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By Roy L. Grant

The Bureau of Mines investigated the up-and-down method with factorial designs to determine if shorter, and therefore less costly, trial sequences could be used. Although sequences of 50 trials are usually recommended, sequences of 20 trials were arbitrarily chosen for the experiments with permissible coal mine explosives described in this report. These explosives were fired from a cannon pointed into a flammable natural gas-air atmosphere at the Bureau of Mines Explosives Research Center gallery to ascertain their safety properties. The investigation demonstrated that the shorter sequences led to useful conclusions with a reduction in cost of the experimental program.

Jan 1, 1967

Minerals are vital to any industrialized civilization. Annually, the United States uses more than 4 billion tons of new mineral materials, or about 40,000 pounds per person-about half being mineral fuels and the other half being metals and nonmetallics. Stable and economic domestic mining, mineral, metal, and mineral reclamation industries are essential to the economy. The value of United States energy and processed materials of mineral origin exceds $200 billion annually. Although a number of minerals are imported, especially some designated as "strategic and critical," most U.S. mineral supplies are derived from the domestic mines and processing facilities that you will be seeing, reading about, and visiting as you use this visitor guide. We hope you enjoy your experiences. This pamphlet, a guide to mining and mineral operations that may be observed or visited and some other points of interest relating to minerals, is intended to aid tourists and students who are interested in mining. Some may wish to study our Nation's romantic past; others may plan to enter the minerals industry as a career; still others may have a primary interest in conservation practices. The pamphlet is also intended to aid State and local officials, Chambers of Commerce, and mining firms in answering some of the many questions of tourists and students.

Jan 1, 1976

By Halagowder Devaraj, Mostafa Sheykhnazari, Veer P. Bhavanandan

"A sensitive colorimetric assay for detecting mucins and glycoproteins rich in 0-glycosidically linked saccharides is reported. The method combines the susceptibility of N-acetylgalactosamine terminating 0-glyco idically linked saccharides to P-elimination with the Morgan-Elson reaction for N-acetylhexosamines with free reducing ends. All mucin and mucin-type glycoproteins but none of the serum-type glycoproteins tested resulted in characteristic color production. All mucins tested gave linear responses in the range 5 to 200 ""g and the assay was also adapted to the microscale involving the use of 96-well microtiter plates. The microassay in which the volumes of samples and reagents are scaled down 2.5-fold was particularly useful in monitoring of mucins, in the presence of other glycoconjugates, in large numbers of samples obtained during fractionation procedures. Cesium chloride, cesium bromide, potassium thiocyanate, and various detergents do not interfere with the colorimetric determination. Guanidine hydrochloride, cesium triftuoroacetate, and B-mercap- . toethanol decreased color by 30 to 45%; however, the interference was not serious to prevent the use of the method for detection of mucins in their presence. The use of the method for the specific detection of mucin during fractionation by gel filtration and density gradient centrifugation of cystic fibrosis sputum samples is demonstrated. Mucins are an important class of biomacromolecules whose structure-function relationship is poorly understood (1,2). The investigations of mucins are hampered by difficulties in purifying these very large size molecules which appear to avidly bind other components of the mucus (3,4). One of the problems during purification is the specific detection of mucins. For example, during the various purification steps, the fractions containing mucins are typically detected by assaying for neutral sugars (hexoses) (5,6), for sialic acids (7), or for periodate oxidizable saccharide units (8). However, these methods are not entirely satisfactory because neutral sugars, sialic acids, and periodate-oxidizable saccharides are also components of other glycoconjugates. In addition, the neutral sugar and sialic acid measurements are also subject to interference from high levels of proteins and nucleic acids."

Jan 1, 1990

By J. T. McCartney

The Bureau of Mines has developed an automated reflectance scanning microscope system, primarily for determination of volume proportions, size distribution, and mode of association of the physical (petrographic) components of coals. The process, which is potentially more rapid and objective and less tedious than a visual microscopic procedure, involves magnetic tape recording of several millions of reflectance readings on micro-meter sized areas of polished coal surface and computer analysis and interpretation of some characteristics of the coal components. The system was tested in a study of pyrite distribution in steam coals. The application was essentially successful, but defects in polished pyrite surface characteristics and problems in adequate sampling prevented completely satisfactory results. Pyrite con-tent and coal-pyrite particle association could be determined nearly as well as by visual microscopy, but size distribution data were less acceptable.

