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Four catalytic converters for diesel exhaust systems were tested to determine their effectiveness in reducing the amount of harmful substances discharged into the air. Tests were conducted with four different catalytic converter designs, using two diesel engines as exhaust gas generators. (Of the four noble metal catalytic converters, three are commercially available.) Testing showed that the catalysts varied widely in oxidation efficiency at light to intermediate engine loads, but that all were very effective in reducing emissions of CO, HC, aldehydes, and odor intensity at heavy loads (engine operating modes resulting in high exhaust temperatures). Particulate loading, particulate size, and NOx emissions were generally unaffected by any of the catalysts. The catalysts had one ad-verse effect on exhaust quality--increased sulfate emissions. Because of the potential problem of sulfate emissions, the exclusive use of catalytic reactors for emissions reduction does not appear to be satisfactory. However, when used with a means for subsequent removal of sulfates, a catalyst can function as a key component in an emissions control system for diesel engines operated in underground mines.

Jan 1, 1978

By Oliver Bowles

"On January 15, 1920, a man was killed by falling rock in a limestone quarry in Utah. The quarry was visited by a representative of the Industrial Commission of Utah, and the cause of the accident was carefully determined. The facts concerning this accident, and the Bureau's recommendations are given in some detail in the hope that quarrymen may take steps to avoid dangerous conditions, and thus reduce the liability to accident.The quarry rock face is about 180 feet high, and the ledge is covered with an overburden of 10 to 20 feet of a mixture of soil and boulder. The rock face is not vertical, but slants at an angle of about 45° to 50°, while the stripping face stands at an angle of 70° to 80°, and is flush with the rock face. The conditions are shown in the accompanying figure.The man who was killed was employed in breaking rock at the foot of the quarry wall. The sun had been shining on the stripping face, and probably thawed the ground, thus permitting a boulder weighing about 20 pounds to roll down the slanting face, striking, and almost instantly killing the workman who was working with his back toward the quarry wall."

Feb 1, 1920

Develop computer software that can aid in improving the visibility and illumination in underground mines by providing quick analysis of existing equipment and conditions and the effects of potential modifications. Background Poor visibility and illumination are common problems in underground mining. Mining equipment often restricts operators' fields of vision. Also, fighting systems are often positioned where they cause excessive glare, which restricts the visibility around the machines even further. To help address these problems, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has developed a PC-based software package to analyze certain human engineering aspects (ergonomics) of mining equipment design. The software is available for use by equipment manufacturers and mining companies for design work on new machines, as well as for evaluating proposed modifications to existing machines. Approach The Crewstation Analysis Programs (CAP) package includes assessments of visibility, illumination, and glare in the surrounding work area. The advantage of using computers for these types of analyses is that numerous design iterations can be tested quickly and efficiently to determine the effects of changes on visibility. This cuts down the need for expensive testing using physical mockups. Another advantage is that design ideas can be tested in situations where testing would not normally be possible. For instance, the effects of modifications to a lighting system or canopy design could be tested while the machine remained in service.

Jan 1, 1993

To develop effective noise controls for continuous min-ing machines (CMMs) to reduce worker noise exposure. Background Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an occupational illness caused by chronic exposure to excessive sound levels. For underground coal mine workers, NIHL continues to be a serious health issue. Analysis of hearing loss data suggests that by retirement age, 70%?90% of U.S. coal mine workers will have a hearing impairment. Operated in the confined spaces of underground mines, large industrial mining equipment often produces sound levels that can be harmful to workers. Of all equipment used in underground coal mining operations, CMMs account for the most noise overexposures. To reduce the occurrence of noise over-exposures, engineering noise controls must be developed for the CMM.

