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By R. Pallini

The Franklin Research Center (FRO, a Division of The Franklin Institute was contracted by the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the application of elastomeric materials for the purpose of smoothing loads on dragline thrust rollers. This report covers the design, fabrication, and demonstration of a portable- device for measuring roller circle track deviations and roller loadings. The results of this work are documented in this report. During December 1981, a field test group visited the Falkirk Mine, Underwood, North Dakota for the purpose of demonstrating the use of the designed and built device. The data collected indicates the practicality and usefulness of such a device for determining actual dragline roller circle roller loads, while the dragline is in service. The device was useful in determining roller load peaking that may be a contributing Factor in the premature failure of these thrust rollers. The device could be used for field evaluation of elastomeric cushioning materials used to eliminate these load peaks.

Jan 1, 1982

By E. D. Gardner

This is one of a series of paper's being published by the Bureau of Mines on placer mining; it is written as a supplement to Information Circular 6788, "Placer Mining in the Western United States, Part III", by E. D. Gardner and C. H. Johnson which was published in February 1935. Since Information Circular 6788 was written (1933), considerable advance has been made in the technique of mining placer gravels with power shovels and draglines. Although new washing plants continue to be built in accordance with untried designs the trend of new installations is toward proved equipment. A substantial number of plants are now being operated successfully (1937).

Jan 1, 1938

Development of automatic fire protection systems for large, mobile mine haulage equipment was initiated under Department of Interior's Bureau of Mines-FMC Corp. contract H0122053, "Improved Sensors and Fire Control Systems for Mining Equipment June 1972 to May 1973." After successfully designing and mock-up testing an effective economical automatic fire protection system, and after having demonstrated that the system could extinguish controlled fires on 100-ton capacity haulage trucks, USBM-FMC contract 110232059 was issued in June, 1973, to conduct further development and validation testing. This report documents technical progress and activity under the latter contract. Figure 1 shows areas of the two haulage trucks that were protected by the automatic fire protection systems tested during this program. Figures 2 and 3 are composites showing hardware and schematic diagrams of the systems tested.

Jan 1, 1974

By Alan Mayton, Bertrand Valero, Christopher Jobes, Farid Amirouche

Exposure to vibration induced in and around underground mine’s exploration is a major concern to vehicles operators. Most of these drivers over time develop serious spinal musculoskeletal and discs problems causing low back injuries. The first purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance and dynamic response of driver/operator when subjected to different levels of vibration due to rough road conditions depicted in a mine field. The second purpose of the paper is to quantify the energy transmission in the presence of seat padding with special characteristics and active suspension. Using experimental testing data collected at NIOSH/PRL (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/ Pittsburgh Research Laboratory) along with model simulation algorithms developed at the University of Illinois at Chicago we investigated how acceleration transfer functions as well as absorbed power affects the different parts of the body. To this end, we used a previously validated human model which includes the head, torso segments and legs. The connective forces between body segments were modeled through modal analysis techniques from previous experimental data at the UIC Vehicle Technology Laboratory. The absorbed power and energy transmitted to the body are used as an index measure to assess the viability of the different seat padding’s and active seat suspension control strategies.

By H. Foster Bain

The war has brought about many changes in the Western States, and some have deep pr sent or potent al economic significance. The West has been feeling severe growing pains for a number of years. Especially since the beginning of preparation for national defense and through the period of

Jan 1, 1945

By P. B. Grote

The report provides a general description of DOM technology, sources for DOM technology, and identifies approaches and requirements for acquisition by the Enterprise of DOM technology by conventional means. The approaches identified assume the Enterprise enters into a contractual/ joint venture arrangement with an uncommitted and competent systems management firm at various stages of the DOM system acquisition process. The approaches provide for training through work/study as well as through direct participation in acquisition programs. The potential success of the alternatives are evaluated in terms of the likelihood of the acquisition of an ongoing Enterprise economic DOM operational capability. The study concludes that sources exist and that the Enterprise should under-take the development of its own technical capability through conceptual design prior to selecting its source for systems management expertise.

