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By E. D. Gardner

This paper is one of a series on mining methods and costs being published by the United States Bureau of Mines. In April 19.74 the St. Joseph Lead Co., at Atlanta, Elmore County, Idaho, was mining and milling about 225 tons of gold ore daily with a total force of 150 men. The mine, which comprises the old Boise-Rochester and Monarch properties, is at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Snow lies on the ground about 5 months each year but does net interfere greatly with local operations. However, the road to Mountain Home, the shipping point 80 miles distant, passes over a high range and usually is closed by snow from about November 15 to June 15. Heavy supplies are brought in and concentrates trucked out during the summer. In winter the district is served by a biweekly mail plane and a passenger and express plane making 4 to 6 trips weekly. Mine timber is cut locally. A plentiful supply of water is obtained from a stream brought to the property through 7,500 feet of plume.

Jan 1, 1935

By G. W. Weems

The Bureau of Mines combined preconcentrating techniques and mass spectrometry to develop a parts-per-billion general analysis of impurities in helium. The impurities are preconcentrated using a Bureau trace-impurity analyzer; 35-mm Hg pressure of helium is left in the concentration trap to sweep the impurities into the mass spectrometry and provide a 10-mm Hg sample pressure.

Jan 1, 1966

By R. V. Mrazek

The heat of formation of vanadium trichloride was determined at 298.15° K. Measurements were made in a solution calorimeter in which an aqueous hydrochloric acid-potassium dichromate solvent was employed. Data are presented for the heats of solution of vanadium trichloride and the vanadium trioxide "backup" compound, and for appropriate dilution reactions needed to preserve stoichiometry. The resulting heat of formation of vanadium trichioride (VCI3) at 298.15° K was found to be ?H°298.15° K = -138.89 ±0.37 kcal/g mole.

Jan 1, 1968

By L. J. Kane

Chemical processes using coal often require economical removal of dust from high-temperature gases. Laboratory-scale investigations by the Federal Bureau of Mines have shown that an aluminum silicate fiber is suitable for filtering dust from gases at 1,800° F. The effects of the bulk density of the filter, rate of gas-flow, concentration of dust in the filter, fiber diameter, depth of filter, and concentration of dust in the feed gas on removal efficiency, pressure drop, and capacity of the filter to hold dust were studied. The laboratory filters were difficult to construct because the fibers were longer than the tube diameter. This caused irregular distribution of fiber that permitted dust-laden gases to leak through channels developed in the filter. Leaks also formed between the filter and the tube wall, but this was minimized by improved filter design. However, edge leaks and leaks through channels in the filter probably would be insignificant in properly constructed filters of industrial size. As the concentration of dust in the filter increased, the efficiency of the low-density filters decreased, contrary to expectations, probably because a higher percentage of the dust passed through channels that developed in the filter. The efficiency of high-density filters, however, increased with the concentration of dust in the filter. Results indicate that loosely packed filters would have a longer life than tightly packed filters at the expense of efficiency. As regeneration or replacement of stationary filters is difficult and expensive, loose filters would be best for filtering gases containing much dust. Gases containing little dust may be cleaned with tightly packed filters to obtain higher efficiency. For either type of filter, precleaning with cyclone separators or other means is advisable.

Jan 1, 1960

By D. J. Parker

This report is based on data collected in and about the Liberty mine of the Liberty Fuel Co. by D. J. Parker and W. W. Kessler on December 13 and 14, 1933. An important phase of an examination to determine the general condition of a mine with respect to safety is the collection of dust samples from rock- dusted areas. Definite conclusions, based on intelligent interpretation of the analyses of such samples, can be reached only when the general condition of the mine is known. A similar examination and report were made on this property in January 1930 by D. J. Parker and R. I. C. Manning. Since that time much has been done by the management to improve safety conditions in this mine. The changes made will be noted in the course of this report. The mine is in Spring Canyon at Latuda, Carbon County, Utah, and is served by a branch line of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad about 7 miles long and connecting to the main line near Helper, Utah. The writer desires to express his sincere appreciation for the many courtesies and helpful cooperation extended by Superintendent George Schultz and Mine Foreman F. W. Koelling.

