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By D. E. Traut

A fluidized, countercurrent ion-exchange system was developed, operated, and evaluated by the Bureau of Mines in support of its objective to help assure an adequate uranium supply for future national needs. The system consisted of integrated multiple-compartment absorption and elution columns in which the solution flows are continuous, except for short periods when resin increments are withdrawn. The exchange of uranyl sulfate between a simulated acid-leach-uranium solution and a strong-base, ion-exchange resin was studied, together with subsequent elution using an acidified sodium chloride solution. The effects of the number of compartments, compartment height, amount of resin withdrawal, solution flow rate, and column diameter were investigated. Also examined were the kinetic and equilibrium relationships for the absorption and elution steps. The experimental data indicate a strong interdependence between variables. Solution retention time appears to be a major limiting variable in the absorption process, while resin residence time is the determining factor in the elution process. The columns system was efficient over a range of conditions, but close control was needed for optimum operation.

Jan 1, 1978

By M. B. Royer

Sulfur is present in many ores and other raw materials that are used in the production of metals and alloys of industrial importance. Its presence, especially in ferrous-metal products, generally is undesirable because of its detrimental effect during processing and upon various physical properties of the finished metal. Therefore, various methods are resorted to for elimination of the element to some specified maximum final content. Such removal or elimination of sulfur is designated as desulfurization.

Jan 1, 1948

By J. C. Judd

The Bureau of Mines investigated the recovery of vanadium, uranium, and phosphorus from low-grade phosphorite ores and concentrate by leach-ing with H2S04. Samples containing 0.12 to 0.23 pct V20S, 0.009 to 0.012 pct U30S and 18 to 30 pct P20S were treated by batch-agitation leaching, roasting followed by acid leaching, salt-roasting followed by acid leaching, and leaching under pressure. Maximum recoveries using leaching alone ranged from 78 to 98 pct of the V20S and 74 to 88 pct of the U30S-Leaching under pressure resulted in extractions of 88 to 95 pct of the V20S and 84 to 89 pct of the U30S. Leaching following roasting--with or without NaCI--produced extractions of 97 to 99 pct of the V20S and 86 to 91 pct of the U30a. Depending on the technique(s) employed, phosphate extractions ranged from 89 to 99 pct. Solvent extraction laboratory tests were conducted to selectively re-cover vanadium and uranium values from acid leach solutions. An average of 95 pct -of the U30a was recovered using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid, plus trioctylphosphinic oxide. Essentially all of the V20S was recovered with octylphenyl acid phosphate plus isodecanol. The phosphate remained in the raffinate.

Jan 1, 1986

By Robert H. Merrill

This report summerizes the various studies made to determine the size and support of roofs in the upper shale formation, White Pine Copper Mine, Michigan. These studies were a cooperative effort of the White Pine Copper Company and the Federal Bureau of Mines. Before this investigation, the upper shale formation had been found to contain about 30 to 40 percent of the total mineralization in the ore zones. Investigators estimated that this shale could be economically mined by room-and-pillar methods, provided that the roof would stand over spans of 25 to 32 feet. The problem remained to determine the number of bolts required to safely support these spans. Unbonded fractures in the roof structure of the deposit complicated the use of laboratory methods for determining bolted roof support. Therefore, a method was devised to determine the in-place support which would consider the unbonded fractures. In this method the roofs of 3 rooms with spans of 20, 28, and 36 feet were intentionally overbolted as the rooms were mined. Following stability tests that sometimes exceeded 6 months, the bolts were selectively removed and roof sag, roof strain, and changes in bolt loads were measured concurrently. The number of bolts required for support of these spans was computed from these data.

Jan 1, 1961

Objective: To evaluate the quantity of ventilation air reaching the face of a 40-ft box cut during a 40-ft, two-pass, extended cut and to examine ways to increase this quantity of air.

May 1, 1998

Modify conventional mining practices to reduce significantly the amount of material brought to the surface from underground mines, or to ?re-mine? existing surface mine dumps by backfilling empty underground stopes.