Jan 1, 1980

By L. K. Weaver

The objective of this study is twofold, The first is to present the composition of the offshore petroleum industry in terms of lease bonuses and the value of hydrocarbons produced from Federal offshore tracts. The second is to present costs of producing petroleum (oil and condensate) in the Gulf of Mexico with a financial analysis of an offshore operation. To prepare a financial analysis of an offshore operation, a model was derived to show the costs necessary to explore, acquire, develop, produce, and abandon a 5,000-acre block and the estimated income from the sale of the hydrocarbons produced. To establish cost and income guidelines for the model, a group of seven oilfields in the Gulf of Mexico ranging from 7 to 75 miles from shore and in water 20 to 130 feet deep was selected for study. A net profit or loss statement was prepared for each field and a discounted cash flow rate of return was calculated. Discounted cash flow rates of return for the seven fields range from 1.1 to 19.5 percent. Under the two specified conditions set up for the model (a 20-year and a 30-year oil depletion model), the rates of return are 17.2 and 13.7 percent, respectively. To January 1, 1959, the top four operators in the Federal offshore areas had paid approximately 40 percent of the amount spent on all lease bonuses and produced about 56 percent of the total hydrocarbons.

Jan 1, 1972

By William A. Beck

This report describes the loading and transportation practices employed at the zinc-lead mines of The Eagle-Picher Co., Jo Daviess County, Ill., and Lafayette County, Wis. The report also gives a brief history of the Illinois-Wisconsin zinc-lead district and the operations of the company in the area. The diesel-powered, rubber-tired loading and haulage equipment is described and illustrated from the operational point of view only, and an analysis is made of the materials-handling system without going into health and safety Factors. The costs per ton of the various components of mechanical loading, underground haulage, underground crushing, and hoisting for fiscal year 1960 are tabulated.

Jan 1, 1964

By R. H. Sprute

This report describes Bureau of Mines laboratory test results in electrokinetic dewatering and consolidation of metal-mine tailings. Tailings were placed in 0.3-cubic-foot Plexiglass models, and dc potential was applied until dewatering ceased. Time-oriented measurements of water removal, changes in resistivity, and power consumption were recorded during the dewatering process. Dewatered material was tested for moisture content and density. Equipment and procedures were developed to optimize the method for unclassified mill tailings from a particular mine in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, district. Results indicate the method to be highly effective in dewatering and consolidating this material.

Jan 1, 1974

By S. J. Rodgers

This report presents guidelines on methods of dust control in conventional coal mining operations. The normal mining cycle and equipment used in a room and pillar conventional section are described. Main ventilation, section ventilation and face ventilation are discussed in detail. Proper installation of line brattice, maintenance of proper air flows at the face and split ventilation are stressed. The effects of maintaining the end of the line brattice near the face are described. The advantages and disadvantages of blowing and exhausting face ventilation are presented. The use of water sprays on cutter bars and loading machines is described. The design of a nonclogging water spray system developed under a Bureau of Mines contract is presented. Other methods of reducing dust exposure are discussed and include alternative procedures for shot firing and administrative controls.

Jan 1, 1983

By Harold E. Marr

A simple algorithm is presented for processing digitized X-ray spectra obtained with a Si(Li) or Ge(Li) semiconductor detector coupled to a multi- channel analyzer. The simplified least-squares procedure is used to smooth out the statistical fluctuations in the spectrum by repeatedly fitting a quad- ratic equation to a predetermined number of channels and performing a traveling smooth across the spectrum. A logarithmic transform is applied to the raw data to minimize the distortion of the gaussian-shaped peak profiles. The efficacy of the technique is evaluated by observing the distortion of several gaussian-shaped peaks that have been subjected to the smoothing operation. The locations of maximums and minimums in the spectrum are predicted in the process as well as the values of the peak heights. The convolution integers from a least-squares fit of a quadratic equation are calculated as part of a FORTRAN subroutine. The building-block approach to computer programing in a small laboratory is discussed.

Jan 1, 1972

By J. I. Paige

The Bureau of Mines studied methods for recovering unreacted titanium minerals and petroleum coke from titanium chlorination plant wastes prior to neutralization treatment with lime. The objective was to recover valuable raw materials and to reduce the amount of waste materials that must be treated for disposal. Samples of solid wastes were physically beneficiated by gravity concentration (tabling) to recover titanium minerals containing 69.0 to 92.4 wt-pct Ti02 and by selective carbon flotation to recover petroleum coke containing 94.0 to 96.8 wt-pct C. Laboratory data indicate that the recovered titanium mineral would decrease the amount of solid waste to be disposed of from 32.8 to 53.9 wt-pct. The recovery of coke would further decrease the amount by additional 32.9 wt-pct. Preliminary tests conducted on recovering vanadium, chromium, and columbium from liquors obtained by leaching chlorination residues also have shown that (1) 97 pct of the vanadium was extracted from leach liquors in a two-stage solvent ex-traction procedure and (2) 58 pct of the columbium and 40 pct of the chromium were separated from the leach liquors by an ion exchange technique using a strong acid resin.

