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By E. C. Foster

The project objective of this contract is to design, develop, and demonstrate a dust collecting system for auger head miners, used in coal seams 40 inches or less in height, which will reduce respirable dust below the limits established by the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. This system was to be incorporated into 3 Wilcox Mark 20 continuous miner. In order to accomplish this, the objective was divided in three main areas. First: To develop a dust control system which would remove by isolation, respirable dust from the face area and areas where miners work. Second: To develop a dust scrubbing system to remove and collect float dust before the air reaches the return airway. Third: To reduce the overall noise levels to which the miners are exposed.

Jan 1, 1974

By Irving Wender

The oxo reaction consists of catalytic conversion of olefins by reacting the olefins with CO and H2 (water gas) to aldehydes that contain one more carbon atom than the starting olefin. The aldehydes are then generally reduced with hydrogen to primary alcohols in a second stage. The two-stage process is called the oxo process. The word "oxo" is derived from the German "oxierung" (ketonization); thus the exact English equivalent of "oxo" is "keto". The oxo process may be applied to nearly all olefins. A wide range of pressures and temperatures may be used in both stages. The pressure range usually employed is 150 to 200 atmosheres. The temperature in the first stage is usually about 140° C. and in the second or hydrogenation stage about 180° C. Although a standard Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be used for both steps, cheaper catalysts have been utilized to effect hydrogenation of the aldehydes. Most of the information for this, report on the oxo process was gathered from Technical Oil Mission microfilms. T.O.M. Reels 14, 55, and 134 were especially valuable. T.O.M. Report 6 by H. M. Weir was very helpful. Information on the oxo process is scattered throughout documents captured in enemy territory, and the present report does not include all the available data. Some of the information was procured by personal interview. Where, in the body of this report, certain investigators are quoted, the source of the statement is either personal interview or the T.O.M. reports.

Jan 1, 1948

By J. M. Provost

1. Estimates have been made for eight coal beds in Marion County, but only the Pittsburgh is important from a production standpoint at this time. The Pittsburgh bed has the largest recoverable reserve, and the Sewickley is second in importance. 2. Known measured and indicated reserves thickness of 14 inches and on 1,800 short tons estimated at 3,141 million tons, as of January lion tons is in beds 28 inches and more thick in all beds, based on a minimum per acre-foot of coal in place, are 1, 1955. Of this total, 2,983 mil-Areas in each bed were omitted from the estimate because available data relative to the bed characteristics were too meager for making an estimate that conforms with the definitions of measured and indicated coal adopted for this study. Should future drilling or development prove reserves in these areas, such reserves should be added to the total estimated reserves.

Jan 1, 1956

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are participating jointly in a research program to evaluate the strength characteristics and air-leakage resistance of various proposed seal designs for use in underground coal mines. The full-scale seals were constructed in the USBM's experimental mine at the Lake Lynn Laboratory, air-leakage tested, then subjected to pressure pulses of 20 psig or greater. In experiments prior to this study, seven seal designs using solid-concrete blocks were tested. Only the standard-type seal passed the explosion and air-leakage criteria. Tests also were performed on four seals constructed with low-density foam blocks. All four of these seal designs withstood the pressure pulse. In more recent studies, nine cementitious foam seal designs of varying thicknesses and densities were investigated. Six of the nine designs successfully survived the explosion overpressures. Six wood-block convergence seals also have been tested. The typical 3-ft-thick, wood-block seal design currently used in many coal mines did not maintain its integrity, in the absence of convergence forces, following the explosion test. Five modified wood-block seals successfully withstood the 20-psig pressure pulse. Based on these tests, three alternative seal construction materials, cementitious foam, low-density foam block, and wood, have been approved by MSHA for use in underground coal mines.