Jan 1, 1994

During 1999, there were six fatalities in surface mines involving haulage equipment colliding with a smaller vehicle or person, or backing over the edge of a dump point. All of these fatalities can be attributed to the extensive blind areas around large haulage equipment. Researchers at NIOSH are investigating various technologies that can be used to monitor these blind areas and provide information on nearby obstacles to an operator. So far, the technologies listed below have been tested on dump trucks used in surface mining. The selection of these systems was based on their ability to handle the tough environmental conditions found in mining operations and how well they detected obstacles out to 40 or 50 feet beyond the rear of large dump trucks. Some of the manufacturers of available collision warning and camera systems are also listed.

Jan 1, 2001

By Emery Chilton, Charles Taylor, Mark Senk, Linda McWilliams

Three-axis ultrasonic anemometers are used to study airflow in the NIOSH ventilation gallery where ventilation in an underground mine is simulated. In this study, performance characteristics of this anemometer are evaluated and the effects of sensor orientation and sampler location on flow readings are examined. The study results provide guidelines for more effective use of the ultrasonic anemometers in the ventilation gallery.

By Robert H. Peters

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report identifies the types of serious accidents that occur most frequently at small underground coal mines and describes the strategies that could help prevent these accidents. A wide variety of methods for improving safety are suggested, including improvements in the design of equipment, work procedures, work schedules, safety programs, and emergency response plans, as well as techniques for diagnosing the potential hazards associated with new technologies and work procedures. Some of the papers in this volume focus on preventing specific types of mining accidents--ones associated with materials handling (primarily back injuries), equipment maintenance, improper machine guarding, and ground failure during retreat mining. Although the recommendations in this volume are heavily influenced by research performed at underground coal mines in the Appalachian coalfields, most of the papers contain advice that is equally pertinent to almost any type of mine.

Jan 1, 1994

By N. H. Coates

The Bureau of Mines determined average film coefficients of heat transfer for helium flowing through smooth, water-cooled tubes at Reynolds numbers of 5,000 to 25,000, helium inlet temperatures of 1,600° to 2,600° F, average temperature difference across the helium film of 800° to 1,300° F, and heat flux to 215,000 Btu/(hr)(sq ft). Since helium was the only gas used, the ranges of values for physical properties of the fluid are limited--thermal conductivity from 0.15 to 0.20 Btu/(hr)(sq ft)(O F/ft), viscosity from 0.082 to 0.104 lb/(ft)(hr), and Prandtl number from 0.63 to 0.68. Four equations, three of them dimensionless, correlate these coefficients with other properties of the helium--bulk temperature, film temperature, dimensionless parameters based on temperature, and the ratio of wall temperature to bulk temperature.

Jan 1, 1966

By C. A. Frenzel

Extensive spectroscopic data are needed in making reliable vibrational assignments for use in calculating thermodynamic functions of polyatomic molecules. The fundamental vibrations of organic molecules may be observed at any wavelength from 2.5 to 200 microns (micron = µ = 10-4 centimeters), but most often in the region from 3µ to 50µ. Raman spectra generally cover the range in which fundamental vibrations occur, but equally important infrared spectra usually are not measured at wavelengths longer than 25µ. This limitation results because most infrared spectra are determined for analytical purposes, which seldom require information outside the region 2µ to 25µ. Measurements of infrared spectra in the range 15µ to 35µ recently were begun by the Bureau of Mines to obtain data needed in making vibrational assignments. This report presents the spectra of the following thirteen compounds: Tetrahydrofuran, 1-methylpyrrole, piperidine, 2-methylpyridine, 3-miuthylpyridine, 2-propanethiol, cyclopentanethiol, 2-methyl-2-butanethiol, 3,3-dimethyl-2-thiabutane, cyclohexanethiol, cyclopentyl-l-thiaethane, 2,4-dimethyl-3-thiapentane, and hexamethyldisiloxane.

Jan 1, 1960

By Michael E. Henderson

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (BOM) constructed the Hydraulic Transport Research Facility (HTRF) to investigate the hydraulic parameters relating to the transport of coarse coal. To achieve these goals in a timely and efficient manner, the Bureau contracted to Boeing Services International, Inc. (BSI) the responsibility of operating the HTRF and providing technical support. This data report is a summary of the testing and data results for the period from 16 September to 1 November 1983. The testing covered herein is for coarse 2-in by a (minus 50 mm) Pittsburgh Seam coal in a 12-in (3 00 mm) pipeline, at velocities ranging from 5 to 18 ft/s (1.5 to 5.5 m/s) and at concentrations ranging from 15 to 55 pct.