Jan 1, 1982

By John A. Johnson

The purpose of this report is to clarify the interpretation of some phases of previous progress reports5/ on the use or omission of stemming that have been brought to the attention of the authors by readers. As the stemming problem was approached from an entirely disinterested viewpoint and the data were presented impartially, results of investigations published in previous reports5/ were obtained under a definite set of conditions and procedure, and they may of may not be duplicated under different conditions and procedure in actual mining practice. Final conclusions regarding the use or omission of stemming in blasting have not been reached pending completion of all aspects of this investigation.

Jan 1, 1942

By Virgil A. Marple

The objective of this contract was to investigate time-integrated and real-time methods for determining the diesel exhaust particulate concentration in underground mines, in particular, coal mines. The microorifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) is recommended for obtaining the time-integrated measurement of the size distribution. The mass concentration of diesel exhaust particles can be obtained from the particle size distribution of mine aerosols. On a mass basis, diesel exhaust particles are primarily in the submicrometer size range while coal dust particles are larger. Size distribution measurements made in the laboratory and in three underground coal mines exhibited two distinct modes with the diesel exhaust particles in the smaller particle mode and the coal particles in the larger particle mode. The point of separation between the two modes occurred in the 0.7 to 1.0 pm size range. The separation was found to be independent of mass fraction of the diesel exhaust particles, particle concentration and sampling site. Methods recommended for further consideration as real-time monitors of diesel exhaust aerosols in mines are photometers and filter pressure drop techniques. A preclassifier would be required in both cases to separate the larger dust particles from the sample. The Metrex Mineral/Diesel Photometer should also be investigated further once the electronics problems are eliminated.

Jan 1, 1986

By James A. Wasson

This report summarizes the results and conclusions reached by various investigators who have attempted to determine the extent to which hydraulic fracturing will affect the secondary recovery of crude oil by waterflooding. It also discusses the most advantageous use of this well-stimulation method in waterflood projects. A thorough search of the literature was made, and pertinent information was abstracted from appropriate reports. A carefully designed and controlled program of formation fracturing is an effective aid in waterflooding because it increases water-injection and oil- production rates. Generally, fracturing has resulted in little or no reduction in ultimate oil recovery, but under certain circumstances recovery has been substantially increased.

Jan 1, 1963

By William E. Young

There are many large rhodonite-bearing veins containing manganese in the Eureka-Animas Forks area of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. The Sunnyside vein is the largest known vein in the area. As observed on the surface, the vein is mineralized over 8,000 feet and attains a maximum width of 200 feet. The average width of the vein and its branches and ramifications is 58 feet in the area that was mapped in detail. The weighted-average analysis of surface and underground samples from the northeastern extension of the Sunnyside vein is 8 percent manganese. Most other known veins in the area have a similar manganese content. The Hidden Treasure vein lies southeast of the Sunnyside-No Name-Mastadon vein. The weighted average of the analyses of surface and underground samples from this vein is 13 percent manganese. Exposures of the Scotia-Silver Chord vein are visible over a strike length of 4,000 feet on Treasure Mountain. Diamond-drill holes show that the vein contains 10 percent or more manganese to a depth of 400 feet. The vein has an average width of 28 feet. The Independence vein is exposed on the surface for a distance of 600 feet and has an average width of 6 feet. Three cut samples taken across the vein had an average content of 20.7 percent manganese. Sampling of the outcrops of eight veins in the Placer Gulch area also indicates manganese. Numerous other veins cropping out in the surrounding area are similar to the outcrop of the Sunnyside vein system mineralogically and are worth investigating.