Jan 1, 1969

By D. A. Stanley

The Bureau of Mines is investigating a method of dewatering flocculated fine-particle waste that involves treating the waste with a high molecular-weight polymer such as polyethylene oxide (PED) followed by dewatering on a static screen and/or in a trommel. Dilution of the polymer solution used for dewatering and use of the ion-exchanged form of the montmorillonite clay were found to be major factors determining the amount of polymer required to dewater clay-containing slurries. The amount of polymer, A, required to dewater ion-exchanged montmorillonite can be described by the equation, An = kC + b where n, k, and b are empirical constants and C is the concentration of the polymer solution used for dewatering. Clays that require large amounts of polymer for dewatering also dewater to a lower solids content. The concentration of the polymer solution is important because it affects the radius of the polymer coil in solution and hence its ease of transfer to a bridging configuration by shear. The constant, n, a function of the charge to hydrated radius of the exchange ion, relates to the strength of the bond between the polymer and the surface of the clay through a water bridge. The constant k is related to the hydrated radi-us for sodium or to the unhydrated radius for the other exchange ions.

Jan 1, 1986

By R. W. Van Dolah

An attempt has been made in this investigation to define the conditions under which ammonium nitrate (AN) might detonate as a result of involvement in fire. The initiation of detonation by shocks derived from explosives or from projectile impact was investigated as a function of temperature and charge diameter. A new technique was devised to investigate the burning of raw and contaminated AN under pressure. No transition, to detonation in AN was obtained in the burning experiments. The critical diameter for detonation of fertilizer-grade AN was found to be quite small when the AN was at temperatures just below melting point; this indicates that initiation of detonation may be less difficult at elevated temperatures but such initiation by gas-phase detonation was shown to be unlikely. Transition from burning to detonation was obtained with AN intimately mixed with fuels that included polyethyl-ene, paper, and fuel oil when these were contained in vessels with restricted vents. However, the experimental results supported by an analytical study indicate that the initiation of detonation in AN from fire exposure in normal storage and from transportation incidents is quite improbable. The detonation of AN in recent incidents more likely may have resulted from the effects of adjacent explosions.

Jan 1, 1966

By J. R. Ruark

This report presents results of the research and development work and operations performed during stage II of the gas combustion retorting research program conducted by the Colorado School of Mines Research Foundation and six major oil companies at the Bureau of Mines Anvil Points Research Facilities. The experimental program, including retort modification and air-gas distributor development, effects of shale quality and particle-size distribution, and other variables on the process, is discussed. Although operating problems are not fully resolved, it appears that the gas combustion retorting process can be successfully applied to achieve oil yields in excess of 85 percent of Fischer assay at mass shale feed rates of 500 pounds per hour per square foot of cross-sectional bed area, approximately twice the rate previously demonstrated to be reasonably practicable.

Jan 1, 1971

By A. D. Hahn

This report describes reconnaissance by the Bureau of Mines of titanium-bearing beach sands on Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico off the south coast of Harrison County, Miss. The purpose was to determine the ilmenite, rutile, and associated heavy-mineral content of black-sand-bearing beach sands. The investigation was part of a survey of titanium resources of the United States. Ilmenite (FeTi03), an iron-titanium oxide, is the major titanium-bearing mineral consumed in the titanium pigment industry. Rutile (TiO2), titanium dioxide, is used mainly as a constituent in welding-rod coatings and in producing titanium metal. The major fieldwork was conducted during the first half of February 1961. Nine holes, totaling 220 feet of bore, from which 110 samples Her taken, were drilled at widely spaced intervals on the island.

Jan 1, 1962

By C. D. Litton

This Bureau of Mines report presents a set of guidelines for determining the distribution of product-of-combustion fire sensors in underground mines. Sensor spacing is defined in terms of sensor alarm threshold, ventilation flow rate, and mine entry dimensions. Sensor spacing guidelines are presented for detection of fires from two primary combustibles, coal and wood, which are common to the majority of underground mines. The guidelines are based on data from full-scale and intermediate-scale fire tests conducted by the Bureau of Mines.