Nov 1, 1934

By Bruce I. Thomas

The Fairbanks mining district forms an arc 40 miles long and 8 miles wide on the north side of the Tanana Valley in central Alaska. This is a region of broad valleys and rounded hills that range in elevation from 600 to 2,600 feet Lode-gold production started in 1910 and has continued sporadically to the present, but the largest single mine produced only 40 tons per 24-hour day. Total recorded lode-gold production of the district is 241,000 fine troy ounces of gold from ore that averaged 1.32 fine ounces per ton. The ore was mined chiefly from narrow veins and veinlets alined along anticlinal folds at Ester Dome and the Pedro Dome-Cleary area. The only proven reserves are reported to be at the Ryan Lode at Ester Dome and at the Keystone Mines, Inc., holdings in the Pedro Dome-Cleary area. An inferred lode-gold resource for the district of approximately 4,000,000 ounces is considered to indicate only the order of magnitude of the lode-gold potential because of the absence of detailed data needed to evaluate the numerous deposits.

Jan 1, 1973

By Peter G. Kovalchik

To compare the viability of the new fuse wire arc test (FWAT) as a substitute for the comparative tracking index (CTI) for determining surface resistance to electrical tracking, the Bureau of Mines constructed a fuse wire arc tester and undertook a detailed testing program for testing insulating materials used on explosion-proof enclosures. This report describes the Bureau's apparatus, the two methods (CTI and FWAT), and the results of the Bureau's testing, showing comparisons of the FWAT with the CTI. Results showed strong correlation between the two methods, as all specimens tested that had CTI ratings of 400 V ac rms and above passed the 10-test sequence with the FWAT, whereas all specimens with lower CTI ratings failed, with the number of tests to failure corresponding roughly to the descending CTI rating order.

Jan 1, 1987

By Robert W. Freedman

In the Bureau of Mines study, a filter with a 20-by 20-inch-square cross section was inserted into the exhaust ducting of a 4-stroke-cycle, 90-hp diesel engine, and the efficiency of removal of total particulate was measured gravimetrically as a function of time. Removal efficiencies were close to 90 pct during the main portion of several extended runs employing several combinations of filter beds. Variations in engine load had little effect on collection efficiency. Particle size as measured by a Bureau-developed online instrument centered on 0.07 m based on number count. Removal efficiency increased rather sharply for both larger and smaller particles.

Jan 1, 1979

By D. H. Platt

Bauxite, the principal source of aluminum, has been mined from deposits in Saline and Pulaski Counties, Ark., since 1899; war needs have greatly stimulated production. Many of the ore deposits are basin-shaped and either outcrop or are covered by a shallow-depth overburden at their peripheries; these are mined by stripping and open-pit methods. When stripping becomes economically impracticable, incline shafts or slopes are sunk on the dips of the deposits, and underground mining is done on the retreat, using a room-and-pillar method.

Jan 1, 1945

By Guy A. Johnson

Combining contract and in-house research, the Bureau of Mines has developed and inmine-tested a novel device to improve the field-of-view of operators of off-highway mining equipment. This device utilizes a downward-looking, flat fresnel lens. The lens, plus louvers to reduce glare, is housed in a protective steel structure. The complete unit is called a blind area viewer. The viewer, when mounted on the right- front corner of the deck of most large haulage trucks, will increase a driver's direct field-of-view from about 35 pct (of where he/she has to drive) to about 80 pct. The improved visibility allows the driver to see possible collision hazards and roadway obstacles better, thus improving mine safety and increasing productivity. Economic analysis shows that the blind area viewers, which are now commercially available, pay for themselves in about a month on a 170-ton-capacity truck. The viewers are also applicable to other large mining equipment, such as front-end loaders, draglines, and downhole drills, or any place where seeing around a corner would be advantageous, such as along conveyor flights in processing plants during startups.