Jan 1, 2010

Mining men and State officials in their efforts to make mining safer are confronted from time to time with various complicated questions. In recent gears these questions have tended to increase with the use of mechanical appliances. Twenty-five years ago electricity had been used but little in mires; today there is practically no other means of transmitting power employed in American mines, except that in metal mines compressed air is used, chiefly for drilling and for operating small portable hoists. In coal mines there has been a great increase in mechanization, which tends to concentrate the work of production in small areas and to increase the local difficulties of ventilation; also, it has intensified locally the hazard from coal dust as well as firedamp in bituminous and subbituminous mines. The answers to the questions that arise are not always obvious, as is shown by the fact that even able, experienced men differ in their opinions of the best, way to overcome a particular mining hazard. The difficulty of .solving the problems is also demonstrated by the varying provisions in mine-safety rules, both in official regulations and in the rules of those mining companies that are endeavoring to do more than follow the letter of the law. Such differences of opinion as to the best way of meeting a difficult situation are often found within the same mining organization, and, similarly, varying opinions are held by different members of the Bureau of Mines staff.

Jan 1, 1937

By Wesley Hermanson

Canopies were designed, fabricated, installed, and demonstrated for mining machinery in 3-foot coal seams. A Wilcox PJ20 Auger miner, a Wilcox Bolter, a bee Norse 245 miner, and an Elkhorn Scoop AR3 modified to AR4 were fitted with canopies. The Wilcox Bolter canopy was hydraulically adjustable in height; the rest were manually pin adjustable. The machine operators' comments were adverse in each case. Restriction of visibility and body constriction into unaccustowed and tiring attitude were major objections, causing increased hazards and fatigue. Recommendations are made that roll bar protection be furnished in place of canopies for 3-foot seams to provide partial protection by deflecting and supporting roof falls but not covering the head of the operator. In this way, the effect on visibility would be minimized and fatigue from body restriction would not be increased.

Jan 1, 1976

By Wm. W. Adell

"These hydrocarbons belonging to the same chemical series as methane, having the general formula CnH2n have many chemical properties in common with methane and their addition to a lean gas charges the properties and burning characteristics of the gas in the same general direction although to a different extent. The hydrocarbons of this series do not readily enter into chemical reaction with other substances and therefore are incapable of combining with oxygen or polymerizing in the disturbing system and thus cannot cause gum and room troubles commonly met with in the distribution of manufactured gas.As the number of carbon atoms in the molecule increases, i.e. in proceeding from methane throughout the series, the oxygen requirements for the complete combustion of unit volume of the gases also increases; in other words, the calorific values of these hydrocarbons (as gases) increases from methane. Similarly the specific gravity increases from methane in the same order. In Table 1 are shown some of the physical constants and properties of a few of these hydrocarbons which hive bearing on their use for enriching gas."

Nov 1, 1927

By R. W. Van Dolah

An investigation was made of the distances over which sympathetic detonation of ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (AN-FO) might be expected. Large-scale gap tests used two types of AN-FO donor charges in three sizes with AN, both at ambient and elevated temperatures, and AN-FO acceptor charges. Donor sizes were varied to test the validity of a scaling law commonly used in quantity distance tables. The up-and-down experimental design was chosen to determine the 50-percent initiation point efficiently. The acceptor charges were instrumented to indicate initiation and to determine detonation velocity. Other electronic techniques for measuring the rate of growth, stability of detonation, and detonation pressures were employed. Air shock and fragment velocities between charges were measured by electronic and photographic methods, and determination of side-on air-blast pressures and impulse duration were made for about half the shots. Separation distances between donor and acceptor were found to be larger than anticipated both for the AN and the AN-FO. With AN-FO acceptors and a 16-gage steel faced donor, one initiation occurred at a separation of 53 feet or nearly 16-charge diameters; with AN, initiation occurred at 4 to 5-1/2- charge diameters.