Jan 1, 1983

By G. W. Jones

Gas analysis is of great practical value to the combustion engineer as a guide in the proper deli and operation of power and heating plants. The automotive industry, however, has made little use of gas analysis in the design and construction of engines. Tests4 made by the Bureau of Mines have shorn that for the average motor vehicle approximately 30 per cent of the heat value of the gasoline passes out in the exhaust as incomplete-combustion products. The tendency at present is to pay more attention to ease and flexibility of operation than to efficiency of combustion. However, neither condition can be fully realized except where each cylinder gets a mixture of the same composition - that is, when certain cylinders do not "load up" with gas at the expense of the others. When this occurs, due to some of the cylinders having too rich a mixture while in others it is too lean, it is impossible to get efficient combustion from the fuel used. Gas analysis enables the engineer to determine the quality of the mixture fed to the different cylinders with a high degree of precision. Briefly, the method consists in making an analysis of the exhaust gas from each cylinder while the engine is in operation.

Jan 1, 1924

By Charles Prasky

This report describes fluidized bed techniques employed by the Bureau of Mines at Minneapolis to differentially sulfatize the manganese in two samples of low-grade manganiferous ferruginous carbonate slates from the Cuyuna Range district, Minn. Suitable mechanics of operation were established. A space rate of 1.25 to 1.5 fps, a retention time of 3 to 3.5 hours, a temperature of 700° C, and a 10 percent sulfur dioxide gas in air were adequate for sulfatizing the slates by fluidization. Under these conditions the overflow product removal rate from the 4-inch-diameter reactor was 4 to 5 pounds per hour. The sulfur dioxide was used more efficiently in the two-stage treatment than in the single-stage treatment. However, approximately 80 percent of the manganese was converted to sulfate by either treatment.

Jan 1, 1963

By E. J. Lintner

This paper is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines describing clay mining and crushing methods and costs at various operations throughout the United States. These papers are designed to disseminate technical information regarding methods used. The cost tabulations represent local operating expenditures only and not total production costs. It is recognized that publication of total production costs might perhaps, in many instances, cause embarrassment to the individual operator as well as to the industry as a whole. On the other hand, operating costs are essential to the technical discussion and study of the methods employed. The attention of the reader is specifically called to this distinction in order that no misunderstanding of the scope of the cost tabulation shall ensue. The following report deals specifically with the methods employed by the Camp Brothers Company, Mogadore, Summit County, Ohio.

Jan 1, 1936

By Lee J. Raabe

A specialized loading system for tensile and fatigue testing of wire rope was constructed and installed in the U.S. Bureau of Mine Wire Rope Test Facility in Bruceton, Pennsylvania. The computer-controlled closed-loop servo-hydraulic test system which can apply up to 800,000 pounds of force on the rope while stretching it up to 30 inches will be used in the development and verification of hoist rope retirement criteria for ropes in the 1 to 2 ½ in. diameter range. Characteristics and capabilities of the system are discussed.

Jan 1, 1984

By D. N. Tallman

The electrokinetic properties of MgO have been utilized to simultaneously filter suspended solids and remove trace amounts of dissolved heavy metals from synthetic mine water. Greater than 95 pct removal of metals from influent at neutral pH containing 1 to 6 mg/L of dissolved Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn can be routinely achieved by filtering through a granular bed of MgO at flow rates typical of rapid sand filtration (0.3 cm/s). Filtrate concentrations of most metals can be maintained below 0.1 mg/L for 160 bed volumes or more loading. The more mobile metals (those with larger solubility products) are more difficult to remove, and are strongly bonded to the MgO granules so that chemical stripping with chelating agent is required to clean the bed. Less mobile ions are easily removed by the filter and are effectively stripped by conventional filter backwashing. The fraction of metals recovered by chemically stripping the loaded MgO filters correlates to the zero points of charge of the metals. This process may be applicable to removal and recovery of trace amounts of heavy metals in mine drainage that is partly neutralized by liming. Also, since many of these metals are critical and strategic, the technique can be adapted not only to recycle process water from mineral and milling waste streams, but also to reclaim their metal values.

Jan 1, 1986

By E. F. Foerster

The Bureau of Mines used a diphenyl ether calorimeter to determine the heat contents of natural and synthetic blast-furnace slags. For solid slags, enthalpy (HT-H298) at 1,448° to 1,680° K ranged from 282.1 to 348.5 cal/g (±3 percent); liquid slag values were 400.1 to 514 cal/g (±3 percent) in the temperature range between 1,626° and 1,890° K. Experimental results for liquid slags were 14.3 to 16.2 percent higher than the enthalpies calculated from thermodynamic tables; values for solid slags ranged from 5.3 percent lower to 3.9 percent higher than calculated values. Experimental results for liquid synthetic slags ranged from 14.9 to 24.3 percent higher than the calculated enthalpies; values for solid synthetic slags were from 1.0 to 3.4 percent higher.