Jan 1, 1983

By Frank K. McIntosh

The Wood mine area was investigated by the Bureau of Mines in -1941 by a magnetic survey and a gravitational survey. Surface trenches were excavated, and diamond-drill holes were bored at the strongest anomalies developed in common by the two surveys. In the last century', several widely separated bodies of chromite with some magnetite had been exploited in a 'serpentine belt near its contact with schist. At one time this district held a virtual monopoly on the production of chromite. Known ore bodies now are exhausted. Owing to the relatively high specific gravity of chromate compared to normal rocks, a gravitational survey was run to determine which magnetic anomalies were worthy of diamond drilling. Linear feet of trenching totaled 1,710 feet. Ten holes were diamond drilled, which totaled 2,272 feet. The log of the drilling is shown in the text in a tabulation of drill-hole data.

Jan 1, 1948

By L. R. Willmott

An ethanolamine purification unit for removing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from Firscher-Tropsch synthesis gas was installed at the Bureau of Mines synthetic liquid fuels demonstration plant at Louisiana, Mo. The unit was a surplus Radford Girbotol unit from the Missouri Ordnance Works modified for a capacity of 90,000 std. cu. ft per hour of synthesis gas at 450 p.s.i.g., operating pressure. The hydrogen sulfide loading of the feed gas was specified at 500 grains per 100 cu. Ft. The unit was designed by the Girdler Corp. and installed by the Koppers Co. Initial operations were conducted far 11 days in May 1951. Thereafter 7 additional runs were made, varying lo duration from 8 to 54 days. The last run was terminated on May 29, 1953, the total time the Plant wars in operation being 219 days.

Jan 1, 1956

By E. A. Johnson

The Bureau of Mines determined the effect of slag additives on copper solubility and the distribution of typical impurity elements between copper-iron matte and silica-saturated fayalite (iron silicate) slag at 1,250° C, in CO-C02 atmospheres with 10 pct S02. Small additions (<10 pct) of CaO, A1203, and MgO were shown to decrease copper solubility in the slag. Additions of CaO increased the solubility of bismuth and tellurium in the slag at lower matte grades. Al 20 3 additions decreased the solubility of tellurium in the slag, but increased that of bismuth at lower matte grades. A1203 additions increased the solubility of both at lower matte grades. With no additives, matte grade did not affect the solubility of bismuth in slags, whereas increasing matte grade resulted in a slight decrease in the tellurium solubility in slag. Additions of CaO or As203 alone to the slag increased selenium and arsenic distribution to the matte, but had little or no effect on antimony distribution; whereas small MgO additions decreased antimony distribution to the matte but had no effect on arsenic and selenium distribution. In slags with no additives, selenium distribution to the matte increased with increasing matte grade, while that of antimony decreased and that of arsenic was unchanged.

Jan 1, 1982

By F. W. Hoertel

Tungsten from the hydrogen reduction of WF was vapor - deposited to coat MERM (Material Evaluation Rocket Motor ) graphite and rhenium- lined graphite nozzles . These nozzles have surface configurations that preclude the conventional fabrication of high- density- tungsten liners . Operation at 550 ° C produced selectively placed uniform coatings of specified thicknesses at near theoretical density . An acceptable coating could not be deposited on a beryllia nozzle because of an undesirable side reaction between the substrate and one or more of the products of the reduction reaction .

Jan 1, 1964

By T. T. Campbell

Research conducted by the Bureau of Mines demonstrated the feasibility of preparing columbium and tantalum metals by the application of Kroll-process techniques. Yields in excess of 95 percent were obtained in a modified Kroll-process reduction apparatus constructed from nickel and Inconel.4 Operating conditions during reduction and distillation were determined. Optimum temperatures during sodium reductions ranged from 650° to 750° C and for magnesium from 700° to 800° C with retort pressures ranging from 3 to 7 psig. Undesirable vapor phase reactions occurred when temperatures exceeded 750° C during sodium reductions or 850° C with magnesium. Vacuum distillation at 850° C effectively removed volatile salts and excess reductant from the reduced metals. Calculations based on the results obtained in small scale tests indicate that reaction rates of up to 34 lb/hr could be obtained during columbium reductions and up to 60 lb/hr during tantalum reductions in production scale reac¬tors. The small, laboratory-scale techniques used in this study could be adapted to commercial practice. The reduced powder or sponge metals can be consolidated by conventional arc-melting techniques, and the arc-melted metals can be fabricated into ductile sheet at room temperature. Analyses of arc-melted buttons prepared from Kroll-process tantalum or columbium showed that tantalum of greater than 99.8-percent purity was obtained and that columbium purity exceeded 99.7 percent. A significant purification of the reduced metals occurred when they were consolidated by electron-beam melting, and the purity and ductility of electron-beam-melted Kroll-process tantalum and columbium compared favorably with the commercial metals. After electron-beam melting, the purity of the tantalum exceeded 99.95 percent, and columbium purity was approximately 99.9 percent.

