Mining Remediation Authority

Customer: Mining Remediation Authority
Project: Mine Water Flow Measurement
Location: National Coal Mining Museum, Caphouse Colliery, Wakefield
Products: Micronics Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Meters

The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA), formerly known as the Coal Authority, is a public body responsible for managing the lasting effects of historical coal mining across Great Britain. Its work helps to protect people, property and the environment by addressing hazards such as unstable ground, abandoned mine workings and subsidence, as well as responding to mining-related emergencies.

Although primarily known as a visitor attraction preserving Britain’s coal-mining heritage, the National Coal Mining Museum for England remains an active mine governed by the Mines Regulations. Maintaining safe access to its historic underground workings requires millions of gallons of mine water to be pumped to the surface every week, where it must be monitored and treated before being returned to the environment.

The Authority had a requirement to measure the flow and temperature of mine water as it is pumped out of the ground before it is treated, so that their innovation team could evaluate the viability of the water for a potential heat scheme. Their main criteria were that the data was logged and downloadable.

To that end, the MRA contacted Able Instruments via a website form submission and we proposed the Micronics Ultraflo UF3300 Fixed Mount Clamp-On Flow Meter with datalogger with quick release transducers. The MRA subsequently purchased two Ultraflo for use on separate pipes.

The Micronics meter offers reliable liquid flow measurement with substantial installation and maintenance benefits. Its externally mounted clamp-on sensors eliminate the need to cut pipework, drain the system or interrupt pumping of the mine water, while introducing no pressure loss or obstruction to flow. With no moving parts or contact with the liquid, maintenance requirements are low. Bidirectional measurement, suitability for a wide range of pipe sizes, and outputs for connection to monitoring and control systems make it a versatile choice for permanent installations. The data logging feature supports consumption tracking, process optimisation and fault investigation.