Burrell Mine Methane Detector

Description:

George A. Burrell invented the Burrell Methane Detector in 1915; subsequently the Mine Safety Appliances Company manufactured and sold it. The Bureau of Mines approved the methane tester for use on March 10, 1922. A belt-worn Edison battery similar to the one used for battery-powered hat lamps powered the methane tester. A measured sample of mine air is drawn into a tube and mixed with water. This mixture is heated by a platinum filament. Any contraction in volume after burning indicated methane, and the tester’s gauge showed the concentration of methane in the air.

Date Made: 1918 - 1928

See more items in: Work and Industry: Mining, Industry & Manufacturing, American Enterprise

Exhibition: American Enterprise

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: Mine Safety Appliances Company

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AG.MHI-MN-7940Catalog Number: MHI-MN-7940Accession Number: 240639

Object Name: indicator, methane gas

Physical Description: metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 15 in x 3 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in; 38.1 cm x 8.89 cm x 11.43 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-e1d9-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_872241

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