Sep 1, 2008

Provide reliable, early-warning fire detection instruments, telemetry, and control systems for noncoal underground mines. Approach Industrial-grade fire detection instruments and signal telemetry equipment were modified for long-term exposure to harsh underground mine conditions, then were installed in four mines to evaluate long-term performance and reliability. How It Works The elapsed time between the onset of a fire and its detection is critical because fires tend to grow in size and intensity with time. Early fire detection and warning permit the initiation of a mine's emergency plan (evacuation, fire fighting, etc.) while the fire is still small, or ideally, while it is still in the incipient stage. Fire detection and warning systems, utilizing sensitive heat, flame, smoke, and gas analyzers, provide the most rapid and reliable indication of a developing fire.

Jan 1, 1987

This Part is concerned with the theoretical study of UHF radio communication in coal mines, with particular reference to the rate of loss of signal strength along a tunnel, and from one tunnel to another around a corner. Of prime interest are the nature of the propagation mechanism and the prediction of the radio frequency which propagates with the smallest loss. Our theoretical results are compared with measurements made by Collins Radio Co. This work was conducted as part of the Pittsburgh Mining and Safety Research Center's investigation of new ways to reach and extend two-way communications to the key individuals that are highly mobile within the sections and haulage ways of coal mines.

Jan 1, 1974

By F. N. Kissell, C. D. Litton

This study ranks the factors impacting survival during a coal mine fire. It bas already been established that reducing time delays is the most important factor in saving lives. Consequently every event during afire is measured in terms d its duration, and the effectiveness d any action taken to improve survival is measured in terms d the time it saves. By ranking actions according to time saved these authors found that a comhination d actions was most effective. This combination was: • installing lifelines. • moderately decreasing air leakage and • decreasing the fire growth rate. Changing ventilation leakage alone was much less effective, as was altering the CO (carbon monoxide), sensor alarm threshold. These results confirm an earlier fault-tree study on escape from mine fires. The fault-tree study bad shown that, with the exception d delays, single factor changes have minimal impact. Significant reductions in fire fatalities only take place with multiple factor changes.

By Victor E. Kral

"INTRODUCTION The Segerstorm-Heizer property was examined by engineers 3/ of the Bureau of Mines in May and June 1942 and Mach 1943. As a result of these examination, the Nevada State Department of Highways,constructed 9.3 miles of graveled road under the mine access-road program. A magnetometer survey was made by the Geophysical Division 4/ in October 1943, and as a result the Mining Branch set up and conducted a core-drilling,project. Work on the deposit started May 24, 1944, and was suspended on July 31, 1944, but was resumed on December 4, 1944 and continued until completion on March 27, 1945.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn its program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as it, primary objective the more effective resource to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploratory project as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploration work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Kinickerbocker, chief analyses samples and performs beneficiation tests."

Mar 1, 1947

By Scott Turner

We have gathered here in Pittsburgh, at the Nineteenth Annual Safety Congress, in order to advance the cause of safety. Although my personal inter- est in this movement alone would have been sufficient to insure my presence here, specific duties have brought me to this congress in an official capacity. My responsibilities as the head of the United States Bureau of Mines, which makes the promotion of safety in the mining and allied industries one of its major activities, necessitate my attendance. My obligations as president of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association, an organization closely allied to the bureau and which has for one of its objects the public recognition and reward of outstanding achievements in safety, require that I be present at this time. This morning, my job is to present the Holmes safety certificate to the Lehigh Portland Cement Co. First I will remind you of the nature of this safety association, named in honor of the first director of the Bureau of Mines. After Mr. Holmes' death, in 1915, a number of influential organizations banded together to commemorate the name of this leader in the conservation of human life. In order that you may appreciate the significance of an award by the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association, I shall read you the list of 24 national organizations which comprise its membership:

Nov 1, 1930

By C. Lorimar Colburn

"The use of helmets during the war has accentuated interest in the advisability of using stiff hats in mines to protect the miners against falling rocks. About forty per cent of the accidents in mines are due to falling rocks or roof. A large number of these accidents could be prevented if the miners wore stiff hats or helmets.The use of head protective devices in minas is not new, for they have been in use for many years in Europe and in the Lake Superior District in the United States. In practically all of the mining districts in Europe stiff hats of some kind are required by the mine management. George S. Rice, chief mining engineer of the Bureau of Mines, reported that in Germany, Belgium, and France stiff hats made of papier mache or felt rosin are in use. Similar hats are generally employed in the Lake Superior District. In building the subways of New York and Philadelphia it was the practice of engineers and workers to let the hair grow very long and to wear a close fitting cap or felt hat. In Germany the hats are high like the military helmets, whereas in France and Belgium they fit more closely to the crown. In England the practice is mixed. As a rule the miners use soft padded caps, but in Yorkshire many of the miners use sole leather, tight-fitting caps of jockey pattern with the seam forting a little ridge down the middle of the cap. These hats are very useful allow thin beds of coal, as in crawling one is very likely to strike his head a sharp piece of rock or on a timber. Of course, such mishaps are more likely to occur to a man not familiar with the mine. It must be admitted such hats do not stick on well, though this is usually due to their not being especially fitted. The German hat is particularly unsuited to an American-shaped head.It is interesting to note that on the continent tight cotton caps are generally worn over the hair and under the hard hat. This is a measure for cleanliness which is excellent. In low beds of coal share much crawling on hands and knees is necessary the dirt and coal dust sift down, making the miner black and dirty. In metal mines stiff hats are of especial use in shaft work; also in raises or high stapes. A small fragment of rock falling some distance either down a shaft or raise would kill a man if it struck him squarely on the head. A stiff hat or helmet may protect him and save his life. At a station in a shaft where men are loading the cage or skip, some kind of adequate head protector should be compulsory. A head-protecting hat or cup which is also a good insulator should be worn where there is danger of striking one's head against a wire carving an electric current."

Jun 1, 1920

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America?s only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.

Jan 1, 2004

By M. B. Cooke, A. D. Bauer, E. W. Dean

The Bureau of Mines is collecting and analyzing representative samples of crude petroleum from all the producing fields in the United States , and the results are being published in a series of reports that are preliminary to the issue of a bulletin covering the entire survey . The bureau has recently completed a survey of crude oils from the Kansas district . In all 27 samples were collected and analyzed , under the direction of A. W. Ambrose , chief petroleum technologist of the Bureau. Valuable assistance was received through the cooperation of oil companies operating in the State , especially the Prairie Pipe Line Co. , and the Empire Pipe Line Co. The present report issued as Serial 2322 , on the Kansas crudes , forms the fifth of the series . Of the four previous papers , the first ( No. 2202 ) deals with crudes from the Eastern fields of the United States , the second ( No. 2235 ) with crudes from the Rocky Mountain district , the third ( No. 2290) gives additional data , cn viscosities and pour tests , for the crudes from these two fields , and the fourth ( No. 2293 ) covers the fields of northern Texas , northern Louisiana , and Arkansas . The details of the methods of collecting samples , making laboratory tests and interpreting results , have been discussed in these earlier reports . It has also been pointed out that the only adequate method of interpreting analyses of crude oils is to compare the individual reports with the analysis of some crude oil that is familiar to the operator . For this reason , no comprehensive discussion of the results of the Kansas survey is attempted, although some general statements may be made .

Feb 1, 1922

By Murray Jacobson

The respirable dust standard in the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 is designed to prevent disability and death from coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Beginning June 30, 1970, the operators of coal mines were required to maintain the average concentration of respirable dust in the active workings at or below 3.0 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air. The standard is reduced to 2.0 milligrams per cubic meter after Dec. 30, 1972. This paper presents the equipment and procedures used by the coal mine operators in implementing the respirable dust sampling program established by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and shows the effect of the law, during the first year, on the reduction of dust levels in selected mines. The system employed by the Bureau of Mines for analyzing and processing the dust samples is also presented.