Jan 1, 1966

By Katherine A. Klein

Refuge chambers may potentially save the lives of miners during a mine emergency. For this reason, it is crucial that miners know how to operate them. Unfortunately, because refuge chambers provide so many services, they can be very complicated and difficult to operate. Therefore, NIOSH has created this document with suggestions for developing manuals and educational materials. A multidisciplinary team comprised of NIOSH engineers, sociologists, psychologists, health communication professionals, and geologists developed the recommendations contained in this document. These recommendations are based on an evaluation of manufacturers? instruction manuals from both the U.S. and globally, interviews with over 20 mining and safety experts, and an extensive literature review. This research, focused on the best practices for refuge chambers, led to the formulation of this document. It is intended to offer suggestions to manufacturers and mine operators on how to create effective and easy-to-understand training manuals for miners as well as tips to create the most comfortable and usable refuge chambers. It should be noted that these recommendations are not meant to substitute for manufacturer-supplied materials but rather to be used in conjunction with manufacturer?s materials. Manufacturers should always be consulted for up-to-date information about their chamber. Although different states and different mines refer to underground refuges by different names, this guide will simply refer to underground refuges nearest to the face as refuge chambers, whether inflatable from a skid or constructed from steel. Other popular terms for refuge chambers are rescue chambers, rescue shelters, and refuge shelters. Refuges that are nearer to the shaft, whether a prefabricated refuge chamber or one built into a crosscut, will be referred to as outby refuges because of their location in the mine. Outby refuges can be permanent, semipermanent, or portable and are usually located at every other SCSR cache. Outby refuges are sometimes called hardened rooms, outby shelters, and in-place shelters. When discussing outby refuges and refuge chambers collectively, this guide will refer to them as underground refuges. Other terms for underground refuges include refuge alternatives, locations of safety, and safe havens. This document is designed to be read either cover to cover or by specific section. It is recommended that on first read, this guide be read cover to cover. In subsequent readings, manufacturers and mine operators may find it easier to use the table of contents page to locate specific information on parts of the refuge chamber.

Jan 1, 2009

By S. H. Lorain

"INTRODUCTION The veins of the Clark Fork district have been mined on a small scale since 1913. In May 1943, the district was examined by an engineer 3/ of the Bureau of Mines with a view to possible exploration for larger ore deposits that might be of value to the war effort. The area adjacent to the Hope, Whitedelf, and Lawrence mines was re-examined 4/ December 27, 1943. As a result, the Bureau of Mines started exploratory operations in the district during the summer of 1944 which was continued until the late spring of 1946. This report presents the data obtained from the investigation.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSIn its program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources 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 the preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests."

Aug 1, 1946

By Launa Mallett, Charles Vaught, Michael J. Brnich

Purpose: This training material focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. Research has shown that when an emergency occurs, people often do not get the information they need for the purpose of taking appropriate action. This safety talk presents a procedure, using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings. Intended Use: This material has been developed for use in short safety-training sessions such as start-of-shift safety or Atoolbox@ talks. The information can be presented in approximately fifteen minutes and is appropriate for workers at all experience levels. While the examples and illustrations are taken from the underground coal mining industry, the training can be tailored to any work setting by substituting appropriate examples. Materials Needed: The instructor will need to prepare the figures provided in a form that can be seen by the entire class. Suggested methods include the use of: (1) overhead transparencies, (2) laminated pages that can be held up for small groups, and/or (3) handouts with copies of the figures for each trainee. As a supplement, stickers featuring the communication triangle can be placed on hard hats, telephones or other communication devices to remind workers about the key to effective emergency communication. The Talk: The accompanying script is a guide for presenting this safety talk. Training is enhanced if these materials are covered but not simply read by the trainer. Examples given in this guide are from real experiences. To make training more interesting and effective, the instructor can substitute examples from his/her workplace. Additional Resources: The following references will provide further information about communications during emergencies. Auf Der Heide, E. (1989). Disaster Response: Principles of Preparation and Coordination. The C.V. Mosby Company, St. Louis. Mallett, Launa, Charles Vaught, and Michael J. Brnich Jr. (1993). A Sociotechnical Communication in an Underground Mine Fire: A Study of Warning Messages During an Emergency Evacuation@, Safety Science, 16, pp. 709-728. Nigg, J.M. (1987). A Communication and Behavior: Organizational and Individual Response to Warnings@ in Sociology of Disasters: Contributions of Sociology to Disaster Research, R.R. Dynes, B. De Marchi, and C. Pelanda (eds.), Franco Angeli, Milan, Italy, pp. 103-116.