Jan 1, 1967

By Thomas M. Nasiatka

Tests with a high-pressure water jet were conducted in the steeply pitching Roslyn No. 5 bituminous coalbed in the Roslyn No. 9 mine, Roslyn, Wash., to determine the feasibility of extracting coal from pillars and from a solid coal face in development without drilling and blasting. During pillar mining, using a hand-held monitor, the best results were obtained with a 0.150-inch- diameter nozzle, a water pressure of 3,500 psi, and a flow rate of 38.5 gpm.3 The rate of mining and productivity were 0.74 ton per minute and 16.6 tons per man-shift, respectively. During development mining, using a monitor mounted on a roof jack, the best results were obtained with a 0.148-inch-diameter nozzle, a water pressure of 4,500 psi, and a flow rate of 40.0 gpm. In one section of the mine where the coal was relatively hard, the rate .of mining and productivity were 0.10 ton per minute and 5.7 tons per man-shift, respectively in another section of the mine where the coal was relatively soft, the rate of mining and productivity were 0.51 ton per minute and 8.3 tons per man-shift, respectively. The tests showed that hydraulic mining methods were more productive than conventional mining methods in pillar mining. In development the productivity of hydraulic mining depended primarily upon the coal hardness. Compared with conventional methods, hydraulic mining methods were less productive where the coal was relatively hard and equally as productive where the coal was relatively soft.

Jan 1, 1963

By E. Morrice

The Bureau of Mines investigated methods for beneficiating platinum-palladium ores from the Stillwater Complex, Montana. Results of bench-scale and pilot-scale studies employing froth flotation to recover sulfide concentrates containing platinum-palladium values from a serpentinized ore are presented. Best results in the pilot mill were obtained with a sodium isobutyl xanthate-normal dodecyl mercaptan col-lector combination at a natural pH of 8.2. A rougher concentrate con-taining 1.7 oz/ton Pt and 4.7 oz/ton Pd was prepared. Recoveries of platinum and palladium were 96 pet and 86 pet, respectively. Batch cleaner flotation of rougher concentrates yielded concentrates contain-ing 3.7 oz/ton Pt and 9.8 oz/ton Pd.

Jan 1, 1984

By Oliver C. Ralston

[The NOJ'l..metals Division deals wi tt mi:leral n t inte .ded to be used a ra\o,f materials for extraction of metals. ~ _ ereas, a. materinl containing a chromite, if used' for production of c~1r()rrti1..1r.'l ::tetE' .. l or fcrrochromiu"1, 1,oJould be a chromi te ore, if used as 8. rcfrn.cto~J or for prod .1.ction of chromium chemicals, it is a chromi te-beari [. ~?oCl... Li;{eHise, a r:1a&neti te used for production of iron is a metallifero"'..ls ~in8re..i; if used 8.S a water-filtration granule in .:l magne.tically cleaned filter bed, it 'ould be a nonmetallic in-dustrial mineral.]

Jan 1, 1940

By G. L. Gates

The Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the City of Long Beach) Calif.) studied some physical factors effecting the deposition of barium sulfate scale in oil-well rotary pumps. Freshly formed barium sulfate was obtained by combining sulfate in sea water with barium from a barium chloride solution. The rate of scale deposition was measured quantitatively by weighing the pump impellers and diffusers. The results of the tests showed that coating the impellers with plastic significantly reduced the rate of barium sulfate deposition.

Jan 1, 1967

By Otto Ruhl

As the result of a study of an area comprising some 100 square miles in the Missouri-Kansas Zinc district known to have produced zinc Ore from horizons below the Grand Falls formation, it was concluded that these horizons could become an important future source of zinc. To test this conclusion and to ascertain the general conditions associated with these lower-horizon ore deposits, the Bureau of Mines undertook detailed drilling of localities thought to be favorable for deposition of ore in the Reeds Spring and. Fern Glen formations. Two sites in the Galena, Kans., mining camp were chosen for this purpose. Ninety churn-drill holes totaling 19,338 feet of bore were completed by the Bureau in two campaigns that extended from October 1944 to June 1946. Approximately 25 percent of the holes encountered ore and indicated three separate ore bodies containing substantial tonnages. Observations made during the course of the work revealed that certain structural conditions are common to ore deposits in the Reeds Spring and. Fern Glen formations.

Jan 1, 1949