Jan 1, 1985

By Franklin D. Cooper

This chapter includes tables for 1979 that were not available in time for publication in the 1978-79 Minerals Yearbook, but it does not include corresponding tables for 1980. The value of raw nonfuel mineral output in 1980 was estimated at $24.8 billion, 8.5% above the 1979 value. Of the 21 metal commodities produced, quantitative output increased for 11 and decreased for 10. The values for 10 metals were up, 10 were down, and 1 was unchanged. Among the 47 non-metallic commodities produced, 14 showed quantitative increases, 32 declined, and 1 was unchanged. In terms of value, 32 nonmetallics increased, and 15 declined.

Jan 1, 1981

By J. A. Herdlick

The Star mine, near Neihart, Cascade County, Mont., has been in continuous operation since the construction of a 50-ton bulk flotation mill in 1939. The mine was examined by G. N. Bennett, an engineer of the Bureau of Mines, in November 1942. At that time the life of the operation appeared to be limited and a program of crosscutting and core drilling were recommended. The program had as its objective the investigation of a promising undeveloped area lying west of the Star vein and, if possible, the development of enough reserves in this area to insure continuous operation during the war emergency. Development of additional reserves would then justify necessary changes in the mill in order to eliminate the heavy penalties imposed for excess zinc in the bulk concentrates. The Bureau of Mines work began in February 1944 and was completed in September 1944. The project was started by Wilder R. Brinton and continued by Thomas W. Oster, mining engineers in the Bureau's Montana district office. Beneficiation tests on are and concentrates were made after completion of the underground work. This report presents the factual data obtained during all phases of the Bureau's investigation.

Jan 1, 1949

By F. M. Goodwin, Campbell. John, W. J. Hiffs, G. W. Jones

"INTRODUCTION In cooperation with The Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston, Mass., and the Boston Consolidated Gas Co. a survey has been conducted continuously since 1929 by the United States Bureau of Mines to determine the general hazards of combustible gases and vapors in manholes of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. The New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. also has cooperated in the investigation, and tests have been made in its manholes since May 1, 1933.Yearly reports 6 giving the results obtained since the start of the survey have been published.The method and procedure of conductin, the survey in 1935 were the same as heretofore.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe cooperative investigation was arranged through the interest and effort of F. D. Comerford, president of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston; E. N. Farnesworth, Jr., vice president and general manager of the Boston Consolidated Gas Co.; and A. C. Fieldner chief engineer, Experiment Stations Division, U. S. Bureau of Mines. Thomas H. Haines, superintendent, Distribution Department, of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co., cooperated in furnishing men and information for the work,"

Oct 1, 1936

By S. McGinn, G. Schnakenberg, D. Petrie, A. Bugarski, M. Grenier

As part of the Diesel Emissions Evaluation Program (DEEP) consortium, Noranda Inc. has undertaken a field project to evaluate the overall performance of the latest diesel particulate filter technology (DPF) at its Brunswick Mine in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Performance of the filtration systems is evaluated with respect to their ability to reduce tailpipe emissions and concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and noxious gases in mine air, efficiency of filter regeneration process, maintenance requirements, reliability, and acceptance. Four different particulate filter systems deployed on heavy production vehicles are subjected to an 18-month field evaluation. Over the evaluation period the vehicles will have accumulated approximately 4000 operating hours in production. This paper presents the results of testing conducted mid way through the 18-month field trials. The 400- meter section of the mine drift at 525-5 sub level, hereinafter referred to as the "isolated zone" was isolated between intake and exhaust fan systems and sealed with bulkheads against leakage. The isolated zone was ventilated at the rate required per CSA Standards and issued by CANMET for the engines tested. Four vehicles, two load-haul-dumps (LHDs) and two trucks, retrofitted with particulate filter systems were tested along with a new identical model LHD and truck equipped with exhaust systems consisting of a catalytic converter (DOC) and muffler. The test vehicles were operated individually inside the isolated zone for approximately 4 hours over simulated production duty cycles. Measurements of ambient concentrations of particulate matter, tailpipe emissions, and engine parameters were performed for each of the tested vehicles. The DPM samples for carbon were collected at the most up- stream end of the isolated zone, at the vehicle next to the operator, and at the most downstream or exhaust end of the isolated zone. The DPM samples were analyzed for total (organic and elemental) carbon using NIOSH Analytical Method 5040. Ambient concentrations of particulate matter at the exhaust end of the zone were also measured using Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), and real time PAH monitor (PAS 2000). Efficiency of the filters was also evaluated on a basis of tailpipe measurements performed using raw exhaust instruments the NanoMet and the UGAS. In addition, relevant engine parameters were obtained using Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link (DDDL) and from exhaust backpressure and temperature measurements. Results from the tests proved conclusively that diesel particulate filters can significantly reduce the concentrations of air- borne DPM, but not without careful monitoring of both ambient and tailpipe emissions and not without careful attention with respect to maintaining the integrity of the DPF systems.