Jan 10, 1999

The Anaconda Copper Company reportedly reached an exclusive agreement with Cook Inlet Region, Inc., to explore 24 million acres in south-central Alaska and to share equally with Cook the proceeds of any mineral discovery. According to an Anaconda geologist, "the company is anticipating, based on geologic testing, that it will find significant deposits of copper, lead, and zinc. There is also evidence of the presence of precious metals such as silver and gold, and also strong evidence of strategic minerals such as chrome, platinum, tin, and nickel." Cook Inlet Region, Inc., is owned by 6,500 Alaskan natives. Chile, which has a growing, free-market economy under President Pinochet, reportedly will no longer require companies to obtain prior governmental approval for the exploration and development of new mines.

Jan 1, 1981

By J. M. Goris

Cable bolt supports are becoming an important ground control technique in underground mines in the United States and Canada. They show great versatility and are adaptable for use with many mining techniques, they have high load-carrying capacities, they can be installed in small areas with low roots, and they are cost effective. Investigators in a number of research institutes in North America have conducted studies to assess the material and support properties of cable bolts, evaluate their support capabilities under various mining conditions, and provide design criteria for using cable bolt supports as roof control systems under varying mining conditions. While conducting these studies, personnel have collected important information on the history, application, performance, and economics of these supports. This U.S. Bureau of Mines report documents this information so that ground control personnel unfamiliar with cable bolt supports can gain an understanding and appreciation of their use. A comprehensive bibliography of technical information on cable bolt supports was selected by the authors and is also presented.

Jan 1, 1994

By G. R. Hopkins

The average gravity of the total crude petroleum produced in the United States during; the year 1927 was 32.2° A. P. I., or 0.864 in terms of specific gravity. A similar study, made by the U. S. Geological Survey in 1921, gave the average gravity at that time as 32.0.° To one who is accustomed to thinking of crude petroleum in terms of Oklahoma-Kansas and North Texas trades it may be surprising that the average gravity for the entire country is no higher than 32.20. The chief reason for this apparent discrepancy lies mainly in California production, which in 1927 amounted to over 25 per cent of the total, but which had an average gravity of only 24.10. A factor of less importance was Arkansas, which, though on the decline as a producing State, exerted a material effect by reason of its average gravity of 21.6°, the lowest for any State. In view of the heavy production of light crude in the Seminole area of Oklahoma during 1927, it would appear that the average gravity should have shown more than a 0.2 per cent gain over 1921. That this did not occur was due to the fact that in the interim between 1921 and 1927 important heavy oil discoveries were redo, notably the Smackover field of Arkansas.

Jan 1, 1929

By C. C. Shale

Current-voltage relationships for air at high temperature in negative corona are compared with relationships predicted by theory. Deviations are discussed. Eased on the latest theoretical concept of electron detachment from negative ions and recent findings in basic research on free electron gases, results of applied research show the existence of free electrons in air at high temperature and high field strength-to-pressure ratios.