Jan 1, 1971

By Charles L. Kimbell

In overview, the world's mineral industry in 1989 registered gains over its 1988 performance, but these gains were by no means as pronounced as had been those of 1988. The traditional statistical measures of mineral industry performance, namely production, trade, and consumption levels, reflected significant growth in most industry sectors from crude material extraction through the gamut of down- stream processing. Growth in market economy countries generally exceeded growth in the centrally planned economy countries as a result of a variety of causes that will be covered subsequently, but even among the centrally planned countries there were some upturns. In contrast to these measures of the soundness of the industry, the situation for nonfuel mineral and metal prices was less satisfactory than in 1988, and low crude oil prices continued as a problem for the all-important petroleum sector, despite some gains during the year. The oil price situation mitigated against price increases for competitive fuels. Although this was unfavorable for fuel producers, it remained advantageous to consumers, including nonfuel mineral producers, processors, and transporters. Thus it cannot be viewed as a negative factor for the whole of the global mineral industry. Global crude mineral output value was estimated at nearly $1,420 billion in current dollars, an increase of 9% over the 1988 level, and an increase in current dollar terms for the seventh consecutive year. Measured in terms of constant dollars, however, adjusting for inflation, the increase was only 4.7% compared with the 1988 level. Despite the prolonged growth trend, the 1989 crude mineral output value level was still 3.2% below the record high set in 1980, which was $1,467 billion in terms of 1989 dollars.

Jan 1, 1992

By C. A. Alien

The increasing activity in oil shale has had a tendency to direct the attention of the industry to any substance from which gasoline or other oils can be secured . Cannel coal for many years has been known, as a source of oil and formerly it was the only substance from which kerosene was obtained . The name of coal oil was given to kerosene because it was derived from cannel coal before any flowing wells were brought in in the United States . In an isolated region in Southern Utah there is an unusually thick and clean bed of cannel coal which laboratory experiments indicate can be made to yield about seventy gallons of oil to the ton . This coal was first described in Bulletin 341 of the United States Geological Survey under the title of Colob coal field . This field lies at the western and southern base of the Colcb plateau and extends from the town of Cedar City southward to Kanarra and then southeastward to the town of Mount Carmel . Cedar City is 35 miles south of east from Lund on the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad which is the nearest railroad point . Mount Carmel is about 90 miles south of Marysvale , on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad , which is the nearest railroad point from the eastern end of the field . The Colob coal occurs in Lower Cretaceous rocks and a number of wagon mines have been opened on the seam in the vicinity of Cedar City , Kanarra , and Mt. Carmel , but between these places the field has been very little prospected . The cannel coal , so far as known at present , is limited to a small area on the head waters of the north fork of the Virgin River in Township 39 and 40 South , Range 9 East . In this region it occurs as a bed 5-1 /2 feet thick over which lies a layer of bituminous coal 2 feet and 5 inches thick .

Feb 1, 1921

By L. C. IlsLey, H. B. Freeman

In connection with the approval of coal-cutting machines for service in gaseous mines , the engineers of the Bureau of Mines have been somewhat concerned as to the type of trailing cables that could safely be used on permissible outfits . While no final action has been taken on this question ( tentative approvals having been granted pending investigations ) , the Bureau has been endeavoring to collect data and information on this question which would permit a fair , yet safe , ruling to be made . For this purpose cooperative arrangements were made with three coal companies to visit certain of their mines , making inspections inside the mines to observe the cables and cutting machines in operation . In all , twenty mines were visited . A questionnaire covering the operations of trailing cables was filled out at each of these mines . In a few instances no personal inspection was made , the information being supplied by mine officials after conferences with the Bureau's engineer . At other mines the information given by mine officials was supplemented by personal observation inside the mines , usually at a time when the cutting machines were in operation .