Jan 1, 1966

By E. K. Stanek

This research study was performed on a case study basis and can be divided into two parallel thrusts: electrical and thermal energy conservation. Energy consumed annually in mining and refining operations represents about 6% of the 80 quadrillion Btu's consumed nationally. In the electrical portion of the study, five areas were addressed: optimal dispatching of on-site generation, high-efficiency motors, conductor selection, power factor correction, and high efficacy lighting. In the case study mine which has a multiple unit on-site generation system, optimally dispatching units can save significant energy. The other four methods are difficult to justify on a retrofit basis due to capital costs. In the thermal portion of the study, a thermodynamic analysis was performed on the reverberatory smelting process possible areas of energy conservation were identified as radiation and convection heat losses from the furnace arch and the dumping of high energy content smelting slag. It has been shown that materials currently available can provide the means of reducing heat loss from the reverberatory furnace. It has also been shown that a significant amount of energy may be recovered from the slag. However, these are both subject to further study and validation.

Jan 1, 1982

By F. W. Wood

The Bureau of Mines has sought clarification of the Ti-TiN system by studying the phases formed by diffusion reactions between titanium and titanium nitride. Reaction couples were prepared by embedding pockets of TiN powder in arc-melted buttons of titanium. Specimens were vacuum annealed at nominal temperatures of 800°, 950°, 1,200°, and 1,500° C. Metallographically mounted cross sections from reacted specimens and from some that were not annealed were examined optically, with an electron microprobe, with an election microscope, and by X-ray diffraction. Each annealed specimen contained a segregated core primarily of d-phase material, an ?-phase diffusion layer, an a-phase diffusion layer, and host metal. On the basis of corresponding microprobe analyses, and considering results of certain other research, a new phase diagram is proposed. It contains no qualitative innovations, only quantitative adjustments. Results were also analyzed from the viewpoint of diffusion behavior. Diffusion coefficients calculated for the ? phase were sufficiently scattered that the parameters are very tentative. Nevertheless, the diffusion behavior reported is in reasonable agreement with one of two prior studies if it is assumed that the earlier investigators were mistaken in their identification of the nitride phase in which the diffusion occurred.

Jan 1, 1974

By John C. MacCartney

In the Pennsylvania anthracite region, the principal source of U.S. anthracite, refuse disposal problems are common since cities and towns are located over the anthracite measures. The Bureau of Mines surveyed refuse banks in the area, determining that 863 banks containing aver 910 million cubic yards of material occupy a total area of about 19 square miles. The vast bulk of the refuse is located within 2 miles of the traffic centers of incorporated c unities which have a total population of 625,000. Twenty-seven banks are burning, causing considerable distress in a number of communities.

Jan 1, 1969

By Omotayo Kalejaiye

The Siwek 20-L chamber is widely used throughout the world to evaluate the explosibility of dusts. This research evaluated the quality of dust dispersion in the Siwek 20-L chamber using Pittsburgh coal, Gilsonite, and purple K dusts. A Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) optical dust probe was used to measure optical transmittance through the dust cloud at various locations within the chamber. A total of 540 tests were performed, with triplicate tests at five nominal dust concentrations and six locations. The two standard dispersion nozzles (rebound and perforated annular nozzle) were compared. The transmissions corresponding to the normal ignition delay period were used to: (a) determine variations in spatial uniformity of dispersion obtained with both nozzles; (b) make comparisons between the experimental transmission data and those calculated from theory for the three dusts; and (c) make comparisons with transmission data measured in the PRL 20-L and Fike 1-m3 dust explosion chambers. The uniformity of dispersion for the three dusts was similar with both nozzles, despite the differences in nozzle geometry and mode of operation. Transmission data of the three dusts were all significantly lower than those calculated from theory. This was discovered to be, in part, due to significant reduction in particle size that occurred during dispersion. By measuring particle sizes before and after dispersion, values of 60%, 50%, and 20% reduction in particle size (based on the surface-weighted mean diameter) were obtained for Pittsburgh coal, Gilsonite, and purple K, respectively. Transmission data from the PRL 20-L, Fike 1-m3 and the Siwek 20-L chambers indicated comparable results in terms of uniformity of dispersion. However, transmission data from the Siwek 20-L chamber were significantly lower than those of the PRL and Fike chambers. Again, this was attributed, in part, to the significant reduction in particle size that occurred during dispersion in the Siwek chamber. The design of the outlet (dispersion) valve of the Siwek 20-L apparatus charge vessel was largely responsible for the particle break-up. The contribution to particle break-up by the dispersion nozzles and the high level of turbulence in the chamber were found to be minimal. This is a significant finding in that the dust particle size tested for explosibility in the Siwek chamber is considerably smaller than the original dust sample.

Jan 1, 2010