Jan 1, 1962

By Fred N. Kissell

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report is a guide for the control of air contaminants during tunnel construction. Topics discussed are calculating air quantity requirements, types of ventilation systems, planning ventilation systems, control of methane gas, control of dust, control of diesel emission, ventilation to remove blasting fumes, measuring airflow, and measuring gases. This report does not provide detailed design information, but seeks to answer practical questions on air contamination issues.

Jan 1, 1995

By R. L. Stein

For the past several years, the Bureau of Mines has been actively engaged in developing two new oxygen self-rescuers through research contracts with private industry. These new oxygen self-rescuers are designed to be carried by a miner while he is at work and are used during emergency escape, supplying high-purity oxygen to the user and, at the same time, absorbing carbon dioxide (C02), The first of the two new self-rescue breathing devices is a 10-minute, self-contained apparatus developed by the Mine Safety Appliance Co, Size and weight of the unit are comparable to the currently used self-rescue devices. The second device, designed and developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Corp., is 8. 4.5-lb package which supplies 1 hour of oxygen to the miner. Both devices have a canister which contains the oxygen-producing and CO2-absorbing potassium superoxide chemical, a breathing bag, a bite-type mouthpiece, noseclip, goggles, and hoses connecting the canister and mouthpiece. When needed in an emergency, the miner removes the outer protective cover and dons the unit. For both devices oxygen is immediately available once the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth. These two new units have received prototype approval from the National Institute for Occupation and Safety Health (NIOSH) and the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration (MESA).

Jan 1, 1976

By M. J. Pazuchanics

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report presents results from an ongoing investigation of the use of adaptive signal discriminating methods to distinguish between cutting coal and cutting mine rock. Bit-cutting forces and tool vibration were measured in the laboratory as a linear-cutting apparatus (LCA) made constant-depth cuts in coal, sandstone, and shale test specimens. A portion of the collected data has been analyzed and some preliminary results are given here. The influence of data bandwidth, data window size, number of signal features, and voting among classifiers on classification performance are noted. Results to date, based on ideal-cutting conditions and simple geologic materials, indicate that of the four classifiers tested there appears to be no single best classifier. Usually, classification accuracy showed slight improvement as the number of features considered for classification increased. The highest classification accuracies were achieved when voting was conducted among classifiers followed by voting among force components.

Jan 1, 1991

By H. L. Gibbs

Many factors contributed to the decision to build a radiochemical laboratory at the Salt Lake City Metallurgy Research Center to investigate the application of radioactive isotopes and chemical compounds in extractive metallurgy. These reasons included the notable success achieved in biological sciences with radioisotopes, the development of reliable instruments and methods for identifying the isotopes and measuring their activities, and the commercial availability of radioisotopes in a variety of forms and known activities. The paramount reason, however, was the realization that better methods were needed for guiding and quantifying research to resolve the complex extractive metallurgy problems under study at the Research Center. This is the first of a series of reports describing the application of radioisotopes and radioactivity techniques in extractive metallurgy. The report includes a discussion of licensing and safety requirements, a general description of the laboratory and the methods used, a definition of the nature and scope of the research program, and a synopsis of the more important problems studied. Subsequent reports will concern radioactive techniques for solving specific problems in mineral dressing, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.

Jan 1, 1960

By Franklin D. Cooper

This Bureau of Mines study reviews current and proposed methods of extracting copper from sub-mill-grade ore by leaching. The amount of copper produced by hydrometallurgy has increased dramatically in recent years and will probably be about 200,000 tons per year by 1970.

Jan 1, 1968