Jan 1, 1967

By John C. Feeley

This paper is the result of a field study of prospect drilling in the Florida phosphate fields. The objective is to describe the drilling methods employed . . Since the general policies of the operating companies in the land - pebble area do not permit the dissemination of prospecting information and costs thereof , the writer has carefully avoided mentioning names and locations except by reference to existing publications ,

May 1, 1949

By Manuel Gomez, V. F. Parry, John B. Goodman

"INTRODUCTION The need for an accurate and precise analytical method for determining moisture in coals of high water content has been recognized by the coal industry as well as the fuel technologist. Interest in this particular phase of coal technology extends back to the early work of German investigators on the brown coals of Central Europe. Studies by these workers led to the establishment of a direct immiscible liquid-distillation method 4/ as the accepted moisture determining technique in European laboratories. Direct moisture determining methods, those methods that utilize various techniques to drive off the water from a given sample of coal and either collect the water in a calibrated receiver or selectively trap the water driven off in a suitable absorber, have found little favor in the United States. They have been treated merely as research tools.5/ The problem of moisture determination in low-rank coals of the United States has not been given much consideration because such coals contribute only about 2 percent of the total United States production. With renewed activity in low-temperature carbonization and with the growth of interest in coal and coal-tar hydrogenation, the American coals of lover rank containing 20 to 40 percent bed moisture will be subjected to extensive investigation. If the low-rank coals of the United States are to be accurately appraised, the need for qualitative and quantitative analytical proceeded becomes more pronounced. These coals, especially the lignites of Texas and North Dakota, are highly susceptible to oxidation, a process that proceeds to a greater or less extort when low-rank, high-moisture coals are treated by oven-drying methods. The extent of this atmospheric oxidation has been described and evaluated by numerous workers. 7/In many respects, the problem of moisture determination in low-rank coals, those found in the United States and the high-moisture coals of Central Europe, is similar. Conversely, the problem of moisture determination assumes a different aspect when the coals of the eastern and the middle-west sections of the United States are considered. Present methods, the loss in weight gravimetic-type procedures, serve adequately to test these low-moisture coals. The determination of moisture in coals containing 20 to 40 percent water should be approached from a direct method rather than from an indirect gravimetic-type procedure because of the oxidative tendencies of these coals and the demonstratrated inability of a loss-in-weight technique to remove all the water in a given sample of coal."

May 1, 1953

By C. V. Brennan

This paper, describing the various mining methods and practices at Britannia mines, Britannia Beach, British Columbia, is one of a series covering mining practices, methods, and costs in the mining districts of the United States and Canada. The Britannia property has been operated continuously for 30 years, and in that time many diverse methods have been used in exploiting the various types of orebodies worked. Under normal conditions mining methods include surface gloryholes, shrinkage stoping, shrinkage with powder drifts for primary breaking, horizontal cut-and-fill, horizontal and inclined square-setting, and timbered and open rills, the three latter systems being combined with close filling. The Britannia method of mining, a large-scale retreating shrinkage system usually combined with powder drifts for primary breaking, has been developed and applied here very successfully. Each block of ground as developed is studied as a separate problem, and the mining method, or combination of methods best adapted to the work in hand is applied thereto. Operating at, capacity, the series of mines produces 7,000 tons of ore per day.

Jan 1, 1935

By Edmund Newton

The Haile mine has been the outstanding gold-mining operation and the largest single producer of gold in the Appalachian region. Gold was discovered at the Haile in 1827, previous to the present operation, production has been nearly $4,500,000 (gold at $20.67 per ounce.) from somewhat over a million tons of ore, with an average extraction of about 70 percent. The Haile property, now operated by Haile Gold Mines, Inc., is in the southern part of Lancaster County, South Carolina, 3-1/2 miles northeast of the town of Kershaw and 55 miles north of Columbia, the State capital. (See fig. 1.) The corporation has a lease and purchase contract on 1,805 acres, covering the present productive area. In addition, it holds lease contracts on 1,500 acres additional adjacent to this area.

Jan 1, 1940

By Wilbert J. Huff

The work of the Explosives Division, Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1939, is described in the following pages. This paper is the fourth of a series of annual reports covering the activities of the division since July 1, 1936. The studies outlined in this and preceding reports of the series have been conducted under the direction of the author and the respective unit leaders to whom specific credit is indicated.

Jan 1, 1940