 issued to the Mine Safety Appliances Co."; also includes Department of the Interior - Bureau of Mines seal.
Label TextSome speculated that mine disasters occurred in winter months due to low barometric pressure, which allowed toxic and explosive gases to escape from seams in the coal bed. Barometers, therefore, were used by mine safety officials to monitor the pressure. This French-made model of the early 1900s was found in an office of the Bureau of Mines. Detectors were used to measure the presence of methane gas in a mine. The 1930s detector has two knobs on the side, one for gathering the air sample and one for opening the battery circuit inside the detector. The air would then pass over a heated filament to register a reading. The 1960s model displays methane percentage on a round meter. The gas mask dates from the 1940s, and the safety helmet from the 1970s. Used by US Bureau of Mines employees in the aftermath of mine disasters.
Related institution
United States Bureau of Mines
On View
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