CHETAK

Introduction

Underground mining poses significant risks due to the accumulation of toxic gases, lack of ventilation, and delayed response mechanisms. Conventional detection systems often lack real-time adaptability or are limited to isolated sensor functionality.

CHETAK was conceptualized to address this need using a multi-sensor, embedded platform that provides local alerts and remote updates to supervisors. It enhances mine safety by ensuring that dangerous gas levels, elevated temperatures, or health emergencies are detected immediately.

Abstract

The CHETAK system is a next-generation smart safety solution designed for real-time gas detection and health monitoring in underground coal-mining operations. It integrates multiple sensors, including MQ-series gas detectors, environmental sensors, and biomedical modules to monitor methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature, humidity, SpO₂, and pulse rate.

The system leverages microcontroller-based computation with wireless alert systems such as LoRa and GSM for local as well as remote notifications. The aim is to reduce accidents, enhance responsiveness, and support mine safety through data-driven alerts and monitoring.

Awards, Recognition and Funding

Features

• Gas Detection: Monitors CH₄, CO, H₂ and CO₂ with real-time alerts.
• Fire Safety: Includes a water sprinkler to extinguish fires.
• Health Monitoring: Tracks SpO₂ and blood pressure remotely.
• Communication: Equipped with a speaker and microphone for real-time miner–control-room interaction.
• Night-Vision Camera: Provides a live video feed even in dark underground environments.
• RTC Module: Provides real-time date and time information for the display.
• Benefits: This cost-effective mobile system reduces the need for miners to enter dangerous zones, prevents exposure to harmful gases, and supports quick emergency responses while prioritising human safety.

Product Description

• Gas Sensors — MQ-4, MQ-7, MQ-8 and MQ-135: Detect methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases.
• Temperature and Humidity Sensor — DHT22: Monitors environmental temperature and humidity.
• Night-Vision Camera: Provides a real-time video feed.
• I2C LCD Display: Displays real-time sensor data.
• Buzzer: Generates an alert when gas levels exceed the selected safety thresholds.
• Microcontroller: Processes sensor data and controls monitoring, communication and alert functions.
• Fire-Suppression System: Uses a sprinkler for fire emergencies.
• SpO₂ Sensor — MAX30100: Monitors blood-oxygen level and heart rate of miners in real time and supports alerts for health risks associated with low oxygen levels underground.
• RTC Module: Provides real-time date and time information for display and data records.

Technical Description

Scientific/Working Principle

Scientific Principle Involved

The CHETAK system operates on the principles of gas sensing, environmental monitoring, and optical detection. Semiconductor gas sensors such as MQ-4, MQ-7 and MQ-8 detect hazardous gases through changes in electrical resistance, while the DHT11 monitors temperature and humidity.

The MAX30100 uses optical detection to measure SpO₂ and heart rate, and the night-vision camera provides visibility using infrared light.

Working Principle of CHETAK

The gas sensors in CHETAK detect gas levels, temperature, humidity, and health data. The Arduino processes this information and triggers alerts when unsafe conditions are identified.

The system also provides real-time visual monitoring and sensor-data monitoring, supporting safety assessment in underground coal mines.

Components Used

• Arduino Uno
• MQ-4 Methane Sensor
• MQ-7 Carbon Monoxide Sensor
• MQ-8 Hydrogen Sensor
• MG811 Carbon Dioxide Sensor
• DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
• RTC DS3231 Module
• SD Card Module
• GSM SIM900A Module
• I2C LCD Display
• Buzzer

Methodology

• Researching coal-mine hazards and existing monitoring systems.
• Designing a robust sensor array and integrating it with the Arduino Uno.
• Implementing real-time gas detection and environmental monitoring.
• Enabling wireless alerts through SMS to relevant authorities.
• Testing the system in simulated hazardous environments for validation.

Experimental Results

Future Scope

• Integration of AI-based hazard-prediction algorithms.
• Improved wireless range for remote underground monitoring.
• Additional gas detection for SO₂ and NOx to provide expanded safety monitoring.
• Enhanced communication with real-time video monitoring.
• Deployment in other hazardous environments, including oil refineries.

CHETAK in the News

Teen Innovation for Coal-Mine Safety

CHETAK was featured in the Eastern Chronicle for its approach to real-time mine-hazard detection, environmental observation and worker-health monitoring. The article highlighted the use of an unmanned mobile platform to reduce direct human exposure to hazardous underground conditions.

Read Newspaper Feature