By Louis H. Berkelhamer

"INTRODUCTION The method of differential thermal analysis suggested by Le Chatelier (1)1 in 1887 has recently emerged as an outstanding means of studying the constitution of various substances, particularly clays, soils, and miscellaneous hydrous materials (2). The literature ably discusses the applications and results obtained but has paid too little attention to specific details of construction of the apparatus. Knowledge of the apparatus is of importance to the experienced research man as is extremely useful to the novice v ho ventures into this field of analysis. Further, it is generally acknowledged that the variations in design and conditions of operation are one of the essential causes for differences in characteristic temperatures as reported by various investigators. A step forward in the elimination of such differences is the publication of the details of construction and operation of a simple and inexpensive apparatus that has proved useful at the southern Experiment station of the Bureau of Mines, where it was used in cooperation with the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala."

Jul 1, 1944

By Mackenzie Burnett

Quick-Fix Blowout Stoppings were evaluated in several underground mines as an alternative to conventional ventilation control bulkheads. Blowout stoppings offer considerable savings in bulkhead construction and repair costs if the 0.1 inch H20 of differential pressure required to inflate them is available. The Quick-Fix Blowout Stoppings were utilized successfully in uranium mines in the Southwestern United States where savings in bulkhead construction and repairs to blast damaged bulkheads are estimated to equal $9,500 over the projected 2 year average life of a blowout stopping. Two types of material were evaluated. Five methods of anchoring the stoppings to drift walls were evaluated. Three methods of anchor attachment to the stopping material were evaluated. Blast pressure measurements were made in conjunction with the evaluation of the blowout stoppings.

Jan 1, 1978

By P. L. Sibrell

Previous research by the U.S. Bureau of Mines has shown that autoclave cyanide leaching of used automobile exhaust catalysts for recovery of platinum-group metals (PGM) is technically feasible. The purpose of this work was to investigate the chemistry of the dissolution of PGM in cyanide solutions in more detail. Where possible, samples of pure, elemental PGM powders or foils were used instead of automobile exhaust catalysts, because of their greater purity. Ultraviolet spectra revealed that Pt and Pd were solubilized as the square planar tetracyanometallate (II) complexes, while Rh was solubilized as the octahedral hexacyanorhodate (III) complex. This explained the poor recovery of Rh from solution by carbon adsorption, solvent extraction, and ion exchange observed in earlier research, because of the higher anionic charge and size of the octahedral complex. Leaching rate studies showed that the rate of solubilization was greatest for Pd, followed by Pt and Rh. Although the rate of chemical reaction was the controlling step for the dissolution of elemental Pt and Rh samples, the rate of pore diffusion was rate limiting for PGM in catalyst samples.

Jan 1, 2010

By Raymond G. Travis

This report describes coal-mining methods, power requirements, coal production and distribution, and coal resources of the Bull Mountain coal field in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, south-central Montana Investigations in the field, were conducted by Bureau of Mines engineers The report contains a short summary of the geology and geography of the field and discusses the following information secured during the field study: Method of mining practiced at each mine, including a description of each phase of the mining cycle. Coal produced and its distribution at each mine. Power requirements and the consumption of electricity per ton of coal produced by mines. Number of non employed by mines, and the production per man per shift underground and the over-all production per man employed. Estimates of future production and power requirements for the field as a whole. This information should be of benefit to any company or individual planning the development of now coal mines in the area or the expansion of present operations.

Jan 1, 1950