Jul 1, 1923

By L. C. IlsLey

"Nearly every piece of electrical equipment used in mines ""breathes."" In other words, motors, controllers, rheostats, switches, and other similar equipment, even though encased in seemingly tight compartments, breathe in the atmosphere that surrounds them.As the apparatus is used, the temperature of metallic parts is changed generally in positive direction through the heat by friction and the heat due to the electric current. When the apparatus is idle it gradually cools down to the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere.This increase of temperature during operation and return to normal temperature when operation stops alternately raises and lowers the temperature of the atmosphere within the compartments which, in strict accordance with Charles' law -will expand or contract in proportion to any given temperature change.As compartments are not gas-tight, such expansion and contraction will force the atmosphere out of the compartment =on expansion and suck the surround¬ing atmosphere into the compartment during contraction, hence the term ""breathing.""Investigators2 of explosion-proof equipment have recognized that such an interchange would take place and have designed their equipment to safeguard possible explosions within the compartments."

Jun 1, 1927

Develop and evaluate a mechanical position and heading system (MPHS) that provides information about underground mining machine position and heading to aid in the remote positioning of mining machines during face maneuvers. Background While great improvements have been made in mineworker safety, progressive technology continues to create a safer, better working environment for miners by keeping them away from the dangerous face area. In maintaining such high standards of safety, the Bureau is investigating remote, computer-assisted operation of mining systems for underground, highwall, and surface mining applications. A key component of computer-assisted operation is a guidance system. Since there are no guidance systems on any commercial continuous mining machines, the Bureau itself developed and tested the mechanical position and heading system (MPHS). The MPHS is based on linear position transducers (LPT's), and operates on principles of triangulation to provide machine position (xy coordinate), and orientation in the xy plane (yaw or heading). These data are needed in order to keep the continuous mining machine in proper alignment before and during the cutting cycle. The MPHS theory development is in three parts: characterize the sensors used and their configuration; select and define the navigation reference frames; and derive a closed-form solution for determining the position and beading from sensor information. Application of the MPHS theory required the development of hardware, software, and system interfaces.

Jan 1, 1992

By R. V. Ramani

"In a 1985 seminar, we were told that over-optimism abounds in Artificial Intelligence (AI), that AI is neither a science nor a technology yet, and that we will be both exhilarated and disappointed with AI. In fact, even today, there is no single accepted definition of AI; however, certain features have been identified by AI researchers as essential to consider an entity (e.g. machine or program) to be intelligent. According .to Shank (1987), these features include communication (to be able to communicate with), internal knowledge (knowledge about itself), world knowledge (awareness and knowledge about the world outside), intentionality (knowing what one wants and a plan to seek it, ie. goal seeking behavior), and creativity (being adaptable to changing conditions). None of these figures would individually define intelligence; however, each would be a part of intelligence in its own way.The prospects for the development of entities with AI have never been as good as they are now. The combination of advancements in computer hardware and .software along with new insights into the ways in· which we store knowledge and use it for problem solving has enhanced the potential for the creation ~f intelligent entities. After some unbounded optimism of a major breakthrough in the fifties and frustrating disappointments in the two following decades, it appears now that AI has emerged from research labs to industrial practice. This is confirmed by the growing number of repeat applications of AI in business and industry to the extent that AI can now be considered a technology.AI applications are categorized into several distinct areas such as Natural Language Processing, Speech Recognition and Synthesis, Expert Systems, Robotics, Machine Vision, etc. Of these practical realizations, Expert Systems (ES) has the greatest potential for meeting the decision-making needs of the manager in the ever-growing complex scoio-technical systems. Prof. Feigenbaum, an expert and leader on expert systems, has defined Expert System as"" ... an intelligent computer program that uses knowledge and inference procedures to solve problems that are difficult enough to require significant human expertise for their solution. Knowledge necessary to perform at such a level, plus the inference procedures used, can be thought of as a model of the expertise of the best practitioners of the field."""

Jan 1, 1989

By Fred N. Kissell

A parachute-type stopping intended for changing the course of mine ventilation air during mine emergencies has been designed and tested. Some production uses are also visualized for metal mines. Preliminary tests in the laboratory and underground indicate that the parachute stopping is a workable concept, but further developmental research is required.

Jan 1, 1975